How is Corrosion Responsible for Fire Escape Damage and Ways to Prevent It

Fire escape maintenance NYC is one of the most neglected fields for every multi-storey property owner. Though rarely used, fire escapes are integral to a building’s fire safety code. It is the only egress route during emergencies like fire, earthquakes and others. However, being located in the building’s exterior and the limited usage has made these wrought iron structures inaccessible and non-functional in most cases.

Commonly made of wrought iron or steel, the fire escapes in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill are vulnerable to weather and moisture damage, primarily corrosion. Yes! Corrosion or rusting is one of the principal factors responsible for fire escape damage. Hence, fire escape maintenance solutions NYC are imperative to prevent corrosion and keep your fire escape safe and operational.

In this blog, we will learn about corrosion and its impact on fire escapes. We will also focus on the various methods used to prevent corrosion.

Corrosion: The Prevalent Culprit Behind Fire Escape Damage

The reddish-brown flaky substance is not uncommon on metal objects, including fire escapes. It is called rust, which is a result of corrosion.

So, how does metal corrosion occur? 

Metal corrosion in the form of rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of moisture. The process is known as oxidation, and the rust formed is iron oxide. Rust or iron oxide eats away metal surfaces, leaving behind reddish-brown flakes. It can occur on any metal containing iron like steel, wrought iron, and cast iron. 

The lack of maintenance of fire escape leads to gradual rust formation due to constant exposure to heat and moisture. This form of corrosion results in:

• Weakening of the structure due to gradual disintegration of the metal.
• Lack of stability since your fire escape loses its strength and the attachments and fixtures, like nails, nuts, bolts, etc., become loose due to corrosion.
• Structural deterioration may cause sudden collapse, posing a threat to lives and property.
• Discoloration of the surface as the paint peels away when rust accumulates. 

Therefore, fire escape maintenance NYC is of utmost necessity to ensure your fire escape system is safe and free from corrosion.

How to Prevent Corrosion?

We have learned the impact of not following the fire escape maintenance solutions NYC, which can be utterly disastrous. Now, let us throw some light on the ways to combat corrosion and protect your fire escape from damage.

• Conduct regular inspections by a professional fire escape contractor to assess structural defects. It will ensure whether your fire escape is safe or not.
• Look out for peeling or fading paint. It is one of the first signs of corrosion. A peeling paint exposes the metal surface, which becomes susceptible to rusting.
• If you have a discolored fire escape, remove the old paint and apply a fresh paint coat immediately. Always use weatherproof paint to prevent water damage. It is a significant measure for fire escape maintenance NYC. 
• Clean your fire escape occasionally to get rid of dust, grime, and dirt. Often, corrosion may take place underneath the dirt layer, and you will not be able to spot it.
• Check out for loose stairs or platforms since it may indicate rusting at the joints and welds.

Conclusion

Fire escape staircases maintenance is not a difficult job if you are concerned about the safety of the building occupants. It must be the responsibility of every property owner to ensure the fire escapes are secure and fully functional. Be it corrosion, maintenance can combat any problem!