Concrete Anchoring

the Common questions about railing anchoring

We’re often asked about different methods of anchoring weldments like railings and gates. In this article we’ll tackle some of the most common questions we get, such as:

Should my railing be core drilled?

Can my railing be set into the earth like wood railing posts are?

Is it okay to put a railing on a new concrete patio?

Can a railing be installed on pavers?

Is it okay to put a railing on natural stone?

Our thoughts

The heart of these questions are really based on two things; the first is the wobbly handrail that does not inspire confidence which every one of us has been in contact with at one point or another. The second is simply that most often our railings get installed on new steps, and our driveway gates get installed on new pads.

It’s no real surprise that many consumers don’t have much trust in these anchors that appear to be ineffective when they think back to interacting with those wobbly railings out in the wild. The truth is, you interact with concrete anchors working properly all the time, and when they’re working right, you don’t notice them at all. Concrete anchors are actually all around you. They are holding column footings down in buildings, garages, decks, cell towers, water towers, bridges, power lines, etc. (You get the idea).

Not all anchors are created equal, however, and some are not as effective in certain applications. A knowledgeable contractor will select the right hardware for the job, and pick a high-quality anchor that will fulfill its role and offer a good service life. Cheaper anchors are more liable to loosen up over time, or never anchor properly to begin with. Sometimes it is a matter of improper installation as well. When properly installed, anchors will have the embedment depth they were designed for, and be properly torqued for the holding power they’re meant to provide.

More importantly, at the heart of this question is a concern for safety and personal property. As a consumer, you may have just recently invested thousands in having new concrete work done. You may have saved up for months, or been planning these changes for years. The last thing you want is to hire a contractor to install a railing and have them damage or destroy the work you’ve just had done. This is a totally understandable concern and one we want to address earnestly. Additionally, you need to know that these weldments will be safe and reliable for years to come.

special considerations

There are many variables that go into pouring and mixing concrete. Concrete that sees higher loading will likely be entirely different than a pad for a parking lot or driveway. The amount of rebar, tension, and rebar spacing can all vary to yield concrete that is stronger and more rigid under the compression rebar provides. These mixtures will cure differently and can be sensitive to the application timing, from when they are mixed to the time they are poured. There is a good deal of chemistry happening behind the scenes that’s easy to forget about, and the quality and vitality of your concrete depend on proper mixture and application.

Due to these variables, sometimes concrete fails, chips, or degrades prematurely (regardless of if anchors have been installed) due to improper mixture, set time, or rebar layout. This can be frustrating as a contractor and a consumer when chips or cracks emerge where they shouldn’t and concrete repair is needed unexpectedly.

However, there are steps we can take to help reduce our risk. Keeping anchors a few inches away from corners and edges is always helpful in avoiding cracks and chipping. Epoxy set anchors are another option that will create less stress than a traditional wedge-style bolt. They are exceptionally strong, though they are more costly and are more sensitive to temperature while they are curing. Cure time can be as long as 24 hours which also impacts the decision of whether or not to select this type of anchor. These factors can mean it may not be feasible to use this option outdoors in certain seasons. Wedge anchors are a cost-effective, excellent, all-season option and more flexible to use, making them a great option for many applications.

In closing, don’t be wary of concrete anchors; be wary of poor quality hardware. Always have a reputable contractor handle installation if you want to ensure good results and the long maintenance-free service life you are hoping for.