When Should You Replace Your Deck Railing System?
Deck Railings, Deck Safety | September 9, 2022
Knowing when you should replace your deck railing system is crucial for keeping your deck safe and minimizing the risk of accidents. As a leading provider of quality aluminum and glass railing products, the team at Vista Railing Systems knows how important deck safety is for every home. That is why we have compiled some information to help you recognize the signs of a damaged deck railing system, ensuring that it is replaced before it causes a significant injury or damage to your property.
Learn why your deck needs a railing system.
3 Signs that it is Time to Replace Your Deck Railing System
The following signs are clear indicators that it is time to replace your deck railing system:
1. Wobbly or Loose Railings
Whether you have an aluminum, glass, or cable railing system, the posts should be firmly connected to the underlying deck structure with no room for movement. If the posts or top rails are starting to move when pressure is applied to them, this can be a sign that the connection has loosened or the wood they are attached to has become damaged over time. If tightening the connections or replacing them does not fix the problem, you will likely need to remove your deck railing system, inspect your deck and deck structure, and make repairs as needed. If your deck and structure shows no signs of damage, your railing system may have been installed incorrectly and will need to be properly reinstalled.
2. Warped or Rotten Wood
Warped or rotten wood at the base of your deck posts is never a good sign. If the wood appears to be swollen, splintered, or discoloured at the bottom of your posts, this is typically an indication of water or insect damage. These types of damage can also lead to mould, causing further damage to the wood and your railing system’s connections over time. If your railing system has suffered heavy damage from rotten or mouldy wood, you will likely need to replace your deck boards and railing system at the same time.
3. Damaged or Loose Connections
The fasteners that hold your railing system together and attach it to your deck are one of the most important components of the entire system. If these fasteners start to loosen or become damaged, it can cause your railing system to become wobbly or fall apart if left unrepaired. Should you notice any signs of damage to your fasteners, be sure to replace them as soon as possible. Prompt replacement of damaged fasteners may prevent you from needing to replace the entire railing system, making it well worth the time and effort.
To learn more about railing maintenance or for assistance choosing the perfect product for your needs, get in touch with the experts at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached by call or text at 1-800-667-8247 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our products.
Knowing when you should replace your deck railing system is crucial for keeping your deck safe and minimizing the risk of accidents. As a leading provider of quality aluminum and glass railing products, the team at Vista Railing Systems knows how important deck safety is for every home. That is why we have compiled some information to help you recognize the signs of a damaged deck railing system, ensuring that it is replaced before it causes a significant injury or damage to your property.
Learn why your deck needs a railing system.
3 Signs that it is Time to Replace Your Deck Railing System
The following signs are clear indicators that it is time to replace your deck railing system:
1. Wobbly or Loose Railings
Whether you have an aluminum, glass, or cable railing system, the posts should be firmly connected to the underlying deck structure with no room for movement. If the posts or top rails are starting to move when pressure is applied to them, this can be a sign that the connection has loosened or the wood they are attached to has become damaged over time. If tightening the connections or replacing them does not fix the problem, you will likely need to remove your deck railing system, inspect your deck and deck structure, and make repairs as needed. If your deck and structure shows no signs of damage, your railing system may have been installed incorrectly and will need to be properly reinstalled.
2. Warped or Rotten Wood
Warped or rotten wood at the base of your deck posts is never a good sign. If the wood appears to be swollen, splintered, or discoloured at the bottom of your posts, this is typically an indication of water or insect damage. These types of damage can also lead to mould, causing further damage to the wood and your railing system’s connections over time. If your railing system has suffered heavy damage from rotten or mouldy wood, you will likely need to replace your deck boards and railing system at the same time.
3. Damaged or Loose Connections
The fasteners that hold your railing system together and attach it to your deck are one of the most important components of the entire system. If these fasteners start to loosen or become damaged, it can cause your railing system to become wobbly or fall apart if left unrepaired. Should you notice any signs of damage to your fasteners, be sure to replace them as soon as possible. Prompt replacement of damaged fasteners may prevent you from needing to replace the entire railing system, making it well worth the time and effort.
To learn more about railing maintenance or for assistance choosing the perfect product for your needs, get in touch with the experts at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached by call or text at 1-800-667-8247 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our products.
