cleaningdeckmetal
I'm hoping someone can identify what type of metal this outside balcony rail is and offer advice on how to polish it. I tried Brasso. It did not seem to really do anything. Possibly I need to scrub with brush? I used cloth.
So,
1. Anyone know what kind of metal this is?
2. How does one make it look nicer?
Thanks,
Dave
Based on questions answered in chat you have a case where the contractor didn't measure the deck properly, and built it too high, could not flash properly under the door frame, and performed a "some genius" move putting a transition strip (meant for interior use) over top of the door frame and the vinyl, with caulk under neath.
Stupid.
Two options: 1 cheap and temporary, 1 expensive and proper.
Cheap: Use proper caulk (props to @tester101)
Option 2 - and the door is old so this isn't actually a terrible idea.
Replace the door. In the process, raise the rough opening of the door frame half an inch or so - however much is necessary to be able to put a proper piece of flashing under the door frame and over the vinyl.
You will probably have to custom order a door to fit your new rough opening, but at least you can seal the door area properly.
And props to @bmitch for pointing out that flashing needs to run the entire width of the deck.
Assuming the base material hasn't been somehow deformed, buckled, creased, etc., adding several small screw holes to the existing ones will not materially effect the channel's suitability for it's intended purpose.
However, if you are improving someone else's property, and they are expecting new material in their work, using salvaged material would be quite sleazy. If this your own property, you will have no difficulties.
Best Answer
The metal appears to be copper. There are house hold cleaners for copper bottom pots that will help clean this. Wrights copper cream is a product my Mom uses. You may need a "car buffer" with a cloth bonnet to do a large area. After getting it bright and clean a spray with a clear lacquer will keep it looking nice for several years. Without sealing it will quickly tarnish again. I think lemon juice and baking soda will also work but may take more elbow grease than wrights.