

As the weather gets colder and the precipitation turns icier, it’s a good time to point out that railings are more than just decorative. Of course, railings can and should look beautiful against your home, increasing your home’s curb appeal and making you love your home’s exterior. But railings are even more about function than they are about form. In fact, you are legally required to have a railing on steps and surfaces above a certain height. No matter what kind of railing you have, it will prove valuable for safety, especially during inclement weather like the kind we get in the coldest months of the year. Here are just a few reasons why railings in the winter are especially important.
1. Stairs May Become Slippery
Whenever there is wet weather, the steps leading up to your home or back deck can become slippery, but especially in the winter. Snow, ice, or the wintry mix we sometimes get can make those stairs treacherous, especially for young children and the elderly who may already be unstead on their feet. Railings provide a crucial handhold when the stairs are slippery and difficult to climb safely.
2. Keep Items Secure on a Windy Day
The wind can really pick up during the winter months, and if you have loose items on your deck, they can easily blow away if there isn’t a railing keeping them in place.These items include deck chairs, toys, umbrellas, potted plants, blankets, and anything you may have lying around. Aside from possibly losing your items entirely, objects flying on the wind can become a hazard for anyone walking by. Railings provide an important safety measure by keeping your items from blowing off your deck. In fact, you can even tie some of your outdoor furniture and decor to your railings if the wind will be especially strong.
3. Prevent a Liability
If someone gets hurt on your front steps because you don’t have a railing in place, you can be held legally responsible for their injury. That means you may find yourself paying a certain amount of money to help cover their medical bills, lost wages, and any other legal damages they have suffered. You definitely want to avoid being sued for an injury. Railings are an important safety feature to have where you have steps or an elevated surfact, such as a deck or balcony.
Install Railings this Winter with Family Fence
At Family Fence, we carry railings in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to suit your particular taste and needs. No matter what style home or commercial building you have, we have railing options that will work perfectly. Stay safe this winter and make sure you have railings in all the places you need them.