You’ve scheduled the time. You’ve spent the money. You’ve made the investment, and now you’re the proud owner of a wrought-iron fence. The fact is, it will increase the curb appeal of your home and give your property a sense of elegance and timelessness that it was previously lacking. Simply put, it looks great. But how are you going to keep it looking that way?
The fact is, while iron is a metal that has enormous amounts of strength and endurance, it will still require occasional maintenance. If neglected, dirt and rust can form on the metal, causing it to slowly weaken over time and eventually break down. You obviously don’t want that to happen, so read on for some simple and smart tips for keeping your wrought-iron fence looking good as new.
- When summers strike here in Illinois, it doesn’t just get hot, it also gets humid. Humidity isn’t just an annoyance we have to deal with, it can also do damage to your fence. If the fence is located close to pools, rivers, ponds, or any body of water, rust may become more of an issue. Consider applying a protective coat of wax or protective sealant to help deter rust build-up. When rainstorms hit, think about covering your fencing in a tarp.
- Another excellent way to provide protection to your fencing and gates is to paint them. The paint helps to create a strong barrier between the air and the iron. As a result, it minimizes the risk of oxidation and the chance of rust developing. Plus, a nicely painted fence will make your property look even better than it does now.
- Over time, a buildup of dirt on your fence will not only make it look ugly but also gradually weaken the metal. Take the time to occasionally wash your fence with a mixture of dish detergent and warm water. For hard to reach spots, you can scrub them with a toothbrush. After you’ve washed off rusty and dirty areas, rinse the fence with water and allow it to dry. This will make it easier to keep an eye out for potential problems and keep the fence looking its best.
- Speaking of potential problems, regularly inspect your fence and look for any areas that need maintenance. Keep an eye out for rust, footings that are not stable, cracks, or bent areas. If the fence has been painted, check to see if the paint has flaked off. Most of the time, a problem you notice can be repaired easily and quickly.
- If you spot rusty areas on your fence, don’t panic. Repairing and removing rust isn’t necessarily an ordeal. Scrub away the rust with steel wool or sandpaper, then apply wax to slow down the corrosion. Touching up the paint job is another great way to reduce the rust. If the rust has become widespread and serious, give us a call to set up a maintenance visit.
- Accidents happen, and sometimes something will happen that will cause part of the iron to bend. Should this occur, you might be able to fix it yourself. A blowtorch can heat up the metal, then it can be hammered back into place. However, it’s critically important to know what you’re doing before playing around with equipment like this. Most people aren’t, and in that case, contact us for service.