Humidity and other environmental factors could easily contribute to fence rusting in the Los Angeles region. In fact, most local homeowners have to handle the cost of fence and driveway gate maintenance and repair on a regular basis. We hope this article will protect your fence against rust and determination.
The typical cost of fence repair falls in the $282 to $818 range (depending on the material and the size of the fence), with metal fencing being on the more expensive end. Obviously, focusing on damage prevention is a much more cost-efficient practice than having to handle repairs later on.
Is it possible to keep a metal fence from rusting? The short answer is yes. Here are some of the most effective ways to protect against environmental factors and reduce the risk of damage.
Wrought Iron and Chain link fences aren’t going to become rusty overnight. There will always be some sign of minor damage before things become serious.
Do frequent inspections to look for such minor damage. If it’s handled immediately, the cost of maintenance will be much lower.
It’s best to do a thorough inspection at the start of each season. Look for little spots of corrosion and changes in color. If you notice any kind of rusting, use a bit of fine sandpaper to gently rub it off. The rust will flake away and you’ll see the original color of the metal underneath. If a larger spot has appeared, opt for a metal brush or rust-dissolving cleaner. Always use gloves, goggles and other protective gear when doing such thorough cleaning.
If you don’t know what you’re doing or you’re worried about damaging your beautiful fence, seek out professional assistance. Los Angeles fencing experts can handle small damage at minimal cost, giving you long-lived, sustainable results. These are great ways to protect your fence against rust.
Anyone living close to the beach in LA knows that handling minor damage can be a nearly impossible task due to the humidity.
Is the above-mentioned step ineffective in the area where you live? In such instances, adding some type of protective coating to your iron, steel or aluminum fence could be a much more practical approach.
High quality coating can deliver exceptional results in terms of rust protection, even in the most humid of climates. There are many products you can go for. Oil-based, rust-resistant primers are a must-apply. One layer of this product should be applied to the fence. Wait for it to dry completely before putting on a second layer for optimal protection.
It’s very important to strip the fence from any rust before applying coating. Otherwise, you’ll simply be sealing the damage inside – a mistake that can have a detrimental effect in the long run.
Painting over a metal fence is another way to protect it from rusting. For some homeowners, however, this tip will be inapplicable. If you like the appearance of naked metal, you definitely wouldn’t enjoy a coat of paint over it. While a painted fence can give you a neat and beautiful home exterior, it’s definitely not a choice for everyone.
These two procedures move into a more specialized territory and they’re not a good DIY approach. Still, they can deliver much better results than the techniques mentioned above, especially if more thorough rusting has already occurred.
Sandblasting, as the name suggests, refers to having extremely fine sandblasted against the fence via the use of a compressor and a nozzle. It acts like sandpaper but can be much more effective in terms of stripping a fence from rust, paint remainders, and other residues. Sandblasting leaves the surface of the fence smooth and shiny, getting it ready for the application of protective products. Sandblasting is a great way to protect your fence against rust.
It can be applied to both iron and steel fences. Galvanization refers to coating fences with a layer of zinc. When it dries, this thin layer forms a highly effective protective coating that keeps the metal underneath from rusting.
You can also find many kinds of galvanized fences on the market. Purchasing one off the bat reduces the need for maintenance in the future. Galvanized fences are available in many styles and designs, which increases their versatility.
Keep in mind, however, that galvanized fences are more expensive than other metal varieties and they can be difficult to install.
The number one way to protect your fence from rusting is to bet on high quality materials.
The cheapest fence out there will be made of inferior materials. Stainless steel, for example, can contain a mix of elements. Most varieties will contain some amount of iron that is prone to rust. The cheapest options will also contain chromium – a material that’s even more likely to get oxidized than iron.
In essence, you get what you pay for. If you start with a poorly made fence that features materials prone to oxidation, you’ll have to handle rusting very soon.
A good fence gives you a better return on investment. It will prove to be more budget-friendly in the long run. This is why you may want to postpone a fence purchase and save enough to buy a good product. After its proper installation, such a fence will give you many years, even decades of good use with minimal maintenance. We hope this has helped you with ways to protect your fence against rust.
