A New Railing Installation – Planning a New Railing Installation Takes More Than Expected Planning a New Railing Installation Takes More Than Expected.
Measuring the Run Accurately
Measuring the Run for Your Wrought Iron Railing Panel widths are calculated by subtracting the widths of all the posts from the overall length of the Run. End Returns, which are short straight sections used to complete corners and to complete the end of a straight Run, against a wall, must also be included in the calculations.
Choosing Your Fixing Method
Ground conditions decide upon the type of fixing used for wrought iron railing posts. Posts are concreted into the ground at least 600mm deep in soft or made-up ground, whereas in hard standing bolt-down base plates are used which allow for future removal of posts. Wall fixings are provided using rawl bolts rated for masonry load. Please check the relevant standards for metalwork and for structural fixings.
Handling a Slope
There are two methods of using railings on sloping ground, raked panels and stepped panels. Most styles of Wrought Iron Railings are suited to the use of stepped panels as these are easier to fit and provide a traditional finish. If you are looking for Wrought Iron Railings, see https://donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/wrought-iron-railings/.
Setting Out and Levelling
Mark the positions of the post on the ground using a line of chalk before you fix them in place. Level each post individually using a spirit level, and run a string line along the top of the post to check the height of the railing.
What Happens on Fitting Day
By lunchtime or early afternoon, the work on the ground, setting out and concreting up the posts should be almost complete. The concrete will take 24 to 48 hours to set and for the time being the posts will be bearing no load whilst the top railings are put in place.
Finishing After Installation
Protect cut ends and any other exposed metal areas with a coat of metal primer followed by a coat or coats of exterior quality paint.
With proper installation a well-fitted railing is easily looked after and tends to need occasional inspection and touching up of worn surfaces.
