Steel balustrades and barriers – rust

Cause

Exposure to air-borne salt, dust or dirt 

Repair

  • if the balustrade is basically sound and the rust is minor and just found on the surface, clean it thoroughly and sand to remove the corrosion. Prime the clean, dry surface with a zinc-rich primer, and paint with at least two coats of good quality paint made for exterior use on metal surfaces
  • if corrosion is severe, remove and replace the balustrade. Options for metal balustrades include hot dip galvanised steel finish/galvanised and epoxy painted finish, stainless steel (grade 316 in corrosive environments) or aluminium (which can be powdercoated or anodised)
  • installation of a new balustrade/barrier where it is possible to fall 1.0 metre or more from a deck, balcony or steps must be in accordance with the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code clause F4 Safety from falling. There are drawings of barriers in Acceptable Solution F1/AS1. Balustrades/barriers should not have gaps more than 100 mm wide, and should not be climbable by small children
  • a DIY balustrade/barrier replacement should only be contemplated by someone with the knowledge, experience, skills and tools to do the job competently

 

Cause

Deterioration of a protective coating (galvanising, paint)

Repair

  • see the first repair above for more details

 

Cause

Inadequate cleaning or maintenance

Repair

  • see the first repair above for more details. Check the condition of the balustrade or barrier on a regular basis – annually, six-monthly or quarterly depending on the location (beachfront locations require more frequent checks). Wash down with warm soapy water and reapply any coating when required