Metal fencing adds privacy and visual appeal to residential properties. While this feature is generally low-maintenance, it does require some upkeep to maximize its life span. If you’ve recently moved to a home with a metal fence, use the guide below to discover what you should do to preserve its quality.

Do:

Clean it regularly.

Ideally, you should clean the fence twice a year. To avoid damaging the material, use water and mild dish soap with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth. If there’s stubborn dirt, remove it with a toothbrush. During this deep clean, you can also inspect the fence for signs of rust or other damage, like hardware that needs replacement.

Tackle rust.

Rust can develop on any metal fencing, and it can degrade the material until it breaks. To remove the substance, scrub it off with a fine wire brush, rinse it, and let it air dry. Patch the exposed area by applying a rust converter, then a coat of primer and oil-based paint. To help keep rust at bay, spray a water repellent on any areas that see significant moisture, such as fencing located near your sprinklers.

Don’t:

Allow plants to become overgrown.

Prickly vines can scrape at your fence, potentially exposing the metal and inviting rust. Keeping shrubbery, weeds, and other foliage pruned will help avoid this issue. Thorny species, such as roses, can be especially rough on metal fencing.

Hit it with lawn equipment.

Avoid accidentally hitting the metal fence when performing lawn maintenance—if you hire landscapers, ask them to do the same. Gas- and electric-powered trimmers, weed whackers, and lawnmowers can create dings in the fence, removing paint and allowing rust to form.

While metal fencing can last many years with these care tips, the time will come when it needs to be replaced. If you need to install a new boundary, turn to Creative Iron Arts in Hayward, CA. These professionals will outfit your property with a stylish metal fence that complements the landscape and home architecture. View their gallery of projects online, or call (510) 910-2175 to request a free estimate.