fencing to improve privacy

« Back to Home

Don't Let Rust Ruin Your Wrought Iron Fence

Posted on

Fences help separate and define your property. The right fence can also be a decorative element, enhancing the design of your home's landscape. Wrought iron fences feature the durability and beauty that many homeowners are looking for.

Because wrought iron fences are made from iron, they can be prone to rust over time. Managing rust is essential if you want to extend the life of your wrought iron fence and ensure its durability throughout the years.

Check for scratches.

The first thing you should do when trying to ward off the rust is check your wrought iron fencing for scratches. Most wrought iron is painted with a protective coating that helps shield the base metal against exposure to moisture. When this protective paint coating is scratched, water can infiltrate your wrought iron fence and start to rust the underlying iron.

Conduct routine inspections for scratching, and have your fence professional repainted on a regular basis to avoid having small scratches lead to the development of rust.

Keep your fence clean.

It's imperative that you take the time to regularly clean your wrought iron fence. Since the fence will be exposed to the elements at all times, dirt and other debris can collect on the surface of the fence. This dirt and debris trap moisture from rain, snow, or condensation.

Moistened debris sits on your wrought iron fence, increasing the likelihood that the base metal beneath the wet debris will begin to rust. Use a pressure washer to regularly remove any dirt and debris present on the surface of your fence to prevent rust and prolong the life of your wrought iron.

Use a rust blocker.

Some areas of your wrought iron fence are more susceptible to damage than others. These areas can include welded joints, hinges, fasteners, and any decorative elements that you have incorporated into the design of your wrought iron fence. Each of these areas can become a source of pooling water. 

Welded joints can allow moisture to seep into the weld seam over time, compromising the stability of your fence. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the surface of your fence, spray a rust blocker on any vulnerable areas. The rust blocker will provide an added layer of protection against corrosion as your wrought iron fence ages.

Keeping a wrought iron fence in good condition requires the active management of rust. Corrosion can ruin a decorative fence, so take the time to check for scratches, clean your fence, and use a rust blocker in order to keep corrosion to a minimum.


Share