Keep Porches and Railings in Good Repair

After taking a beating from the elements, and having worn from time, porch railings have been known to become wobbly. This is a safety hazard, to say the least, but it's also very unattractive.

Railings that are loose can damage the steps to which they're attached. This can only mean a higher cost for repairs that are made, in order to ensure that the steps are safe.

If your railing is a bit loose, have a good look at it. Many times all that is required is a tightening of bolts, and the railing is as good as new.

The majority of porch railings are attached with lag bolts; these are large screws with a head that looks like a bolt. Should these become loose, all you need is an adjustable wrench to tighten them (turning them clockwise -remember: leftie = loosie and rightie = tightie).

At times, if the railings have been screwed into the brick of your home, the sheath may have broken or worn down. If this happens to your railing, you need to replace the sheath. Don't worry; this is neither expensive nor costly. You can buy them at any hardware store.

When you remove the screws and sheaths to replace them, the railing will come off, so be sure you're ready to support it and then put it somewhere. You'll need a screwdriver and about twenty minutes to accomplish this task.

Once the new sheath is in place, just screw the railing back on. Make sure to test the railing for security when you get it on again.

If you are extremely challenged in the home-repair skills department, or if you simply don't have a moment to spare, you can always hire a professional to do the job. They'll cost anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour to do the job.

This is also a good time to tidy up any porch furniture. Make sure the legs are arms of chairs are tight and sturdy, and check to see if any pillows or cushions needs a washing.