Wrought iron gates are famously robust, especially those made by Orange County Iron Works, but like any home and garden architectural feature, they benefit from routine care and maintenance.
You’ve invested a lot of time and money in your wrought iron gates to shield your property and make your home a classic curb appeal, which means it’s crucial that you do everything you can to keep them lasting as long as they possibly can.
We know that you love your wrought iron gate and would want to make it last as long as you can. In this article, we will take a look at seven great tips you can follow to make sure your iron gates last twice as long as they’re supposed to.
Take a look at these seven tips to improve the lifespan of your iron gates.
7 Tips for a Long-Lasting Iron Gate
Apply a Protective Sealant
The biggest enemy of any Orange County ironworks is rust. Luckily, the paint, wax, and sealant on the iron can help protect it from exposure to harsh environmental elements that can lead it to tarnish.
Make sure to coat your wrought iron gate with a protective wax that adds sheen to the gate while also shielding it from water damage.
You may also want to add a sealant to your gate to keep it protected from environmental conditions such as moisture and rain. Keep in mind that doing this a few times throughout the year ensures maximum protection.
Here is a quick look at two of the most prevalent types of sealants:
Wax Sealer
Orange County metal works are coated with a protective wax sealant, which creates an additional barrier that water and oxygen are unable to penetrate. Unfortunately, waxes wear out over time, so it may need to be reapplied every year or two.
Metal Sealants
Metal sealants are a better alternative to wax sealants. Unlike waxes, these tend to last much longer than waxes, so you probably won’t need to reapply a metal sealant until it’s time to re-paint the iron gate.
Keep the Gates Clean
Over time, dust and dirt build-up on a wrought iron gate, making it look dull, dingy, and old. While dirt itself isn’t going to affect your iron gate, it can conceal damage where rust may be lurking. Luckily, cleaning a wrought iron in Orange County is simple.
Using a high-powered hose and traditional dishwashing detergent, gently clean your iron gate, and be sure to pay particular attention to tiny cracks and smaller areas. Once it has been washed and rinsed, let your iron gate air dry.
If you find a pocket of rust, regardless of if the spot is big or small, use a metal brush to remove the rust, then wash and dry the spot thoroughly. You don’t want any traces of moisture or rust to linger for too long.
Paint the Gates
Paint protects the surface of the iron from water damage and rusting. It is also one of the best ways to make it last longer and ensure that it fits with the rest of your landscape.
Black is a popular shade for wrought iron and highlights the classic appeal of this style of fencing. For a more modern approach to wrought iron fencing, you may want to consider using a different shade to make them look more intriguing and unique.
The right paint will not only show the fine details of your wrought iron gate, but it can also add texture and dimension to your gate.
Be Cautious of Nearby Plants
Although you may want to add more privacy to your wrought iron gate by planting vines or shrubs, these absorb moisture and can trap dirt and debris in their leaves. They may even cause the gate to bend or warp over time.
Some plants are better than others for wrought iron. When planting, choose annual vines, shrubs, or flowers if the plants are going to be in direct contact with the gate.
Trim Nearby Plants and Hedges
If you do decide to plant any nearby greenery, it’s essential that you keep any nearby plant growth away from your wrought iron gate.
While it may sound like a standard home maintenance tip, be sure to pay careful attention to plants near your iron gate and keep them neatly trimmed.
Fix Chipped Paint
If your wrought iron gate is getting older, it will be the first to let you know. Chipped paint is one of the first identifiers of an old iron gate, and the paint always comes off no matter how careful or frequent you keep the iron gate clean.
If you see the paint starting to chip or fall off the gate, you will want to scrape the chipped paint with a wire brush or other similar tool.
Once you’ve scraped away the chipped area, clean your gate and cover the old paint with a new coat.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Last but certainly not least, be sure to take the time to carry out thorough inspections of your wrought iron gate at least once a year.
During this inspection, be sure also to fix minor blemishes, cracks, and other types of damage to prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
Choose the Most Ideal Wrought Iron in Orange County
The great thing about wrought iron gates is that they do not need an extensive amount of care to keep them looking gorgeous for several years.
As long as you follow the steps laid out in this article, you can be sure that your wrought iron gates will be in great shape for plenty of years to come.
At Naddour’s Custom Metalworks, we design, fabricate, and install wrought iron gates for residential homes and businesses alike. We will work with you to ensure that you get the exact result you’re looking for.
We can discuss detailed information about wrought iron gates. So, if you’re looking for more information and you’d like to learn more, contact our team of experts at Naddour’s Custom Metalworks today.