Avoid having to treat your fence for rust in the middle of a snow storm by performing these maintenance tips!
You bought an iron fence because it is low maintenance and adds curb appeal to your home. But keep in mind, wrought iron fences will need some maintenance in order to keep them sturdy and beautiful. With proper care, your wrought iron fence can last for many years to come. How do you care for your wrought iron fence? Well, we have some tips for you!
Inspection Time
Doing a periotic visual inspection of your wrought iron fence will help you keep track of things that need to be taken care of. If a cap is missing from your fence post, a rust spot, or flaking could cause problems in the long run. The sooner these things are found, the sooner you can take care of the problem before it becomes worse.
Wash Your Fence
Just like you don’t trust water to wash your car or outdoor windows, your fence should not only be washed when it rains outside. Pour a small amount of dish detergent into a gallon of warm water and clean your fence with a rag or sponge. For small crevices, use a spray bottle of the mixture. Once you are finished washing your fence, immediately dry your fence with a towel and apply wax. The wax will help repel water and protect your fence’s paint. When drying the fence, make sure to pay extra attention to the latches and hinges where water can get trapped and accelerate the oxidation process.
Paints and Rusts
If you notice your fence’s paint bubbling or flaking, use a wire brush to clean it off. Sand down to the metal then fill in the holes with metal filler. Clean the area and apply a rust-resistant primer before repainting with a rust-resistant paint. Rust can be a bit trickier to handle. For tips on how to restore a rusty fence, check out our blog!
Clear it of Growth
While plants are great for the environment, they are terrible for your fence. Plants can actually weaken and damage your fence. Remove plants, especially ivy and other climbing plants, from around your fence. Another reason to keep plant life from growing near your fence is to help eliminate rust. As you water your plants with a hose or sprinkler system, water can get on your fence and cause rust.
Following these tips will help your fence last as long as your home does. For more information on our customized wrought iron fences, contact Hercules Fence Custom Iron today!
HERCULES FENCE CUSTOM IRON
With security and the added bonus of a pleasing aesthetic appeal, wrought iron may fit your needs. Hercules Custom Iron has more than 70 years of experience crafting glass fences, ornamental iron, and quality aluminum in its in-house manufacturing facility. Contact Us today to learn more about how we can help you with your next custom iron, specialty metal or aluminum project! Also, be sure to follow Hercules Custom Iron on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!