Jim,
Two options for your consideration:
1 - If the railings are solid and your wife only doesn't like them based
on the deteriorated finish, contact a local painting or iron works
company. You may find that their estimate to come out and sandblast,
prime, and paint is cheaper than new railing parts and your time. I
have a mixture of railings as well and the only problem with the c1957
iron rail is rusting at the ground level where the previous owner didn't
do maintenance. Another advantage of this is that you don't have to
bring the railing in compliance with current building codes. Since it
is a rental property, you also will not have a period of time with no
railing since it can stay in place.
2. Look at an aluminum system to match the rest of the aluminum that
you already have. I pulled a permit for a balcony repair (that turned
into a replacement) and was required to replace the railing to bring it
in compliance with current codes. I used a cable rail system from
http://www.fsihp.com/products/aluminum-railing on my balcony. Their
prices were very good and the product is decent. I did have trouble
getting enough tension on the cables in my application, so would
consider other vendors if you go the cable route if you have long
lengths and corners. My project was a 45' long by 5' cantilevered
balcony for 55' of total railing. I used fascia mounted posts because
the balcony is a waterproof concrete and I didn't want any penetrations
in the surface. They also have surface mount posts. I think their
picket stile railing would be an easy application and may use them again
when I get to other railing where obstructing the view is not an issue.
Brian
On 4/14/2013 6:27 AM, Jim Stone wrote:
> My rental property currently has wrought iron railings along the steps leading
> to the front door and around the concrete deck that is in front of the door.
> The railings are solid, but pretty old and in need of a serious cleanup and
> coat of paint at best. It is also from two different eras, as I believe the
> railing at the top is original to the house (c1950) or close, while the steps
> is aluminum. The posts are all iron and very well anchored in the concrete.
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