Keeping Your Wrought Iron Fence Rust Free: 5 Things to Do

Did you know that the United States is home to wrought iron structures that date back to the 17th century
? Perhaps this explains why most homeowners today are fond of wrought iron fences. The fact that wrought iron structures can last for centuries means that investing in a wrought iron fence is a great decision for your property's fencing.
However, rust is something you shouldn't overlook after the wrought iron fence installation. Here are effective ways to keep your fence rust-free.
1. Wash Your Fence
Cleaning your fence might seem inappropriate, considering the goal is to keep rust at bay. On the contrary, washing your fence eradicates all the dirt that accumulates with time. The abrasive, tiny particles found in dust and dirt can scrape the fence, making it prone to rust.
What is more, dirt buildup can prevent you from noticing when your wrought iron fence has a rust problem. You can use a garden hose to remove the dirt and a cloth soaked in soapy water to clean the fence.
Mild soap is best, as it
won't
erode the surface. If some areas are hard to reach, you can use a toothbrush to eliminate all the dirt trapped inside. Remember to rinse and dry your fence to eradicate moisture that could lead to corrosion.
- Epoxy enamels
- Powder coatings
- Silicone products
- Oil or wax-based coatings
- Zinc primers
3. Paint the Fence
A coat of pain is an excellent way to ensure rust
doesn't
affect your wrought iron fence. Today's market offers a wide array of protective paint colors, so
you'll
be able to find one that suits your fence.
Paint prevents metal oxidation by keeping air and moisture away from the fence. If the paint starts to peel, apply a fresh coat of paint to enhance aesthetics and prevent rusting.
Not all paints are suitable for wrought iron fences, as some
won't
stick to the metal surface. A painting professional or welding expert can help you identify a suitable paint.
4. Get Rid of Rust Spots Corrosion can be a stubborn problem, and that's why inspecting your fence for rust spots should be part of your maintenance routine. Eliminate all rust spots to ensure the problem doesn't worsen. Sandpaper or steel wool can help you achieve this. For better results, hire a welding professional to repair areas weakened by rust and apply a rust-inhibiting primer to prevent the problem from recurring.
5. Operate Water Equipment Far From the Fence Operating your sprinkler near the fence increases the chances of the water jets reaching the fence. If you don't wipe away the water that consistently lands on the surface, your fence might develop corrosion problems. You should set the sprinkler in such a way that the water will not reach the fence to prevent rust. Your wrought iron fence is an investment worth protecting, and that's why you should keep it safe from rust. At Sam's Welding, Inc, no welding-related job is too small or too large. If you need a wrought iron fence or other iron structures, contact us today to place your order.