Youngstown, OH · Member since 2014 · 45 posts · 4 votes
I would really like to update my SFR and put in a new railing around the porch since the current enclosure is rusting out but the fencing is cemented into the porch. can I remove the railings without damaging the porch or do I need to replaced the entire porch to cement new railings?
I'm assuming your existing railing is a metal one since it's rusting out. If that's the case, it would be near impossible to remove the metal posts inside the concrete without damaging the porch. You can cut them off then and have a surface mount railing system fabricated. By surface mount I mean your railing posts would have a flat metal plate that would sit on the top of the concrete and be secured with anchors into the concrete. A wood railing it also an option with similar type attachment to the concrete porch using Simpson brand post base anchors. Not the most aesthetically pleasing but an option and more DIY friendly than metal railings.
I'm assuming your existing railing is a metal one since it's rusting out. If that's the case, it would be near impossible to remove the metal posts inside the concrete without damaging the porch. You can cut them off then and have a surface mount railing system fabricated. By surface mount I mean your railing posts would have a flat metal plate that would sit on the top of the concrete and be secured with anchors into the concrete. A wood railing it also an option with similar type attachment to the concrete porch using Simpson brand post base anchors. Not the most aesthetically pleasing but an option and more DIY friendly than metal railings.
As Aaron said surface mount railing system is your best option, they do how ever make surface mounted systems with a cover that slides on top on the bolts to keep them hidden. Hope this helps!
The old rail can be removed. First cut the posts close to flush on the deck. If you want to remove the piece from the cement, make sure the inside of the post is fairly clean and not filled w/ rust and dirt, then with a chisel, (or power chipping hammer) "GENTLY" fold the old post into the hole in the middle, it should loosen up and be able to be pulled out. You can then insert new posts into the old holes. If you can't get the piece out, you can simple fold the top into the hole and patch over it. if you want to re-install the rail into the deck, you may have to have new holes core drilled into the concrete. It's not fun, but it can be done.
If you can't get it by yourself, a good metal fabricator should certainly be able to do it for you.
Mounting new metal posts, and rails are not really very hard. Most important is surface prep and using the proper fasteners to secure new posts. Most of the suppliers are great at helping find the best solutions for the proper fasteners to secure to cement. Sounds like Micheal has some great knowledge on this and willing to help.