Do my railings need updating? 5 signs to look out for

Is it time for a refresh? We’ll help you decide which railing style is right for your home.

Railings are so much more than just decorative details. They add character and elegance to your home, as well as providing great safety benefits. A well-maintained railing can update the look of your house and it gives a great first impression.

How do your railings rate? Are they starting to look a little run-down? Don’t let them fall into disrepair and ruin the look of your home!

If you spot any of these signs, you may be in need of a railing refresh. Keep reading to learn what to look out for, and how to decide which railing style is the right choice for your home.

They’re looking worn or rusty

Certain materials — such as wood and some metals — can suffer at the hands of the unforgiving Florida weather. Lots of sun and lots of rain can leave your railings worn and rusty in a surprisingly short amount of time. Think about replacing tired railings with something more durable like composite, vinyl or aluminum.

They’re hard to keep clean

The high humidity of the Sunshine State can wreak havoc with some types of railings. The weather can affect the surface of lower-quality materials, resulting in a railing that never looks quite as perfect as it once did, no matter how hard you scrub. The solution? Invest in a low maintenance non-porous material like metal, vinyl or tempered glass.

They’re not as sturdy as they used to be

The safety of our loved ones is of paramount importance. Your children, pets and visitors should always feel safe and secure when at your home. Railings can give peace of mind by improving accessibility, providing handrail support and protecting against trips and falls. Should they start to wobble and feel less than sturdy, it’s time for a change. Work with experienced installers who will make sure your railings have a secure foundation and are built to last. You could also think about adding LED lighting underneath them to bring extra light — and appeal — to your walkways.

They don’t suit my style anymore

Is it time to freshen up the outside of your home? You can change the appearance of your whole house when you refresh your railings. Whether you simply treat them to a coat of paint or completely replace them, you’ll make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal when you give your railings some attention.

I want to change up your outdoor space

If you feel like making a larger change outside, don’t forget everything that railings can offer. As well as lining your porch and walkways, decorative railings can provide the perfect finishing touch under and around windows, on plain walls, and surrounding your yard. Learn more here.

If you feel your railings could do with an update, here’s our handy guide to what materials would work best for you.

How to choose the perfect railings for your home

These are the six most popular material choices for residential railings.

Wood is an inexpensive solution. Wooden railings are easy to customize and will give your home a classic, traditional look. Be aware that wood will feel the effects of Florida weather more than other materials, so regular cleaning and maintenance is important to keep them looking their best.

Composite railings are durable and offer many options. A moderately more expensive choice than wood, they require less maintenance and will generally look clean and fresh for an extended period of time. Make sure you invest in high-quality composite railings: poorly manufactured composite materials are liable to warp over time.

Vinyl is five times stronger than wood and offers an incredibly versatile and inexpensive railing solution. Vinyl railings are available in a variety of designs and colors. They’re also a good choice for the environmentally conscious: vinyl is non-toxic and can be recycled.

Glass is considered one of the most modern railing materials. Tempered glass will provide security and protection without obstructing your view. It is the most expensive material to work with, but requires little upkeep and will give a sophisticated feel to your home.

Aluminum is lightweight and strong, meaning that your railings won’t corrode easily.

Choosing aluminum will give your home a clean and modern look. One thing to consider is that aluminum cannot easily be formed into curves, meaning that straight lines are the predominant style.

Wrought iron is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an ornamental railing. It can be designed in unique shapes and forms to suit your specific style. Wrought iron railings are priced anywhere between the mid to high range because they provide outstanding durability in the Florida weather. Make sure you work with an experienced home improvement company that installs properly coated railings: uncoated wrought iron will rust quickly.

If it’s time to update your home’s railings, the experts at Moreno & Moreno are here. Our trusted, experienced team has been installing quality, durable railing systems for over 18 years. You can learn more and see the other services we offer here. Contact us to book your free estimate today.

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