How To Restore an Old Fire Escape Without Replacing It
Fire escapes are vital for the safety of residential and commercial buildings, especially in emergencies. Over time, these structures can rust, weaken, and become unsafe. When possible, restoring an old fire escape is a more cost-effective and practical solution than replacing it. With this guide, you can bring an aging fire escape back to full strength while meeting building safety standards.
Why Restoration May Be More Practical Than Replacement
Replacing a fire escape involves significant expenses, including the cost of new materials, demolition, and installation. This can be a lengthy process, potentially disrupting building access and safety compliance.
On the other hand, restoration—when possible—focuses on repairing and reinforcing the existing structure, which typically requires fewer materials and less labor. This allows you to bring the fire escape back up to code with less inconvenience to tenants or occupants. The savings are substantial, especially for large or complex fire escapes.
Consider how fire escapes contribute to a building’s historical charm and architectural integrity. Replacing them with modern designs can diminish this aesthetic value. Restoration allows you to maintain the original look while ensuring safety and utility. It also preserves the character of your property without the high costs of custom replacements.
Enlist Expert Services
Fire escape repairs involve complex assessments and detailed work that go far beyond a simple DIY project. For this reason, employing professionals in fire escape restoration and repair is necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.
Experts in fire escape restoration, like the team of licensed welders at Maximum Fire Escapes, possess the technical knowledge to address issues such as rust, structural damage, and loose components. Maximum Fire Escapes understands local building codes and compliance requirements, which can help you avoid legal ramifications and fines.
Furthermore, Maximum Fire Escapes has access to the specialized tools and proper materials needed to repair fire escapes. The result will be a restored fire escape that building occupants can use in emergencies.
Assess the Current Condition of the Fire Escape
Before any restoration work begins, your fire escape will undergo evaluation. The assessment will serve the following purpose:
Identifying Corrosion
Rust and corrosion are some of the most common problems with old fire escapes. Professionals will check for peeling paint, flaking metal, and rust spots. Joints or connections, bolts, and the undersides of stairs and platforms are particularly vulnerable. Surface rust may only need minor repairs, but deep corrosion could indicate structural weakening that demands more extensive attention.
Examining Structural Integrity
This task starts with the framework. Experts will look for bends, breaks, or weakened sections in the metal. Welds and bolts warrant close attention, as loose or cracked connectors could compromise the stability of the fire escape.
Identifying Loose or Weak Connections
Professionals will look and test for movement in the platform, railings, and steps as well as pitching and other issues—among other things. Certain movement and instability in a fire escape could pose serious risks.
Light Scraping of Rust and Spot-Priming the Fire Escape
When a fire escape doesn’t need to be replaced, part of the restoration process generally includes a light scraping of the metal. Depending on the age of the fire escape, a light scraping will not make the metal completely smooth; rather, this scraping is done to properly prepare the metal for repairs and paint. Likewise, in areas where the metal is fully exposed, professionals will spot-prime those areas prior to painting; primers create a protective layer and improve the adhesion of the paint to exposed metal.
Reinforce the Structural Foundations
Promptly addressing structural issues such as loose or weakened sections is critical for improving a fire escape’s safety and durability.
Welding Missing Bolts or Screws
At this stage, a professional would structurally reinforce defective bolts and screws with welding. Completing this task requires corrosion-resistant options that are suitable for outdoor structures.
Strengthen Damaged or Worn Welds
Cracked or worn welds also need professional attention. Hire a certified welder to repair compromised areas. Welding refreshes the connection between components and restores structural stability.
Refinish the Fire Escape With Rust-Resistant Materials
Refinishing is a crucial step in restoring a fire escape, as it protects the structure from environmental elements that cause rust and corrosion. As stated above, the fire escape will be lightly scraped, followed by spot-priming areas where the metal is exposed.
Use Durable Paint for Metal
Certified welders with expert knowledge of fire escape structural needs are sure to use weather-resistant paint formulated specifically for outdoor metal structures.
Optimize Safety Components
Restoring an old fire escape without replacing it entirely involves, at times, upgrading safety components to meet current safety regulations.
Replace Damaged Railings or Steps
Inspect railings and steps for integrity and work with restoration professionals to replace damaged ones. These replacement parts are generally welded, as railings should be sturdy enough to withstand significant pressure.
Maintain the Restored Fire Escape
Restoring an old fire escape requires continuous care for it to remain safe and functional. Create a maintenance schedule to make sure it stays in good shape.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Just as you need fire escapes professionally examined before the restoration work begins, you’ll need to schedule subsequent inspections. Rely on professionals to follow up with fire escape inspections every six months to look for and tackle wear, rust, or instability. Call on verified welders at Maximum Fire Escapes to identify and address issues, such as peeling paint, rusted areas, loose bolts, etc., before they worsen.
Clean Debris and Leaves
Fire escapes collect leaves, branches, and dirt, particularly in rural and wooded areas. It’s important to regularly remove this debris to prevent rust and structural weakening.
Reapply Protective Coatings
Consider applying a fresh layer of paint every two to three years to maintain the surface of the fire escape. This helps keep rust at bay and extends the lifespan of your restored fire escape.
Bringing Your Fire Escape Back to Life
Restoring an old fire escape is a practical way to bring it back to life without the expense and challenges of replacing it. Leaving repairing, refinishing, and other maintenance tasks to professionals guarantees the safety of the structure.