How Handrails Help Promote Mobility For The Elderly

Stairs provide a unique challenge for the elderly. They’re an everyday mountain to climb and can be difficult to summit over and over again. They can also be surprisingly dangerous. Falls are the leading cause of death in people 65 or older, and 60 percent of those falls involve steps or stairs. It’s been found that over 100,000 elderly require medical attention each year due to a stair related injury. 

While moving to a facility or home without stairs is the best way to lessen the chance of a stair related injury, it isn’t always feasible. Not only is it expensive to move, but many elderly family members also don’t want to move. According to AARP, 90 percent of people age 65 and older want to stay in their current home. So the question becomes, how do we make sure our elderly family members are safe without inconveniencing them or going against their wishes?

One easy way is to install a handrail.  A good handrail isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s also a great, non-intrusive way to improve an elderly loved one’s quality of life while lessening the chance of a fall. 

Stairs often act as a barrier that keeps elderly family members from participating in many activities. Whether it’s going outside to fetch the paper, or going to a family event, stairs can really limit mobility. This is most evident when looking at a loved one’s front door. Even just a few stairs leading up to an elderly family member’s home entrance way can leave them feeling trapped, barring them from doing things they love. Installing a handrail is an excellent way to help make stairs a little easier, and to promote mobility in elderly loved ones.

There are many handrails on the market, so it’s important to be conscious of inferior quality products. Whether it’s in the construction or the installation, not all handrails are created equal. Fortunately, Fortin Ironworks’ DIY Handrails is a name you can trust. We understand how invaluable top quality handrails can truly be to you and your family. Our beautiful wrought iron handrails provide stability, reliability, and security to your home. Our wide variety styled handrails fit many different steps, and meets or exceeds all local handrail codes. They come ready to install with minimal assembly, and their strong welded construction is designed not to weaken over time. Our handrails provide safe mobility you can trust, compatible with outdoor, indoor, concrete, natural stone steps and more.

Warranty

DIY Handrails Limited Warranty

Coverage & Duration
DIY Handrails (“Fortin Ironworks”) provides a limited warranty to the original purchaser (“Customer”) that its handrails are free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase.

What This Warranty Covers
This warranty covers:

  • Structural integrity of the handrail system.
  • Resistance to corrosion under normal environmental conditions.
  • Proper function when installed according to Manufacturer’s instructions.

What This Warranty Does Not Cover
This warranty does not cover:

  • Damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
  • Modifications or alterations made to the handrail after purchase.
  • Damage caused by natural disasters, accidents, or external forces beyond Manufacturer’s control.
  • Normal wear and tear, including aesthetic changes such as fading or scratches.
  • Labor costs associated with installation, removal, or replacement of the product.

Claim Process
If a defect arises within the warranty period, the Customer must:

  1. Contact DIY Handrails.
  2. Provide proof of purchase and a description of the issue.
  3. Allow Manufacturer to inspect or request photos of the product.

If a valid claim is determined, Manufacturer will, at its discretion, either repair, replace, or refund the defective product.

Limitations & Exclusions
This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser. Manufacturer’s liability is limited to the repair, replacement, or refund of the defective product. Under no circumstances shall Manufacturer be liable for incidental, consequential, or indirect damages.

State Law Rights
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

For warranty service or further inquiries, please contact us at the information below.

DIY Handrails
Fortin Ironworks
944 West Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 291-4342
fortin@fortinironworks.com
DIYHandrail.com

Slate Steps

Handrail Installation Into Slate Stairs

Slate is a beautiful natural product frequently used as a stair veneer.  Slate is also prone to cracking unless the proper precautions are taken.  When using a masonry screw fastener like the ones shown in our fastener section, you certainly want to get through the slate and into the masonry substrate below.  If you are using a standard hammer drill, there is little risk of cracking it providing it is in good condition, properly attached to the substrate and so long as you stay away from the edges (3″ or more).  If you believe it is at risk of cracking, you can turn off the hammer action until through the slate then engage the hammer action once into the substrate.  I do not suggest using a roto hammer (ie Hilti) as that much hammer action puts the slate at risk.  It is a good idea to enlarge the hole that is through the slate so the fastener threads do not engage the slate.  Do that carefully so you do not enlarge the hole within the substrate.  Try not to put too much lateral force on the slate while doing so.  It is not recommended to use expanding fasteners like wedge anchors or sleeve anchors with any veneered masonry.