I'd love to be able to afford a house further off the main road, but unfortunately I'm not there yet. In the meantime, we live near a main road, and we have a huge fence to keep the dogs and the kids inside and the noise out. It's a challenge to find a design for a really big fence that doesn't look like a jail fence! I have researched all of the options I have to keep everyone safe and make our yard as comfortable as possible, and I thought this info might be useful for other homeowners like me.
Putting up a strong and durable fence around your residential property is critical to keeping intruders away, and it also ensures you enjoy peace of mind knowing that those you love and care for are safe from harm. But ensuring the safety of your loved ones doesn't necessarily mean you should compromise on the aesthetics of your fencing and home exteriors. If you want to install a fence that will offer top security but also accentuate the beauty of your outdoor environment, cast iron fences would be good. Without proper maintenance, however, this type of iron fencing is bound to get rusty, leading to aesthetic problems.
Below are some care tips to keep cast iron fencing looking new for as long as possible:
Cleaning
Occasional cleanings with a mixture of water and basic household detergent/liquid soap is critical to removing dust and dirt that may accumulate on the fence railings or panels over time. You can clean by hand or use a pressure washer. If you decide to use a pressure washer, be sure to set the equipment at a low-pressure setting so you do not wear down the protective/decorative finish on your fencing with the force of the water. Once the fence is clean and dry, it's always a good idea to apply cast iron-grade wax to protect your surface finish or coating.
Rust removal, priming and painting
Over time, you will start noticing rust spots forming on the surface of your fence railing. This happens because the metal will be persistently exposed to the elements (rain, moisture and oxygen present in the air), which trigger the oxidation process and cause rusting. To treat rust spots, you will need a number of work tools and supplies: a wire brush, non-ionic detergent, liquid wax, rust converter, and wet paint.
Start by scrubbing off rust from the affected areas with the wire brush. Once you have brushed the rust away, clean the areas with the non-ionic detergent and then rinse carefully to make sure no dust generated during the scrapping is left behind. Apply some liquid wax on the areas and let it dry completely before you can buff it off with a clean, soft rag.
After the buff waxing, apply a rust converter onto the iron and leave it to dry properly before applying the wet paint. The wet paint will restore the rust-resistance coating of your fence that may wear and tear over time due to normal use.
Feel free to talk to a contractor that specialises in cast iron fencing about your specific needs and concerns.
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