Railing News

Picket Railing Maintenance Tips

Aluminum Railings | March 28, 2024
picket railing maintenance tips

Picket railings are not only a functional addition to your home’s exterior but also a stylish one. They provide safety, add charm, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your property; however, like any other part of your home, picket railings require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to serve their purpose effectively. As a leading provider of quality railing products, the team from Vista Railings understands the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of picket railings. That is why we have put together some simple picket railing maintenance tips.

Learn the differences between picket railings and glass railings.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Picket Railings Looking Great

1. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is vital to prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and grime on picket railings. Over time, these particles can accumulate, detracting from the appearance of the railings while also leading to corrosion and deterioration. By using a mild detergent or soap solution along with a soft brush or sponge, you can gently scrub the surface of the railings and effectively remove any dirt or grime. It is important to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards to ensure that no residue is left behind, which could potentially attract more dirt and debris.

2. Inspection for Damage

Periodically inspecting picket railings for any signs of damage is essential for maintaining their structural integrity and appearance. Common issues to look out for include rust, chipped paint, or loose pickets. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent them from worsening and potentially compromising the safety and stability of the railings. For instance, rust can weaken the metal components of the railings, while loose pickets can pose a safety hazard. By conducting regular inspections, homeowners can identify and rectify any issues before they escalate.

3. Lubrication of Moving Parts

For picket railings with moving parts, such as hinges or latches, proper lubrication is essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear and tear. Over time, friction between metal components can lead to corrosion and degradation if not properly lubricated. Using a silicone-based lubricant or light machine oil, homeowners can effectively lubricate hinges and other moving parts to reduce friction and prolong their lifespan. This not only ensures that the railings function smoothly but also helps prevent damage that could compromise their structural integrity.

4. Winter Maintenance

Winter weather can pose particular challenges for picket railings, as exposure to snow, ice, and salt can accelerate corrosion and deterioration. To protect railings during the winter months, it is important to regularly clear snow and ice from the railings to prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to damage from freeze-thaw cycles. By taking these steps, homeowners can help preserve the condition of their picket railings and ensure that they remain safe and attractive throughout winter.

If you have any inquiries or uncertainties regarding the suitability of picket railings for your deck, feel free to reach out to us via phone or text at 1-800-667-8247.


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We are Washago Timber Mart and we've been a stocking dealer for nearly 15 years. Vista Railings are the absolute #1 best choice when it comes to Aluminum & Glass Railing Systems.

Chris Denne
Washago Timber Mart

James is wonderful! He continuously supports us and our Customers by ensuring that we receive our stock promptly and efficiently. He helps in rectifying issues that arise and at times he is known to personally drop off product either to our store or job sites to make sure we over deliver to our Customers! We appreciate you James and your team for all of your support!!

Rona Filsinger

The BEST railing in Canada… Customer Service is amazing. Thanks Team Vista the look of Vista railing is a beautiful sleek design it compliments any home and definitely increases the value of your home.

Brad Vermolen
Castle Niagara Building Centre

Top notch, sturdy and easy to install railing. Always a great experience dealing with James, Dwayne and Jim. From product knowledge, to solving any issues, they are always eager to help and on stand-by… Great working with them.

Mr Duncan

Vista has been a dream to work with, the program makes life so much easier and efficient to do quotes. Dwayne, Jim and the rest of the team I have dealt with are always willing to answer questions and go the extra mile to help fix any issues or getting pieces and parts to us promptly.

Matt Walker

We love working with the Vista Team! HF Smith Lumber in Cookstown, Ontario has been a proud stocking dealer since day one, carrying their four top colours. Vista’s quoting program is super easy to use and saves us a ton of time. The sales team is fantastic – always friendly, quick to help, and great to work with! We also love seeing the new products they continue to add. It’s exciting to expand our offerings and keep things fresh for our customers! Keep up the great work

Kim Ytsma
HF Smith Lumber

I purchase many different types of items in the building industry and have been at all levels from putting away lumber, customer service management and purchasing at wholesale level. The Vista railing company by far has been the best company to deal with in my entire 41 years in the industry. It’s just unbelievable the support and quality they produce from all levels — from manufacturing, pulling the product, design team and of course the sales support. Railing is a very difficult item for some yards to sell due to the complexity, but Vista makes it real easy with the least complicated quoting system, the Vista planner.
Thank you Team Vista for all you do for me and the industry!!

Randy Muentener