Once you spot some early signs of rust, what should you do about it? Let us show you how!
Metal fences last longer than their wood or vinyl counterparts. At least, they should. As dependable and resilient as they are, one of their biggest flaws is that they can corrode. Wrought iron fences look beautiful (as do their gates), but you need to be on the ball about timely maintenance. Once you spot some early signs of rust, what should you do about it? Let us show you how!
The Usual Causes of Rust
When it comes to rust, what are some of the usual suspects? As you might expect, water and moisture damage are among the leading causes of this problem. Chipped paint can expose the iron to natural decay thanks to the process of oxidation. Spring and summer weather patterns also tend to be wet and stormy. Rain and humidity are going to be problematic, no matter how you slice it. Dirt, plant growth, and tree root invasions also are possible culprits.
Additional Symptoms of Rusting
Many people associate rust with a telltale red coloration. That shouldn’t be a surprise – your blood is red due to its high iron content! So how else can you tell when your wrought iron fence is starting to rust? The spots are mainly superficial warning signs, but irregularities such as stains, cracks, and sags indicate the need for urgent fence maintenance. Dilapidated fences are more likely to collapse, so you’ll want to fix them up as soon as you can.
How to Address the Problem Yourself
Fortunately, some basic upkeep techniques can make a world of difference. Trim back vegetation that could be chipping or stripping the paint and sealant. Then examine other sections of your fence – rust tends to spread out rather quickly. Some ordinary paper and tape can help you “tag” the rusted spots so you can come back and take a second look later on.
Typical Repair Methods for Rusted-Out Fences
You’ll eventually need to get professional fence contractors involved. This scenario most frequently develops when the damage is too extensive for repairs to help. In that case, you might need to invest in a replacement fence instead. That said, little patches of rust can be removed relatively effortlessly. Start by sanding off the rust and recoating the affected area with some new paint. Replacing fences and gates that are on the verge of falling down is a bit more complicated. Cutting and welding might be beyond your abilities. At this point, you should hire experienced professionals to cover your fencing-related needs.
Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry. We 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 best suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700 or contact us on our website to learn more about fall and winter fence construction! You can keep up to date with offers and information from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach on Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
