Learn How To Protect Your Home

Wrought iron fences are a formidable option if you want to protect your home from intruders and even intrusive animals from entering your yard. Not only are they effective, but they also add sophistication to your property as well. However, a poorly maintained wrought iron fence can be unappealing to the eye, affecting your home’s entire curb appeal. This blog will go over 6 simple ways to maintain your iron fence to make sure it maintains itself in good shape.

1. Inspect it Periodically

You need to take the time to thoroughly inspect your fence at least once every year. Doing so will help identify potential problems and resolve then before it gets further damaged. Walk around the entire fence and look for signs of damage such as:

• Signs of rust
• Cracks
• Scratches
• Bent parts
• Nicks
• Chips
• Missing hardware

If your fence is painted, look for spots where the paint is peeling off. Once you identify the issues, take action to repair them as the problem only gets worse with time. The build-up of rust is the most common issue; if you notice signs of rust, then it has to be removed. If the rust is flaking and loose, use a paint scraper or disc sander with coarse sandpaper to eliminate the heavier rust. Be sure to cover your mouth with a face mask and wear goggles to protect your eyes. If the rust has not started falling, then use 120 to 160 grit sandpaper to sand off the rust on the surface. Once you’ve removed the rust, apply a layer of commercial rust cleaner on the affected areas.

2. Clean the Fence

Although it may seem bizarre, you can prevent various issues by washing your fence with warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub it, and then rinse the fence with clean water. This removes dust, dirt, bugs, and debris from the fence, common factors that are known for causing scratches on fences.

3. Seal the Fence

After washing your fence, you should seal it with a gel-type wax. The wax will ensure that moisture and oxygen won’t make direct contact with the metal. However, car wax always wears off, so you have to reapply it routinely.

4. Remove Vegetation

Climbing vines and plants may look charming when they intertwine with your fence. However, plants actually damage the fence since they contain moisture. This causes the protective powder coat and paint that protects the fence from rust to erode. Therefore, remove all plants that climb up your fence.

5. Paint the Fence

If your white fence looks dull or your black fence looks light gray, then maybe it’s time you give it a nice fresh coat of paint. Be sure to fix and resolve any rust spots ahead of time. If the paint is cracking, bubbling, or peeling, make sure to sand it down to the bare metal to remove these impurities. It may be obvious, but remember to choose a color that complements your house. Paint projects require skill and experience, so it might be a good idea to hire a professional to handle the job.

6. Don’t Wet the Fence

Avoid getting your fence for getting regular exposure to water as it can lead to water damages, rust, and corrosion. Sprinklers are the most common cause for this type of issue, so try setting up your sprinklers in a way where they won’t wet the fence.

Regular maintenance of wrought iron fences is critical if you want them to last for a long time. They protect your home from the outside and give it a nice aesthetic boost, so don’t let it lose its glamour! We know you’re busy, which is why Access Security Gates can help you with the maintenance of your fence by doing repairs and helping you keep it in good shape!