beautiful fences to protect your gardenbeautiful fences to protect your garden

An ornamental iron fence is an attractive way to protect your property. Although iron is strong, it still requires routine care to maintain its strength and beauty. If you want to ensure your fences and gates last throughout the years, make sure you follow these four tips:

1. Be Proactive

As you might expect, iron fences will rust if exposed to the elements—especially humidity and water. Over time, the fence may begin to rust and show signs of weakness. If you want to prevent this from happening, you must be proactive.

To protect your iron fence from the elements, apply a generous coating of wax. The wax will ensure that the fence is protected from wind, rain, and UV rays. You can also apply a protective sealant. If you do not want to apply wax or a sealant, you can also cover the fence with a tarp during the rainy season—although it will take away from the beauty.

2. Cleanliness Matters

Your fence may be outside and exposed to the elements, but that doesn't mean that you don't need to clean it. Dirt and debris can wreak havoc on your fence by weakening it. Pooling water can also cause rust issues.

If you want to keep your fence clean, periodically clean it with a dry towel. For more intense cleaning, use an old toothbrush and dish detergent to scrub away built up debris, dirt, and rust stains. Let it dry and admire your hard work.

3. Repair Rust

Even with sealants and waxes, your fence may still suffer from rust. If begin to notice rust spots, you must act quickly to prevent it from worsening—or spreading.

You can remove rust by using sandpaper. Simply sand the rust spot down and then apply a generous coating of wax or sealant. If you have a painted fence, you can also apply a coating of paint—it will protect your fence as well.

4. Inspect Regularly

The best way to spot damages or issues is by visually inspecting your fence. Once a month, make sure you carefully examine your fence for any issues. Look for rust, cracks, chips, and other damages. If you find any damages, attend to them quickly so they do not spread and further weaken your fence.

If you find an issue, such as a bent fence, contact a professional. Although some damages can become a DIY project, others need the attention of a professional.

Proper care will ensure that your ornamental iron fence lasts throughout the years. If you encounter an issue that you do not know how to handle, contact an iron fencing professional for help.