A wrought iron fence is a durable and low-maintenance way to
add privacy and style to your residence. However, as the weather gets colder,
you need to have a plan to protect your iron fence from the winter elements.
This guide will cover four tips to prepare your wrought iron fence for winter.
1. Inspect Your Fence for Structural Defects
Wrought iron fences are some of the hardiest fences around,
but even they can develop small cracks and other structural defects over time.
Cracks always weaken your fence, but they can be especially problematic in the
winter. Water can seep into these cracks, freeze, and expand to worsen the
damage to your fence.
Homeowners with iron fences should inspect them visually at
least once in the late fall before winter hits. Tighten any loose screws you
see, and call a professional fencing contractor if you notice cracks or dents.
These steps could save you from more expensive repairs after your fence has
weathered the winter.
2. Wash Your Fence Thoroughly
Wind and rain can carry dust and debris onto your fence at
any time. Leaving this dirt buildup on your fence in the winter only invites it
to cause problems when it becomes frozen to the surface of the iron. Dirt,
spores, and organic debris can cause staining on your fence if they are frozen
over and left in contact with the surface of the fence for weeks or months.
You don't need any special cleaners to remove dirt and grime
from your iron fence. Washing a wrought iron fence is as simple as scrubbing it
down with a sponge soaked in warm water and detergent. Spray your fence down
with a garden hose after washing to prevent soap scum from appearing.
3. Use Sealant to Protect Your Fence From Salt
Salting icy roads is necessary for safe traction during
winter travel, but this can have an unfortunate side effect for your fence.
Salt kicked up from the road by passing tires can accelerate corrosion on your
iron fence. This is much like the corrosive effect that saltwater
and salty air can sometimes have on iron fences in seaside installations.
Most iron fences come with a wax seal from the
factory to protect them from oxygen and moisture. This seal can deteriorate
with time, but you can restore this protective seal with marine paint or a
commercial oilbased sealant. Take care of this before the winter months to ensure
that your fence is protected from harsh winter temperatures and precipitation.
4. Remove Any Existing Rust Now
Rust spots can give a bad impression and make it seem like
your wrought iron fence has been neglected. Runaway rust is an even bigger
problem, as it can quickly become a structural threat to your fence.
Unaddressed rust is likely to worsen in the face of winter precipitation.
Taking a proactive approach to rust repair can help you get several more years
of use out of your fence.
If you are dealing with a rusted iron fence, you can attempt
to repair it yourself by sanding, repainting, and resealing the affected area.
Homeowners who are not DIY-inclined can leave this to a professional fence
contractor. A contractor can handle larger jobs, and many include rust
neutralizer and repainting in this service.
Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful advice
for preparing your wrought iron fence for winter. Your iron fence is an
investment that is well worth protecting in the winter and throughout every
part of the year. If you follow the tips above, doing so will be easier than
you think!
