How Should You Maintain a Wrought Iron Fence? A Fencing Company in Highwood, Illinois Explains

Do you want to make sure you get the most out of your wrought iron fence? If you want it to last as long as possible, you’ll need to provide it with regular maintenance. Are you wondering what this entails? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This fencing company in Highwood, Illinois is going to explain below.

Painting

Most would agree that wrought iron fences look best when painted regularly. In most cases, they are painted black — however, there are other options available.

In most cases, the paint on a wrought iron fence will start to fade after three to five years. If you fail to repaint your wrought iron fence at this time, its look will decline substantially.

What type of paint do wrought iron fences require? In most cases, it’s wise to use either an oil-based enamel paint or an acrylic enamel paint. These paints are made for metals, and they are built to withstand the elements.

If you want the best results from your paint, a professional fencing company in Highwood, Illinois will recommend applying two coats of it. You should also wait until the first coat is fully dried before applying the second.

Removing Rust

Unlike steel, wrought iron is susceptible to rusting. The more moisture it’s exposed to, the more rust it will take on. Failure to remove this rust in a prompt manner will allow it to spread, drastically reducing the lifespan of the fence.

This is why it’s wise to remove rust from your fence whenever it’s time for a new paint job. You can remove this rust with something as simple as steel wool. If it’s grown too thick, however, you should consider applying a rust removal solution first.

Make sure the rust is removed in its entirety before applying new paint. This will not only optimize the look of the fence, but it will also ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Cleaning

Cleaning is vital, regardless of the type of fence you have. If you don’t clean your fence regularly, its looks will diminish, both in the short-term and the long-term.

Cleaning is also important in that it keeps foreign substances from causing wear and tear to the fence. If these substances aren’t cleaned off in a timely manner, they may corrode certain parts of the fence, causing it to deteriorate before its time.

This is why it’s recommended that you clean your wrought iron fence every 6 months to a year. To do this, you can simply dip a soft rag in soapy water and run it along the fence. Make sure to get every nook and cranny for best results.

Trimming Shrubbery

Do you have hedges in your yard that jut up against your wrought iron fence? Maybe you’ve noticed that vines have started to grow on your fence? In either of these cases, you should be sure to trim away the shrubbery.

Why should you do this? Because shrubbery collects water. If this shrubbery is contacting your fence, it will trap this moisture up against it. The result? Premature rusting and deterioration.

Ideally, you’ll remove shrubbery from your fence entirely. A professional fencing company in Highwood, Illinois will recommend keeping a close eye on it and removing it whenever it makes contact. The more consistent you are in doing this, the longer your fence will last.

Looking for a Professional Fencing Company in Highwood, Illinois?

Do you need some help maintaining your wrought iron fence? If so, and if you’re looking for a professional fencing company in Highwood, Illinois that can handle your maintenance and repair needs, look no further than our team at Action Fence.

Contact us today at (847) 949-6690 to schedule a service.