Removing & Replacing Metal Porch Railings In Concrete Steps
Metal railings for staircases and landings made of concrete that are outdated or damaged are one example of exterior improvements. A specialist should be tasked with welding adapter sleeves and a new post and railing assembly for metal railings that are put in concrete cores. However, a handyman with some basic mechanical skills and a few tools may replace bolt-down railing assembly without paying a professional.
Part 1: Removing The Railing
- Loosen & Remove The Existing Anchor Bolts
Using a socket and ratchet, loosen as well as remove the existing anchor bolts that secure the base of the posts to the concrete stairwell and landing. Remove the lag bolts holding the railing's end to the building or a porch post. - Lift The Railing Assembly & Lay It Down Flat On The Ground
Lay the railing assembly flat on the ground after lifting it off. Draw down the dimensions of the railing assembly, including the distance between each post, the height of each post, the sizes of the post bases, and the overall length of the handrail. - Build The New Railing In The Desired Design
Bring the drawing to a shop that specializes in decorative ironwork, and they will build the new railing in the desired design for metal posts and railings. Ask the business to paint the railings your preferred color and drill 1/2-inch holes for anchors in the post bases. Count the total number of holes in the post bases to determine how many 3/8-inch by 3-inch wedge anchors are needed.
Part 2: Replace & Install The New Railing
- Place The New Railing Assembly
Place the new railing assembly in the same location as the previous one. Place the upper end of the railing at a porch post or the front of the home. Place each post base's outer corners one inch from the edge of the concrete landing or stairs. Set the railing assembly aside and mark the concrete where the holes in the post bases were. - Set Up The Rotary Hammer
With a 3/8-inch concrete drill bit, set up the rotary hammer. To drill 3-inch-deep holes for the anchor sleeves, measure 3 inches from the bit's tip and mark the location with several wraps of electrical tape. At each indicated place, drill the holes for the sleeves and then use a shop vacuum to clear them out. - Install 3/8" By 3" Wedge-anchor Sleeves
Place a tube of concrete epoxy in a caulking gun. Install 3/8" by 3" wedge-anchor sleeves after dispensing a tiny amount of epoxy into each drilled hole. - Align The Holes In The Post Bases
Align the holes in the post bases with the help of installed anchor sleeves before setting the railing in place on the concrete. Place the anchor bolts into the anchor sleeves and each hole. Using the ratchet and socket, loosen each bolt a little bit. - Fasten The Upper End Of The Railing To The House Or Porch Post
Using the appropriate socket on the ratchet, fasten the upper end of the railing to the house or porch post using a 1/4" by 2" lag bolt at each drilled hole. Securely tighten the anchor bolts. To install the railing on the opposite side of the staircase and landing, repeat the installation procedure.