A wrought iron fence is the option that the majority of property owners go with when it comes to enclosing their yards. One of these factors is the natural resistance that comes with fencing. Because of its durability and resistance to bending, strain, and denting, the owner does not have any concerns about having to repair the 100-year fence any time in the near future.
Despite the robustness of the system, there is still a chance that accidents may take place. Rust and dents will inevitably show up on your wrought iron fence at some point in time. In the event that this occurs to you, you will want to be sure that the company that initially installed your fence is able to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. It’s possible that you’re inquisitive about the kind and the scope of the damage that may be caused. In the paragraphs that are to follow, we will go into further detail on this topic, as well as discuss the history of the wrought iron fence.
The Beginnings of Wrought Iron
The invention of blast furnaces in the 15th century made it feasible to create the first wrought iron railings. These railings were quite simple. The purpose of installing the railings was to make the enclosed corridor or stairs a safer place to be. These early styles may also be seen in the building and decorating of churches. Even after steel had been invented for quite some time, wrought iron continued to be used extensively up until the late nineteenth century. About two centuries worth of time were spent perfecting this method of operation. Cast iron railings did not become commonplace for general usage until the latter part of the 18th century when new manufacturing processes made their production possible.
Due to the fact that they found how easily and quickly cast iron could be molded into traditional shapes, the Adams brothers played a significant role in the widespread adoption of cast iron. They discovered that traditional forms could be simply fashioned out of metal with little effort. Up until about the year 1850, cast iron was seldom ever employed by homeowners as an outside decorative feature in their homes. Iron was the material of choice for constructing balustrades, parapets, and railings for low stone boundary walls in almost all cases. Additionally, it was applied as the crowning touch on the roofs, porches, and bay windows of particular homes that belonged to the middle class. Cast iron became increasingly popular throughout the Victorian era, and as a result, it was employed extensively in the construction of Victorian gates, railings, panels, and the decorative components that those structures contained.
During the Victorian era, it became the norm to construct residences that were remarkable not just in terms of their size and design but also in terms of their aesthetic appeal. In keeping with the aesthetic of this design, the mosaic tile was frequently used to decorate elements of the garden, such as gates, fences, and walks. This was done to boast about our wealth and accomplishments.
One type of iron is called cast iron, while another is called wrought iron. Gates and railings from the Victorian era may be seen on a significant number of British terraced houses, particularly older ones. These gates and railings were installed with the primary objective of improving safety and serving as a demarcation between private property and public roadways.
Traditional ironwork, whether it is employed as adornment, fencing, railings, or terrace gates, is frequently built to complement the architectural style of the house on which it is deployed. This is true regardless of the function that the ironwork serves. The artisans of the “gracious age” who contributed to the development of the Victorian style took their time to create works of art of heirloom quality and the durability to survive for generations. As a result, there was a significant demand for ornate gates and railings made of cast iron during this time period. By the late 1800s, even the most extravagant Victorian estates had access to catalogs filled with mass-produced cast iron fences and gates. These may be either gates or fences.
Affected by the Weather
Even if it was built to withstand all types of weather, the wrought iron fence you have might still suffer harm from the elements. A situation that occurs all too frequently poses the greatest threat to the aesthetic value of your fence. The accumulation of any precipitation, including snow and ice, can cause corrosion to occur on your fence. This can happen over time. Another potential threat posed by the weather that might undermine the security provided by a fence is high wind speeds.
There are certain things that, no matter how hard you try, you simply will not be able to prevent from happening. If you check on your fence frequently, especially after storms, and repair any damage you find, you can put off the rusting process for longer.
The Devastation That Corrosion Can Cause
Fences made of iron and other metals, like other metals, are especially sensitive to corrosion. This is a common source of frustration for homeowners who have only ever had vinyl or wood fences at their properties in the past. Any issues that are caused by corrosion demand immediate attention and action.
If you are diligent about inspecting your fence on a routine basis for the earliest signs of rust, you may be able to extend the amount of time it serves its intended purpose. Sandpaper and a wire brush can be used to smooth out any imperfections that may be present in the item in question. After the rust has been removed, at least one or two coats of paint that are resistant to rust should be applied. Wearing a mask when sanding or painting will allow you to avoid inhaling potentially dangerous particles.
If you see significant areas of rust on your fence, you should get in touch with the company that installed it and inquire about whether or not they can send someone out to fix it. In the event that rust spots appear on your fence,
Whether the issues continue, you should get in touch with the installer to find out if a repair staff can be dispatched.
The Dangers of Overloading Your Fence
If you wish to hang anything or lean anything on your fence, you need to use extreme caution. Because of the way it is constructed, the product must not be utilized to transport a significant amount of weight. Because it must support such a significant amount of weight, the fencepost may eventually become bowed or even snap as a result of the pressure. This is especially the case when dealing with thinner wrought iron fence posts, despite the fact that no wrought iron fence can be constructed to withstand larger weight for an extended period of time.
You shouldn’t make this decision unless you are quite certain that anything you want to place on your fence won’t make it significantly heavier than it already is. For instance, rather than enormous poinsettia wreaths, Christmas lights draped over fence posts would be a better choice. If you are unsure whether or not a specific amount of weight can be safely supported by your fence, you should discuss your concerns with the trained professional who originally installed it.
Damage Caused Accidentally
If your property is situated next to a busy road or a bend in the road, installing high visibility lights or reflector sticks close to your fence may be able to assist in reducing the likelihood of a traffic accident occurring there. In the event that a vehicle collides with your fence and causes damage, you should get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance provider to see whether or not you will be financially liable for the repairs.
If anything big, like a tree limb or a car, smashes into your fence, there is a good chance that it will sustain significant damage. If you see anything that might put the integrity of the fence in jeopardy, please contact the company that installed the fence as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Monitoring the condition of wrought iron fences and performing routine maintenance on them is vital for resolving any issues that may arise. Because you spent a significant amount of money on your fence, you want to ensure that it remains in excellent shape for the longest time possible.
Be sure to ask the fence installation firm what they recommend doing to maintain the fence on a regular basis. If you have recently purchased a home that already has a fence, you should get in touch with a reputable company such as Butte Fence to discuss upkeep.
The wrought iron fence that we provide may be made in a large number of different styles. In the event that you are interested in making a purchase or have any questions, please click here to have an assessment of your requirements.
