A massive wrought iron gate gives a touch of luxury to your yard and fits well with both wood and iron fence. To make it stay in good condition as long as possible (and to save some money for replacing), keep it right and timely.
Regular Cleaning
Clean iron gate and fence from time to time, for example, when you mow the lawn or pick the leaves. More frequent cleaning is recommended if you notice that rust or moisture stains appear. Do regular cleaning with warm water, without the use of the cleaning products (chemicals can damage the protective layer).
When a wrought iron gate is filthy, wipe it with a mild detergent and hot water. What is essential is to use a soft cloth that doesn't scratch the surface and doesn't change its structure. For the rust stains, use some of the home-made cleansing agents (how to make some of them, learn here).
Remove Rust
Rust is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems in the case of fences and gates of wrought iron. The solution to this problem is to galvanize the entire fencing. Zinc layer extends the longevity of wrought iron. Although wrought iron is long-lasting, it does not completely withstand extreme weather conditions and external influences.
Regular cleaning should prevent the emergence of rust. But if corrosion does occur, it is essential to eliminate it before it spreads. During cleaning, carefully check all edges and scarf welding on the gate to be sure you remove it all. Even fine particles of rust can definitely damage wrought iron after time.
Scrubbing the rust of wrought iron using sand particles (sandblasting) is the fastest, but not the cheapest way to regain the shine of the metal gate. At the same time, fine sand particles act mildly abrasive on the layers of the rust, without damaging the surface of the wrought iron. Wired brush and sandpaper give the same result. This is the perfect way to maintain decorative fences with many details (filigree), as the shine and sleekness return after a single 'treatment.'
Re-Painting
Metal surfaces react to heat and humidity. It is therefore essential to protect them in order to prevent the oxidation process (and the layman's term, the occurrence of rust). For this purpose, you can use rush inhibiting paint. Make sure to use it according to the instructions and clean the surface thoroughly before applying the coating.
Preparation for painting a metal fence has to be fundamental. Otherwise, this action will have no purpose. Weather conditions must be stable for several days so that the paint layers can dry. Rain and wind can damage the paint and apply dust and dirt, and excessively high temperatures can cause cracking. It is best to perform repainting in the spring or autumn.
Apply one or two layers of paint, if the rust didn't spread or make any further damage. But before painting, don’t forget prime, at least two layers. You can use car wax or some repellent sprays for creating a waterproof coating.
This is especially important if you have vines and decorative plants growing along the fence and twining with the gate. Perhaps the combination of metals and plants looks attractive, but in fact, the plants 'destroy' the wrought iron gates because of the moisture in them, so you can just cut or move them away from fencing.
Fix Creaky Gate
Noisy hinges can really be annoying and spoil the impression of your beautiful yard. Use petroleum jelly to lubricate hinges and joints on the gate. This is a long-lasting and non-toxic lubricant, so it's safe if you worry kids or pets will touch it.
How about Electric Iron Gateway?
Automated gates systems have a bit more complicated maintenance, but in principle, you should take care of these systems the same way as manual wrought iron gates. The only difference is in the mechanism and the method of opening (swing or a sliding mechanism), although there are also the latest models with solar or battery power.
Hire authorized gate repair companies to maintain these systems. Manufacturers usually give a guarantee on these mechanisms, which you can lose if you repair it all by yourself or in an unauthorized service.
