Has the condition of your metal fence declined? Metal fences require some upkeep, even though they require little. Its beauty can be degraded by dirt, rust, loose screws, chipped paint, and other factors. Metal fencing will look excellent year-round and last for years if you know how to maintain one.
Although different metals have different maintenance requirements, in this article, we’ll go over general advice applicable to most metal fences. However, always read product labels thoroughly and adhere to any manufacturer’s directions if your fence has them.
What Is A Metal Fence?
Iron, aluminum, or steel are used to make metal fencing and fencing gates. Homeowners and business owners highly value this metal since it is durable, strong, and makes excellent pool and dog fencing. Metal fences and fencing gates are still susceptible to corrosion and denting, though. Metal that has been exposed to oxygen, water, or some acidic compounds can rust.
Many metal barriers are painted black, white, or green, but many other colors are available. While paint keeps your fence from rusting, it must be maintained to keep working for the better.
How to Maintain a Metal Fence in 8 Steps
1. Get Rid of Obstacles
Remove any obstructions to have a clear view of your entire fence. While working, you don’t want to miss a spot. Remove weeds, bushes, and hedges. Better visibility won’t be the only benefit; your fencing will also be shielded from harm. Your fence may absorb moisture from plants, increasing the likelihood of rusting. Clear the area of fallen leaves as well because these can hold water. Prickly plants can scrape fence coatings and even sliding fence gates, which is why they are particularly bad for fences.
Directly growing vegetation on any USA fence may result in excessive dampness or harm the paint. If climbing vines appeal to you, find out which varieties will harm your sort of fence the least. For a similar appearance without the risk, you may also grow them on a wire frame, lattice, or trellis next to your fencing.
2. Examine Any Damage
Go along each side of your fence and inspect it from top to bottom for damage. Search for:
Rust, shaky foundations, Sagging posts, Scratches, Dents, Cracks, Peeling or chipped paint
Ensure that you check your fencing at least once a year to prevent significant and expensive damage.
3. Clean the Fence
It’s time to clean your fence at this point thoroughly. After this treatment, it will look better and be ready for new paint. Remove the dirt, salt, and other debris using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and warm, soapy water. To ensure no filth is left in the crevices, properly clean decorative designs like wrought iron.
After you’re done, rinse everything and allow it to air dry. This craft will dry considerably more rapidly on a sunny day, so that’s the best time to do it.
4. Examine For Rust
After removing all of the debris, search for rust. While aluminum fences and composite fences are resistant to rust, wrought iron and steel are susceptible to it.
If you notice a rust area, gently rub it off with a fine wire brush, sandpaper, or a disc sander. Following the directions on the packaging, you can also use a rust converter. Always wear safety goggles and a mask before sanding or applying a rust converter to keep yourself safe. When you’re done, clean the area with a gentle, moist towel.
Check for rust twice a year if you reside in a particularly wet or humid climate. Early rust spot removal will prevent additional degradation that could endanger the structural integrity of your metal fence. Also, it will level out your horizontal fence so that you may paint it. You might need to replace it if the metal has seen serious corrosion that extends below the surface.
5. Priming, Painting, and Sealing
The ideal foundation for your protective layers is a clean fence with rust removal. They will safeguard your investment by preventing the formation of rust. When repainting the fence and any hard old paint. Put on your mask and goggles to protect yourself from fumes, especially while using spray items.
Use an oil-based primer in layers first. Use a brush, or a spray can for primer, but make sure to get it into all the nooks and crevices of decorative patterns. Let it dry completely before continuing.
The gate fence needs to be painted next. If you don’t want to change things up, go for an oil-based paint that complements the color of your current fencing. Check to see if the original wrought iron fence supplier sells the paint. To make the metal more resilient, you can also paint it with rust-inhibitor paint. For further protection, apply one or two coats of paint, letting each coat dry before applying the next. For added rust protection, use metal sealants or metal-grade wax after the fence gate door has been painted and allowed to dry.
6. Replace Missing Parts
Replace any missing bolts, screws, or other hardware you noticed during your initial check. Moreover, you should tighten any loose parts to prevent future loss. If possible, pick replacement parts that are resistant to corrosion. The replacement hardware can be painted to match your fencing, but make sure the moving parts can still be used if needed.
7. Lubricate Gate Latches
Maintaining the functional integrity of your fence’s moving parts, such as driveway gates is even more vital than maintaining the fence’s structural integrity. Use a grease gun and oil on the hinges to stop the gate from squeaking and keep it operating smoothly.
What Happens If Rust Is Painted Over?
Right, out of sight, out of mind? In this instance, no. Not only is rust unsightly, but it also steadily eats away at your fence and eventually destroys it. Painting it over won’t stop the rust already there, but it might stop new spots from growing. If you don’t remove it, the damage will continue.
How Can I Avoid Damage To A Metal Fence?
Minimizing moisture should be your top priority while taking preventive measures. Redirect other water sources away from your metal fence and avoid aiming sprinklers at it. Eliminate any vegetation that might erode the fence. Use caution when using instruments like weed whackers to avoid chipping the protective covering.
When to Call an Expert
Sometimes the average homeowner can’t handle the damage to a fence. The aluminum privacy fence panels may have rusted away, or the fence pickets of may have been twisted by force.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to call a Modern fence contractor to look at the fence. You won’t need to be concerned about a fence contractor missing a step or a part of the fence because they will do the work thoroughly. Also, they may assist you with fence installation if you wish to swap out your metal fence for a different design. To consider your options, if you’re in Los Angeles, Orange County or anywhere in Southern California, request a quote or consultation from Globus Gates fencing to get the best protection for your property.