Wrought iron fencing is popular among homeowners for a number of reasons, some of which are discussed further below. One of them is the resistance created by the fencing. Because of its durability and resistance to bending, strain, and denting, the owner is confident that the 100-year fence will not need to be repaired anytime soon.
Accidents do happen, despite the system’s robustness. Your wrought iron fence is likely to sustain some damage over time. If this occurs, you’ll want to ensure that the company that installed your fence can make any necessary repairs as soon as possible. You may be wondering what types of harm could occur and how they could occur. This, as well as the history of wrought iron fencing, will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
Where Did the Inspiration for a Wrought Iron Fence Come From?
The invention of blast furnaces in the 15th century enabled the production of the first wrought iron railings. These railings were used to enclose pathways and stairs. Early examples have also been found in church interiors. Even after the invention of steel, people used wrought iron until the late nineteenth century. This method was used for approximately two centuries. Cast iron railings were not widely used until the latter half of the 18th century when new industrial processes were developed. That’s why so many people turn to our experts for a privacy fence Summerville SC residents rely on.
Because they immediately noticed how easily metal could be sculpted into classical shapes, the Adams brothers were largely responsible for the widespread use of cast iron. They discovered how simple it was to shape metal into classical forms. Until around the year 1850, cast iron was almost never used as a decorative material on the exterior of residential structures. Iron was most commonly used in the construction of balustrades, parapets, and railings for low stone boundary walls. In some middle-class homes, it was also used to cap bay windows, porches, and pointed roofs. Cast iron gained popularity during the Victorian era and was commonly used to construct Victorian gates, railings, panels, and the decorative components that they contained.
Creating visually stunning and impressive houses was the norm during the Victorian era. This trend included the installation of garden walkways, gates, and railings, which were typically ornamented with mosaic tile. This was done to demonstrate prosperity and wealth.
Iron is classified into two types: cast and wrought. Victorian gates and railings are common in terraced houses throughout the United Kingdom. These gates and railings were originally built to separate private land from public thoroughfares and to add a layer of safety.
Traditional ironwork is typically built to complement the architectural style of the home in which it is used, whether as decoration, fences or railings, or terrace gates. Victorian designs are representative of a “gracious era” in which manufacturers took their time to create decorative objects of exceptional quality and longevity. As a result, ornate cast iron gates and railings were in high demand during this period. By the late 1800s, the most affluent Victorian households had access to catalogs of mass-produced cast iron fences and gates.
Elements Caused Broken Wrought Iron Pieces
Despite being designed to withstand all types of weather, your wrought iron fence may sustain damage from the elements. This all-too-common occurrence is the most serious threat to your fence’s aesthetic value. The accumulation of any type of precipitation, including snow and ice, can cause corrosion of your fence. Another type of weather-related threat that could cause fence damage is strong winds.
Even if you consider what you can do to prevent it from happening, some things are simply unavoidable. You can slow the rusting process by inspecting your fence on a regular basis, especially after storms, and correcting any flaws that you find.
Corrosion-Related Damage
Corrosion is a problem that only affects iron and other metal fences. This is a common source of frustration for new fence owners who have never had anything other than vinyl or timber fencing installed in their homes. Any corrosion-related issues must be addressed immediately.
Your fence’s lifespan may be extended as a result of your efforts to inspect it on a regular basis for the first signs of rust. Using a wire brush and sandpaper, you can remove any imperfections that are present. After removing the rust from the affected area, apply a coat or two of rust-resistant paint. Sanding and painting are two activities that necessitate the use of a mask to protect your health.
If you notice any large rust spots on your fence, contact the contractor who installed it to see if they can send someone out to fix it. If you notice any rust spots on your fence,
Check with the contractor who installed it to see if they can send someone out to fix the issues.
The Dangers of Excessive Weight
Always proceed with caution when it comes to anything you intend to hang or lean against your fence. The product is not intended to support particularly heavy loads due to its design. If this weight is supported by the fencepost for an extended period of time, it may bend and break. This is especially true for wrought iron fence posts that are thinner, though no wrought iron fence is designed to withstand more weight for a longer period of time.
It is preferable to postpone making that decision until you are certain that hanging anything from your fence will not add much weight. Large poinsettia wreaths, for example, may not be ideal, but Christmas lights strung around fence posts should be sufficient. Speak with the person who installed your fence if you have any questions about the weight limits.
It’s Possible That The Damage Was Unintentional.
If your home is near a busy road or a curve in the road, it may be a good idea to highlight your fence with high visibility lights or reflector sticks buried next to your fence to reduce the risk of a traffic collision. Check with your homeowner’s insurance company to see if you are financially liable for vehicle damage to your fence.
If a large object, such as a tree branch or a car, collides with your fence, it is very likely that significant damage will occur as a result of the impact. If you notice a threat to the structural integrity of your fence, you must contact the company that installed it right away.
Conclusion
It is critical to be aware of the deterioration of wrought iron fences and to perform routine maintenance to address any issues that may arise. You spent a lot of money on your fence, and now you want to make sure it looks great for the foreseeable future.
Inquire with the company that will install your fence about the type of maintenance they recommend. If you moved into a home with an existing fence, you should talk about upkeep with a reputable company like Butte Fence.
There are numerous options for the wrought iron fencing that we provide. If you are interested in purchasing or have any questions, please click here, and we will assess your requirements.
