Most wrought iron fences will produce some small rust spots. Generally, these take a few years to cause any actual structural damage, but they can be unsightly and make your fence or gate look like it hasn't been properly cared for. Some things rust more easily.

What causes rust? Qingdao iron art fence Xiaobian tell you

There are many things that can cause your wrought iron fence to rust: peeling paint. Any time the paint on your fence is chipped away to reveal the iron underneath, rust may form in that spot.

The weather. Heavy rain and high humidity can cause rust. Wrought iron fences are more prone to rust in highly humid areas.

Soil and plants grow on the fence.

In addition to the obvious erythema, corrosion can have several other effects.

What are other signs of corrosion?

Other signs of corrosion are:

Stains on posts, bases, or other masonry surfaces that are in direct contact with the fence.

A crack in a masonry structure to which iron is attached.

Sagging fences, squeaky doors, or locked doors (corrosion will slightly weaken the structure, making it slightly bent).

If you start to see these signs of corrosion, there's a good chance your wrought iron fence needs to be repaired. This level of rust is often a sign that fences have been neglected and is more likely to be found on properties that have not been properly treated. If you buy a house with an wrought iron fence, be sure to check the fence before closing. You might be able to get the vendor to pay for some of the repairs.

What should you do when you find rust?

When you notice rust stains on your fence, there are a few steps you should take. Keep in mind that rust on iron fences is normal and easy to fix, paying a small price for the beauty of your fence or gate.

This is what you should do when you find rust.

The reason for the establishment. If it is damaged paint, then see if there is anything special that caused the paint to flake in that location. If it's a plant, cut it down. In some cases, you may not be able to do anything, but if you can, it's wise to understand why.

Check the rest of the fence. If there is rust in one place, there is likely to be rust elsewhere. You can "mark" rusty areas with paper and tape for later inspection.

Determine if you need to contact a professional. It is possible to make basic repairs yourself. Rust can be removed with a wire brush and sandpaper (wear a mask, as iron filings can cause problems getting into the lungs). If the hole is large, fill it up with putty. Then you can repaint that part of the fence.

How to repair a rusty fence?

The repairs required will depend on the severity of the rust. The sooner rust is treated, the better. Over time, you may learn to handle small patches on your own.

For small areas with no structural changes, the typical treatment is to sand the rust and then repaint it. Care should be taken to match the new paint with the old. If you have multiple rust spots, or an inspection finds that the paint is chipped elsewhere, repainting the entire fence is worth considering.

For more serious problems, especially if your fence or door is sagging, it may be necessary to remove and replace the affected section, usually by cutting the defective length and welding on the new section. Handmade wrought iron is now an expensive luxury, but a good repair company will replace it with more modern iron that looks and "behaves" the same as the original. Be aware of cheap repairs, which may be replaced with aluminum (aluminum is often used to make fake wrought iron, but is not as strong and wear resistant as real iron). You will also need a repair company that has the skill to shape the new iron to match the old. This is not a job that can be given to anyone.

What should you do after the repair?

Once the fence has been repaired, you should take steps to ensure that you properly care for your wrought iron fence so that it doesn't happen again. The maintenance company may advise you on specific steps for your fence and environment. After the overhaul, it's a good idea to repaint the entire fence, as this helps with the color match (if you want to change the color of your fence, you can use this as an excuse). Before repainting, consider applying rust neutralizer or a solution of lemon juice and vinegar to rusty areas. Be sure to use anti-rust paint.