Wrought iron fences are a classic way to cordon property and protect landscaping. This style of fence is generally durable and suits the style of older and historical neighborhoods. When a wrought iron fence becomes damaged, the cost of repairs depends upon the extent and type of damage, whether or not any of the fencing needs to be replaced and whether or not any collateral damage to landscaping, sidewalks or driveways has also occurred.
Common Reasons for Repair
Wrought iron fences are susceptible to damage caused by Mother Nature including wind, hail, rain and sun exposure. Rust is a common reason why wrought iron fences need repairs. Vandals and animals can also cause damage to wrought iron fencing. If the cement for mounting the fence posts was not properly mixed or not buried deeply enough, freeze and thaw cycles may cause upheaval, thereby toppling sections of the fencing. To preserve the integrity of the fence and protect the property, repairs must be made in a prompt manner.
Types of Repairs for Wrought Iron Fencing
When wrought iron fencing is showing signs of rust, upheaval or other damage prompt repairs can halt the damage and restore the fencing to its original condition. Proper repair techniques are necessary in order for the wrought iron fencing to retain its full functionality.
Repairing Rust Problems
Rust is the greatest enemy against outdoor wrought iron fencing. To remove rust from wrought iron fencing, the rust is first brushed off using a wire brush or 160-grit sandpaper. For areas of heavy rusting, coarser grit sandpaper such as 80-grit may be needed. The iron worker then progresses to finer and finer grit sandpaper. Rubbing steel wool across the entire area affected by rust helps to smooth the iron and prepare it for application of rust-preventing sealant and paint. Before proceeding, repair workers lay down newspapers or plastic sheeting to protect nearby bricks, concrete or plants. Rust inhibitor is applied to the wrought iron fencing. This sealant prevents moisture from penetrating into the iron and causing any further rusting. It also acts as a primer for the paint. Once the rust inhibitor has set, paint can be applied to the fencing. Outdoor enamel paint is the ideal type for use on a wrought iron fence. The paint adds another layer of protection against the elements of nature.
Repainting a Wrought Iron Fence
Before a flaking wrought iron fence is repainted, old paint must be removed. This is done manually by hand with a wire brush to work around tight curves and the ornate designs that are often part of the fencing. Rust inhibitor is then applied to all surfaces of the wrought iron. Once the rust inhibitor has set, an oil-based metal paint primer can be applied to the wrought iron fencing. Once the primer is dry, rust-resistant paint for use on metal exteriors is applied to the fencing. Some paints require the application of multiple coats. Each coat must be dry before another coat can be applied, so the repainting process can take several days.
Welding Broken Wrought Iron Fencing
Welding of wrought iron fencing is performed to reconnect broken sections or when a section of the fencing needs to be replaced. If a new piece of wrought iron fencing is being added to existing fencing, the iron worker must first remove the protective layer of oil covering the iron. This is done with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. Most welders do all their work wearing a face mask, leather gloves and protective goggles or a welding hood.
The sections of fencing are cut with a chop saw for precise cutting without creating unwanted jags or angles that could cause the sections to not be flush. Once the sections of fencing are cut, the iron worker prepares for welding. A ground clamp is placed to hold the pieces while welding. The welder uses an MIG welding gun placed about one-quarter of an inch away from the sections of wrought iron fencing that will be welded together. The temperature of the welding gun is slowly increased until proper heat penetration and melding of the iron is achieved. Once the sections are welded together and cool to the touch, primer, rust inhibitor and paint are applied, because corrosion of unprotected wrought iron can begin within just a few hours.
