Original cast iron staircases, a common sight on Capitol Hill, are a glorious testimony to a masterful art that highlights houses lucky enough to have them – or still have one that is intact.

Washington’s original cast iron staircases are unique; not only because they represent some of the finest staircases ever cast anywhere, but also because they were cast right here in the city for nearly exclusive use here, in some cases by foundries representing several generations of the same family owned experts of the cast iron art.

Today, the most noticeable (and troubling) thing they represent is the fact that they are disappearing from the once proud houses they highlighted. The majority of cast iron staircases here was made and installed between the late 1800s and 1930s and is now at a stage of their life where constant monitoring is prudent and necessary.

Two main factors can lead to problems with original cast iron staircases.

First, deterioration, which is chiefly the result of neglect. Cast iron is much more resilient to wear and long term weather conditions, and it can withstand prolonged periods of not being protected by paint, but 100 years will take its toll. Unfortunately, most cast iron staircases were neglected in many ways. Material specific paint and, even more importantly, the correct primer is a must. Another form of neglect is not paying attention to changes taking place addressing them before more serious problems arise. Loose components, misaligned pieces, bolts shearing off or missing completely, settling or sagging, loose or broken railing posts, cracks, broken stringers, etc. to hold the staircase up.

Second, damage can result from a variety of things, including construction, renovating, moving heavy items over the staircase, tree limb falls, bouncing down the steps or skipping steps while descending the staircase and improper repairs. Cast iron is FRAGILE. It will not bend like steel. It will snap and break.

Damage can also occur from improper welding practices and poorly designed and carried out repairs. An inordinate amount of repairs are necessary due to improper welding. Sometimes the piece that was welded is not salvageable, and usually this welding has more serious consequences than the original problem presented.

One of the major causes of damage to one of these original cast iron staircases is poor or improper support due to ground settling, causing the staircase to drop or lean toward one side. In extreme cases, the bottom step will not even be in contact with the ground. Risers (the “up” section between the steps) can break out and treads (steps) can crack or break. Bolts that hold the risers and treads in place can be broken or missing, and both can be loose as the components become misaligned – a dangerous condition indeed. The stringers (long side pieces that run from the bottom step up to the house) can crack or break, and in a worst case scenario, cause a collapse.

If you notice any of the conditions mentioned here, or if you have any doubts regarding the structural integrity of your cast iron staircase, call a qualified ironworks or welding company for an inspection. These staircases were produced by experts qualified by many years of experience with cast iron. Similarly, they must be repaired and maintained by such experts. Warning: these are not the type of repairs to shop for the cheapest cost estimate.