Head to London, and you will find wrought-iron fencing that dates all the way back to the 13th century. These fences are shining examples of why homeowners still look at iron fencing as one of the most durable and resilient fencing forms available today. However, just like any other metal, iron has its needs and maintenance points that you should mind, especially through the coldest months of the year.
The winter season can bring with it snow, ice, cold temperatures and a list of other threats, even when it comes to your
iron fencing. If you want to see your iron fencing and railing last for the long haul, it is best to get familiar with some of the most common winter threats and what you can do to ward off problems.
Because winter can be so brutal on your iron fence or railing, you will need to take a little time to get it properly prepared before the cold season ever starts. Primarily, you need to tackle any obvious rust spots and eliminate them so they don't get the chance to spread once snow and ice starts to accumulate. You should look especially for small rust formations in places like:
- The joints between slats and the bottom run
- Around ornamental features, such as scrollwork or bends
- On thinner pieces of iron around gate closures or latches
If you do spot small rust spots, there are steps you need to take to eliminate them and protect them:
- Use steel wool or a steel-bristled brush to slough away the powdery rust and any flaking metal.
- File down any patches of rust using coarse, 80-grit sandpaper or a mill bastard.
- Coat the area with a thin layer of mineral spirits.
- Spray down the treated areas with phosphoric acid to neutralize the rust.
Once you have completed these three steps on any rusted areas, you might add a layer of primer and paint to the fence if it is needed. This will add an extra layer of protection to carry the fence through the winter without further problems with rust and corrosion.
Iron is resilient, but it can and will develop rust and corrosion when exposed to corrosive materials. This is why salt, which comes from deicing agents in the winter, is such a big threat to an iron fence or rail. If you use salt-containing deicing agents on your property near your fence, you need to take the time to clean your fence as soon as possible so corrosion doesn't start to develop.
If you have a perimeter fence that rests near a public street or highway, you will have to be extra vigilant about keeping the fence cleaned during the winter. Deicing agents sprayed or spread on the highway can easily get sprayed up onto your fence by traveling vehicles, so regular cleaning with warm, soapy water will be a necessity through the coldest months of the year.
If salt-deicing agents are a huge concern and you will not have a lot of time for keeping your iron fence clean, you can apply a thin coat of wax to the iron to protect it. This will ward off the salt and make the fence easier to simply wipe down on occasion. There are a few different kinds of wax you can use for this purpose specifically, but even regular car wax can do the trick and is easy to apply.
With a little care and attention, your iron fence or railing will give your property many years of use.
Reach out to us at Capitol City Iron Works for more information about protecting your iron fence in the winter.
