Welding

A welder fuses together pieces of metal (or other materials) using flame and/or electricity to the point of melting, creating a strong bond between the pieces. Welding services can be used for a variety of applications, from seismic retrofitting to custom stair railings, and require a well-trained pro to tackle the job. As you search for welders, keep in mind the following information to help you hire the most qualified professional for your project.

What types of welding services are available?

Each welding service should have the ability to do the all the most common types of welds, but will likely specialize in a specific method. The welder will decide which method is right for your project, but it never hurts to educate yourself on a few of the various types before you discuss it with the professional.

• Stick welding: Also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), this method uses electricity to bond the stick and the metal.


• Metal inert gas (MIG): Also called gas metal arc welding, this is the most common type of industrial weld, using a gas and wire electrode to bond the pieces together.


• Tungsten inert gas (TIG): Also called gas tungsten arc welding, this method relies on tungsten electrodes and is often used for thick metals, such as stainless steel.

What do I need to know before hiring a welder?

Finding reputable welders near you should be simple if you know what to ask and look for. If your project is anything other than purely decorative, make sure the welder has knowledge of local building codes and safety standards. You don’t want to have to redo the whole thing because an inspector finds that it doesn’t meet code. Does the welding company or individual have insurance in case the weld doesn’t hold or needs reinforcement after a certain amount of time? This is particularly important for structural jobs that depend on the quality of the weld. Good welding companies should also guarantee their work so you know it will last. If the pro has a welding shop near you, ask if you can come see samples of their work, especially if you are having something custom made that will be showcased in your home, like iron railings or a metal range hood.

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