As far as fencing materials go, wrought iron is one of the best you can choose from. They are versatile and can be molded to fit any style and usage from residential to commercial applications. They have a timeless aesthetic appeal. And they are built to stand the test of time with low maintenance requirements. For security and beauty, wrought iron can’t be beat! But how long exactly can a wrought iron fence last? It depends on a few variables, some of which you can influence directly.
Timeless Appeal
One of the reasons wrought iron fences look so timeless is the sheer number of old fences which are still around and looking great today. Consider some of the old, ornate fencing on some college campuses or within cities. For example, the Bowling Green Fence in Lower Manhattan is the oldest fence in New York City, dating all the way back to 1771. And while it’s not a sure fire bet that all wrought iron fences should be expected to last centuries, it’s at least reasonable to conclude that they can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Compare this to wood fences, which typically show signs of deterioration as early as 5 years from installation!
Environmental Factors
As fencing is used outdoors, it needs to be able to handle the various environmental conditions that can come up. Moisture in the air is a big factor – climates that are typically very humid can make an iron fence age more quickly, and so more maintenance will be needed. In addition, the immediate surroundings of the fence can also be a factor in its expected lifespan. While creeping vines growing up the sides of a fence may have a visual appeal, the extra exposure to dirt, water, and pests can have a negative impact on the fence’s longevity.
Powder Coating
One of the best ways to increase the longevity of an iron fence is with powder coating, which offers many advantages over simply painting the fence. You get an even coating that doesn’t chip away or scratch over the years like paint. A fresh powder coat seals away the iron material from the outside world and does so for a long time – it’ll be about 20 years before you’ll need to think about getting a new coat applied.
HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK HERCULES CUSTOM IRON
If you are ready to plan out your fencing project or you still have some more questions, Hercules Custom Iron is here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your iron fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.