6 Simple Ways to Maintain Your Iron Fence

Iron is a versatile and durable metal, so most homeowners prefer to use it on fences. Its strength makes it one of the best materials for security fencing. Besides, it has an attractive appearance that gives your home or commercial property a luxurious feel. However, just like any other construction material, iron has its downside - it is prone to rust. Therefore, if you install the iron fence, you have to observe the right care tips to keep it in good shape. Discover six ways to maintain your iron fence. 1. Inspect It Periodically You need to inspect your fence thoroughly at least once every year. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or on the coast, you should inspect it more frequently. The inspection helps you discover flaws at an early stage and fix them before they get worse. Look for rust signs, missing hardware, bent parts, cracks, and scratches. If your fence is painted, look for spots where paint may have peeled off due to scratches. Take action immediately because the longer you wait, the deeper the problem gets. You might also need professional assistance for detailed inspection and repair or replacement of the damaged parts. 2. Clean the Fence Although this might sound surprisingly strange, you can prevent various problems by washing your fence with warm soapy water. Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub it. Rinse the fence with clean water, and allow it to dry. This will get rid of dust and debris, which are the common causes of scratches. Also, scrub rust spots with a brush or sandpaper until they are gone. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe these spots. Avoid abrasive cleaning agents as they may scrub off the top layer and expose the bare part. 3. Seal Your Fence After washing, you should seal your fence with a gel-type car wash wax. The wax ensures moisture and oxygen won't get into direct contact with the iron. However, car wax always wears off, and you have to reapply it routinely. You can also use metal sealants to protect the fence from UV rays. Sun exposure might make the painted surface to fade, but the metal sealant helps protect the paint. The sealant also prevents moisture from reaching the metal and lasts longer than car wax. 4. Remove Nearby Plants and Vines Most homeowners like the climbing plants that transform the fence and give it a green look. However, these plants are not usually safe because they hold moisture, which can affect the top layers of your fence and cause structural damage. Therefore, remove any plants that crawl up your fence. However, if you love the aesthetics and privacy associated with the plants, put a wire to support the plants. This way, the vines will grow on the wires and not directly on the fence. Also, you can use plant types ideal for iron fences. 5. Repaint the Fence After you have scrubbed rust from your fence, you should paint those spots to protect them from moisture and oxygen, which cause rust. Also, paint faded spots for aesthetic purposes since the fence is likely to dull when it has faded spots and peeled paint all over. Paint projects require skills and experience. Therefore, you should hire professionals to help you. Remember to choose a color tone that complements your house. 6. Don't Wet the Fence Avoid getting your fence wet because regular exposure to water leads to water damage and corrosion. Sprinklers are the most common ways in which you can get your fence wet unknowingly. Set your sprinklers in a way that doesn't water your fence. Iron fence maintenance is critical if you want the fence to serve you for long. Our company repairs rust on fences, gates, and other metal structures. If you want to give your fencing a new look, contact us today for quality services.