Precious metals
Jul 07, 2022
3 minutes
Feature Roger Hunt, author of Old House Handbook
![f0119-01](https://article-imgs.scribdassets.com/69l7tfpfnk9xawq4/images/fileEJJQIC67.jpg)
Crafted from wrought iron, cast iron, steel or a combination of these materials, gates and railings are an important decorative and practical feature of many period buildings. Railings often stand on low, stone-capped boundary walls with the metal balusters set in lead-filled holes. The lead allows for some thermal movement and protects the metal from corrosion.
Repairing railings takes skill and should be undertaken by an experienced metalworker who understands their period features. New wrought iron is no longer made but re-rolled, puddled wrought iron is available.
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