Are you worried that your commercial or residential fencing will lose its shine over time?
You're not alone.
Fence maintenance is a critical part of extending your gate's lifespan and boosting curb appeal. Iron fences require specific care to maintain their aesthetics and function.
Read on for some maintenance tips that keep iron fences looking new outside Kansas City properties!
Preventing damage to iron fences requires proactive action. This means making fence inspection part of your regular routine.
Take a close look at your commercial or residential fencing at least once a month. During the rainy months, inspect it every two weeks for more frequent peace of mind.
During these inspections:
If you do see any corrosion or rust, repair them right away. Better yet, call a fence company to employ professional tools and techniques to fix these spots.
This will prevent the oxidation from spreading to other areas of the fence, preventing the need for more costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Kansas City summers are hot and muggy. These wet conditions mean a lot of opportunities for moisture to stick to your iron commercial or residential fences.
Emerging rust is a likely issue that homeowners may face. Luckily, those who regularly inspect their fence and find rusty spots can remove it easily.
Get a fine wire brush that you can use to scrape the rust off. Make sure that it's not too abrasive. Scratching the fence will only lead to more corrosion.
Before beginning, lay a tarp down underneath your fence. This will catch rust flakes so they don't settle onto other areas of the fence.
Wearing gloves is a common safety practice because it prevents these flakes from sticking to your skin. Some homeowners also choose to wear a disposable or cloth mask to prevent inhalation.
To remove rust:
Doing this on sunny days increases the chances of seeing all rust patches and thoroughly eliminating them.
If your iron fence has more than a few small patches of rust, restoration may be more challenging. Wiping it off is still a good idea, but you may also want to talk with a professional Kansas City fence contractor.
Installation experts are trained in how to assess fence value. If your iron fencing is more corroded than not, they can tell you when it's time for a replacement.
Timely fence replacement stops property owners from expending unnecessary energy trying to futiley brush off rust. It also ensures that your property value remains high rather than taking a hit due to corroded, aesthetically-bad bars.
Even property owners who don't see rust on their fences need to maintain the surface appropriately. This means getting rid of debris and plant matter regularly.
When you assess your fence's surface, consider removing all vegetation and debris from its bars and posts. Brush off foliage and leaves as well as dirt and dust. This will:
Ornamental iron fencing may require a bit of extra care. Those with engraved etchings and textured patterns on iron bars may find debris stuck inside grooves. Use a soft cloth to wipe down these grooves more closely.
Once the fence is free of dirt and debris, gently wipe it down with your soft wire brush. Don't just focus on areas with rust. It's also important to remove peeling paint and stubborn grime.
If there's no rust or corrosion on an iron fence, that does not mean it requires no upkeep. It simply means that you can start cleaning normally once all debris is removed from the surface.
Never use abrasive cleaners on iron fences. Acidic cleaning products can wear down its surface, especially protective coatings.
Instead, create a home cleaning solution from warm water and dish soap. Mix the soap into a bucket full of water thoroughly. You should see bubbles and suds forming on the surface before you start cleaning.
Once an iron fence is clean and rust-free, waxing its surface can help to preserve its structural integrity. After cleaning the fence, property owners should:
This process creates a protective layer that seals the iron surface. This will stop oxidation from becoming a big issue in the future.
Iron fence hinges and other moving parts keep gates working properly. Over time, these hinges naturally seize up and have difficulty moving.
When this happens:
Homeowners and commercial property owners can prevent this by greasing hinges about twice annually.
Now that you know how to keep iron fences looking new, it's time to upgrade your property with modern fencing solutions.
Brothers Fence is committed to offering high-quality iron fencing with customizable features. Our team is committed to durable fence installation for a long-lasting build, so basic maintenance will be enough to ensure a long-lasting structure.
We're excited to show you what a five-star rated fence company can do, so contact our team to schedule a free estimate today!
