Choosing the right railings for winter

It’s no secret that winter is messy! Ice, snow, and salt wreak havoc on your deck and railing system all season long. De-icing salt can cause corrosion and rust in metal railings, water can seep into wooden railings and freeze then expand to cause major damage throughout the winter. With all of this chance for major damage, it’s important to choose the right railing materials when you first build your deck.

Glass railing is perhaps the best option since almost nothing negatively reacts with it! Unlike metal and wood, glass won’t rot, rust, or slowly wear away, and it will block most wind, snow, and rain from coming onto your stairs. The InvisiRail Glass Railing system is also made with tempered glass, and therefore stronger than regular glass.

Aluminum railings and components are a great option because they won’t rust or corrode and they’ll provide strong support year after year. Aluminum deck railings can be made even more durable with the addition of a powder coating that will help them to better withstand exposure to corrosive salt in the winter.

Vertical cable stair railings are another good option for decks that are exposed to winter. Since they’re made of stainless steel, cable railings will last a very long time because they won’t react with salt and aren’t likely to rust. One drawback to cable stair railings is that they won’t block wind or snow from passing through— which may be an important consideration to make if you live in a four-season climate.

Doing research and choosing the right exterior railings for your deck can help reduce yearly deck maintenance and help ensure that your railings are able to survive the harshest of winters.