Tips For Care And Maintenance Of An Iron Property Gate
Posted on: 28 July 2017
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If you've invested in an iron gate and you opted to leave it naturally finished, that leaves it at risk of exposure to the elements. With an iron gate, that means you're at risk of rust development. Understanding how to take care of your iron gate is a key component to protecting the beauty of that finish. Here are some tips for keeping the gate in the best possible condition.
Keeping It Clean and Dry
The first step to protecting your gate is to ensure that it stays clean and dry. If you don't clean it properly, you may actually do more damage than good. Iron gates are sensitive to cleaners, so avoid using anything harsh. Opt for a mild detergent, like dish soap, instead. It's also important that you don't use any abrasive brushes to clean the surface. They'll leave surface flaws and scratches.
After you clean the gate, make sure that you dry it completely. Thorough drying will keep any moisture from settling in on the surface. This is important because moisture left behind will cause rust. Just remember that hand-drying is essential to be sure that you get everything.
Preventing Rust Development
In addition to keeping the gate clean, you also need to treat it in order to prevent the development of any rust. It's always easier to prevent it from forming than it is to eliminate it. You can either treat the gate with a rust-proof sealant or you can apply primer to the gate to protect it. Even with the best possible preparation, you may not be able to completely avoid rust development on the gate.
Eliminating Rust
If you do find the presence of any rust on your gate, you need to address it immediately. Treat the surface rust with sandpaper to eliminate it. Once you get the rust off the surface, treat it with a preventative again. That will help keep it at bay in the future.
Understanding how to keep your wrought iron gate looking its best is the sure-fire way to make the investment worthwhile. If you're getting ready to invest in a gate like this, knowing how to care for it can make a difference. Talk with your local fence and gate manufacturer about choosing and installing the right gate for your property, then use these tips to take care of it and keep its condition clean, strong, and rust-free. Contact a fence company, like City Wide Fence Co, for more help.