Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 3/31/2009

Question
Hello

We have iron balusters installed along a second story catwalk.  There are caps covering the bottoms of balusters.  Recently noticed one of the caps has become loose from the floor although the baluster itself has not.  I am unable to lift the cap along the length of the baluster so I have very little clearance between it and the floor.  What is the best way to reattach the cap to the floor?  Would you recommend wood glue, silicone, epoxy or something else?  

Thanks!
Monica Deo

Answer
Monica,

You actually have two options:

1.  Construction adhesive is probably the best choice in a black (such as liquid nails black construction adhesive), which is strong and can also act as a caulk between the shoe and the floor.  It is easy to clean up and seals strong.

2.  Epoxy would be the secondary choice.  The disadvantage is that it doesn't clean up as easy and some times doesn't mix properly, which results in a re-do weeks later.

Between the two, use the construction adhesive.

Thank you!

Joseph G. Swallow
Westfire Manufacturing, Inc.