In many ways, wrought iron has incredible strength and durability. Beautiful ornamental fencing also increases the elegance of any property. Homeowners need to remain vigilant to keep a fence beautiful, and scratch repair is a vital step in damage prevention.
Even a tiny scratch can expose the iron to rust-causing moisture. Rust is a porous material that will degrade iron quickly and destroy the fence's beauty and integrity. Scratches can occur in unexpected ways. Discover three examples of how scratches could begin and lead to more damage than
people expect.
Many homeowners decide to install a fence to keep their dogs in the yard and safe from
outside risks. Privacy and decorative fences often offer higher protection against dog escapes than other forms of control. The additions may work well for keeping dogs in, but the pets are not always as beneficial to the fence.
Overzealous dogs can cause damage, despite the strength of a wrought iron fence. Dogs that jump on, try to climb, or dig their way around an iron fence can leave behind scratches from their claws. Pet owners need
to frequently inspect within the range of where the dog can reach.
Remember that the marks left behind could occur at ground level due to digging. The repeated exposure of the scratches to dewdrops on the grass can lead to water damage quickly. Watch these areas carefully, and frequently inspect all other areas the dog can reach.
2. Seasonal Yard Management
Yard care can involve a variety of tools. Every season presents the opportunity for damage to occur. People do realize when they bump the fence with a lawnmower or
snowblower, but they might think no damage occurred if a dent or other mark is not apparent. Look closer for less obvious damage to make sure the fence remained unscathed.
You also might miss a similar hit with a smaller tool like a rake or grass trimmer. Spend a few extra minutes every week to look for any new marks from yard tools. Remind any hired landscapers to do the same after completing their work. A regular fence cleaning to remove grass clippings or windblown dust and debris will make it easier to find scratches or dents.
3. Overgrown Thorny Bushes
Decorative bushes and flowering shrubs add to the beauty of a wrought iron fence. Homeowners may add these features to increase privacy, and thorny bushes can help boost security. Plant all vegetation far enough from the fence to prevent contact with the metal, however. Thorns can cause scratches, and any shrubs growing too close can make it hard to maintain them without bumping the fencing with gardening tools.
Homeowners can protect their wrought iron by choosing shrubs that grow more in height than spread. Another option is to plant a small shrub far enough away to allow its growth. Essentially, ensure that every shrub has at least a few feet between it and the fence to avoid scratching. That way, you can enjoy both the beautiful vegetation and the attractive iron fence without worry or effort.
A small scratch, dent, or other damage can lead to extensive problems if you do not repair it early. An investment in a wrought iron fence can boost home value and add curb appeal. A rusted iron fence will not provide the same benefits. A few minutes to inspect your fencing each month can be enough to make a difference. At Capitol City Iron Works, we can give your yard a fresh look that will remain, with minimal maintenance, the highlight of any landscape for decades.
