Five Definite Don'ts of Cast Iron Fence Maintenance
Posted on: 16 March 2017
Cast iron can last for generations. Just think of the strength of a cast iron pan or a cast iron wood burning stove. The same is true of cast iron fences. However, since these fences sit outside and get subjected to the elements, you need to take care of them if you want them to last as long as possible. Here are some definite don'ts in the world of cast iron fence maintenance.
1. Don't Power Wash
Power washing fences is a fast and easy way to move dirt and debris, but it's also a possible way to damage your fence. In particular, the jets of water can flake off paint or cause weak areas of old fences to break. Instead, always clean your fence gently.
2. Don't Forget to Rinse Cast Iron
Although you shouldn't power wash your fence, you should rinse it. This is especially important if you live by the sea where there is a lot of salt in the air. The salt can start to eat at the iron, so it's best to rinse it on a regular basis. Don't even worry about using soap. Just run the hosepipe over the fence or throw some buckets of water on it.
3. Don't Clean or Rinse on Wet or Cloudy Days
When you rinse your fence, you should pick a sunny day. If you put a bunch of water on your fence during a cloudy or wet day, the water may take a long time to evaporate. Over time, the excess water can lead to damage.
4. Don't Always Skip the Soap
As indicated above, a nice rinse can do wonders for your fence, but you shouldn't always skip the soap. As needed, you should also clean your cast iron fence with soap. That helps to remove debris and the oily build up from passing vehicles. You can buy special soap, or you can use a gentle dish soap diluted in water along with a rag. Remember to rinse when you are done.
5. Don't Ignore Rust
If you ever see rust on your cast iron fence, you should not ignore it. Rust can spread and cause even more damage to the fence. Gently chisel off rust using a screwdriver. Then, apply a chemical rust remover to eliminate any remaining rust, and finally, paint over the area to cover any damage. Once you paint the fence, you can still use dish soap to clean your fence.
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