Handrail Maintenance 101

As you dive into spring cleaning, you’re probably taking a look at your home’s exterior. Touch-up the house paint? Check. Clean out the gutters? Check. But what about the railings around your home? Routine handrail maintenance is an important part of maintaining your home’s exterior, both for curb appeal and safety. With a few easy maintenance strategies, your aluminum handrails will look great and function properly for decades. Ready to get schooled on handrail maintenance 101?

Handrail Maintenance 101

Inspecting Your Handrail

If you’ve equipped your home with aluminum handrails, you know that these exterior assets are extremely durable. However, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your railing once or twice a year. After all, your outdoor railings are exposed to extreme weather conditions, as well as debris from insects, birds, and dust. Start by visually inspecting your handrail twice a year for best results. During the inspection, keep an eye out for signs of wear or erosion, as well as debris that you’ll need to clean off. You should also take a look at your railing’s hinges and fasteners, which can be prone to rust if you aren’t careful. Rust on some exterior fixtures might not be a functional issue, but a small amount of rust on a handrail can lead to serious damage down the line.

Cleaning Your Handrail

While aluminum railings are extremely durable, debris from the elements can eventually wear away at their luster. A general rule of thumb is to hose your handrail off once a month or so to clean off any lingering dust, mud, or dirt. However, you should also give your railing a closer look during your semi-annual inspection. If you find tough spots that can’t be hosed off, you’ll want to give your handrail a deeper clean. Deep cleanings are usually beneficial at the end of the more extreme seasons, like a snowy winter or a stormy summer. A sponge, mild soap, and some water are typically all you need to deep-clean your handrail. Make sure to avoid scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch your aluminum railing and remove the protective powder coating.

Understanding Handrail Warranties

When you buy a handrail from Aluminum Handrail Direct, your handrail is automatically protected by a limited lifetime warranty. That means that the handrail manufacturer will replace broken or defective parts throughout the life of the product. However, failure to maintain or clean your handrail will lessen the chances that you can take advantage of this warranty. Regular handrail inspection, maintenance, and cleaning will ensure that your handrail stays functional – and warranty-eligible – for years to come. Of course, if your handrail starts to exhibit unusual signs of wear and tear, your warranty should support the purchase of a new product.

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Aluminum handrails are some of the most durable exterior products money can buy. They won’t crack, peel, blister, or be subject to abnormal weathering – however, a little annual maintenance is always a good idea. Take the principles of handrail maintenance 101, and do your part to extend the life of your aluminum handrail.

Now that you’ve explored handrail maintenance 101, are you looking for an expert who can walk you through purchasing and caring for an exterior aluminum railing? At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we are committed to providing high-quality aluminum handrails that are durable, maintenance free, affordable, and attractive. If you have questions about powder-coated handrails or if you are searching for a handrail system that fits your needs, call us at 417-409-3179 or visit Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today. We offer handrails, wall mounts, mounting screws and anchors, touch-up spray paint, and much more. We look forward to hearing from you!