Picture a home in your neighborhood with lots of curb appeal; complete with a carefully maintained front yard, an inviting porch (probably covered in pumpkins this time of the year) and a statement-making front door. If you take a closer look, it's often the finishing elements, like the choice of porch railing, that truly makes the home stand out from the others on the street.   

When considering the type of railing that can help enhance the curb appeal of your own home, consider a metal porch railing. Incredibly versatile, metal railings can lend their clean lines and geometric shapes to give a more contemporary, minimalist look. That said, they can just as easily impart a sought-after rustic aesthetic, which can fit in well with a farmhouse-inspired home.

Here's the thing. Regardless of the aesthetic you're going after, when a metal porch railing is made from a wood-alternative material like steel or aluminum, you're going to own a porch railing that looks great over its entire service life. This is because metal railings are resistant to the damaging effects of weathering. The best part? Their inherent durability directly translates to their low maintenance appeal. Still, like anything else on the outside of your home, metal porch railings require some light TLC to keep them looking and performing their best year after year.

Regular, gentle cleaning goes a long way

One of the reasons porch railing maintenance often falls by the wayside is because it can be labor-intensive and time-consuming when traditional railing materials are used. But the durable nature of metal porch railing keeps things simple. All that is required is some regular, gentle cleaning to prevent dirt and common air pollutants (like pollen) from building up. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently remove any loose dirt. Then, wash the metal railing with some soapy water-mild dish soap works fine. Remember to avoid using abrasive scrubbers or heavy-duty power washing equipment, as they can scratch the surface of the metal. Thoroughly rinse the metal railing with clean water to remove any residue and dry with a soft towel.  

Inspect and tighten components of a metal porch railing

Even though today's metal porch railings are stronger and more durable than the railing you probably had on your porch growing up, it's still a good idea to carefully inspect the system to ensure that it is secure. Here are a few easy ways to do that:

• Do a quick visual inspection of the entire railing system to look for any loose, missing or damaged screws, bolts or brackets.
• Pay close attention to the where the railing attaches to the porch floor or wall (also known as anchor points), looking for rust, looseness or signs of wear.
• Do a stability check by gently shaking or pushing on the railing to see if it wobbles or moves. If it does, it could be loose at the joints or anchor points. Keep in mind that a well-secured metal porch railing should never budge.

Again, with a metal porch railing you can count on enhanced durability and lasting performance—but a regular inspection of your railing can offer peace of mind that your family and friends are safe when they use the outdoor space. Would you rather have a professional come out and inspect your porch railing? Never a bad idea! Use the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) as a resource and track down a contractor or inspector near you.

Thinking of upgrading your porch railing? Discover smarter steel and aluminum railing systems with endless options for customization from Fortress Building Products.