There are a wide array of oil and wax sealants that can be used to protect your fence from rust and corrosion.
Saltwater and metal do not get along. Salt is an essential element in life, but it does causes metals to corrode, often very quickly. Rust, corrosion, salt staining – anyone who had lived near the ocean can tell you about the frustration of maintaining anything metal when exposed to the sea and the sea air. Fortunately for you, there are a few, simple maintenance steps that one can follow to protect your gorgeous metal fence from the dangers of salt.
Why Does Salt Corrode Metal?
Salt alone isn’t the culprit for corrosion and rust. The combination of oxygen, salt, and moisture is what causes rust in metals – the salt weakens the protective qualities of the metal, and the combination of moisture and air start the oxidation process. Rust and saltwater corrosion eat away at the metal, weakening the structure, and eventually causing it to fall apart.
There are two types of corrosion – electrochemical and anaerobic. In electrochemical corrosion, the metal of your fence is exposed to salt and moisture on an infrequent basis. The atomic structure of the metal is dissolved and the free-floating ions become attached to other random compounds in the water and the air. In anaerobic corrosion, which occurs when metals are exposed to salt over a long period of time. The salt and water eventually leave mineral deposits on the surface of the metal, which are then used by various bacteria to multiply and breed. With this type of corrosion, the metal is essentially attacked from all sides, which causes it to corrode even more quickly.
How to Prevent Salt Corrosion
There are some steps a homeowner can take to prevent their metal fences from corroding. Give your fence a fresh water rinse from your hose one a week to make sure that no salt deposits are building up. Make sure you are rinsing your fence on a day when the sun is out, so that it can help you dry the fence thoroughly. There are also a wide array of oil and wax sealants that can be used to protect your fence from rust and corrosion. These products work by refusing to allow water to come in contact with metal, even if the metal has been exposed to salt.
Need some professional help with your fence? Ready for a new fence? We Can Help!
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry, and can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that bests suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700, drop in, or contact us on our website to learn more about spring fence construction!
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