If you’re thinking about installing a fence on your property, there’s a good chance that one of the main reasons you’re doing so is to increase your property’s security. If you’re looking for a fence material that will provide the most security, it’s without a doubt wrought iron. The following are a few reasons why wrought iron fences provide such good security:

• It’s more difficult to climb over – This is especially true if you have finial tips at the top of your fence. Very few potential intruders will want to attempt to climb over for fear of injuring themselves.
• It’s almost impossible to break – Other types of fences, such as wood or vinyl fences, can be broken down or broken through. This is simply not happening with a wrought iron fence.
• You can fix it to the ground – If you weld the wrought iron panels to the posts or use security fasteners, the wrought iron fence will be impossible to take apart.

Even though wrought iron fencing is one of the most durable fencing options available – and one that will require little maintenance while being able to resist harsh weather elements – you’ll still want to perform a few maintenance tasks once in a while to ensure that your wrought iron fence will remain in top-notch condition. Here are a few tips for caring for your wrought iron fence:

• If your fence is near water, like a pool, consider applying a coat of wax to help prevent potential rust from developing.
• Paint your wrought iron fence. This can prevent oxidation and rust from occurring.
• Every once in a while, inspect your wrought iron fence for rust. You can remove small bits of rust using steel wool or sandpaper. If the fence is dirty, clean it. This will make it easier to spot future issues.

How to Care for Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fencing has a unique beauty and can maintain that beauty for many years. That is as long as they are kept property maintained. Rust is the most important aspect that needs to be taken care of. If it’s let go unchecked, rust can impact the structural integrity of your wrought iron fencing and cause it to deteriorate.

Here’s what you should know about caring for your wrought iron fencing and preventing it from rust:

• Stop Plant Growth.  Keep weeds and other plants from growing  on your fence to prevent against too much humidity. It’s especially integral to prevent thorny or prickly bush and vine growth as even small scratches can encourage rust.
• Prevent with a Protective Covering.  Add a protective coating of car wax or market-specific water repellent spray as directed by manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent moisture from seeping in.
• Clean.  Keep your wrought iron fencing looking beautiful with regular scrub downs whenever you notice dirt accumulation. This can be done with a simple warm water and dish soap mixture.
• Repair Where Rusted.  If you do notice rust, then it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Use a fine grit sandpaper or wire brush to scratch the rust off. Once removed, use paint, wax, or a protective spray to further protect your wrought iron fencing.

How to Care for Your Wrought Iron Fencing

People love wrought iron fences for their beauty and durability. However, it takes maintenance to keep wrought iron fencing looking good and staying strong. Here are some tips on wrought iron fencing maintenance essentials you should keep in mind:

• Preventative sealing.  There’s a heightened risk for rust on wrought iron fencing during the rainy seasons and in areas of high humidity. Use a protective sealant or wax to prevent rust formation. You might also consider painting to lessen oxidization and further lower the chances of rust.
• Good maintenance and cleaning.  In addition to annual re-sealing, it’s important to regularly clean your wrought iron fencing for a longer lifespan. A simple wash with warm water and dish soap is sufficient and allows you to check for areas needing attention.
• Make a complete repair when necessary.  Whenever you find damage, whether it’s a dent or signs of rust, it’s good to get it fixed as soon as possible. For rust, sand and scrub the material to get rid of the rust and prevent your wrought iron fencing from developing further corrosion. For dents or bent fencing, you may be able to fix it with basic hand tools, although you might want to call in a professional if major fixes are necessary.

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

People love wrought iron fencing. Installing wrought iron fencing is a true investment for any home that will withstand elemental forces for decades to come. But durability isn’t its only feature, here are a few of best practical uses for wrought iron fencing:

• Driveway gates.  Wrought iron fencing offers a unique pairing of style and security. Its ability to be shaped into a wide range of style featuring elaborate curves, twists,, and sharp upwards points makes it great for accentuating the edges of your property. Pair it with an electric gate system to automatically let wanted vehicles in and unwanted ones out.
• Garden gates.  When choosing fencing for inside the bounds of your property, wrought iron fencing makes a great choice for accenting the beauty of features like your garden. Here, the emphasis is more on beauty than security or privacy and so you might install a shorter wrought iron fence of between 1 and 3 feet tall.
• Ornamental gates.  Wrought iron fencing is designed to have its rails spaced evenly apart for a thin profile. This allows the backdrop to be the focus while the fence features  its own classic style. For instance, many homeowners choose this fencing type to provide a physical barrier between the road and their property, but not a visual barrier.

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

As malleable as its composition, wrought iron fencing is stately, elegant and imposing all at once. Wrought iron has been used for centuries, and it’s still popular today in the form of fences to mark property lines, security gates, automated gates (e.g. driveways), balcony rails, security doors and more.

While professional installation of wrought iron fencing is suggested, you may successfully install your new fence if you’re handy with tools.

Setting the Posts

Mark the hole locations 8 feet apart in a straight line by marking with a string.

Use a hole digger to dig 8-inch diameter by 24-inch deep holes.

Mix concrete in a wheel barrow or other suitable container, and pour it around the posts with a shovel.

Set the posts to the proper height, which is typically 4 inches higher than the top of the fence panel. Confirm height with a laser level.

Plumb each side of the posts.

Let the concrete set for no less than 24 hours.

Hanging the Fence Rails

Slide the brackets to the fence rails.

Place a fence panel between the posts.

Block beneath the panels to adjust to the correct height. Use a laser level.

Use a nut driver and self-tapping screws to secure the brackets to the posts, keeping the panel plumb.

Cut any infill panels to size, and use the same installation procedure.

Once all the panels are installed, glue on the spear points or other decorative parts using liquid nails or silicone caulk. Make sure the points dry vertically.

Wrought iron fencing adds beauty and value while protecting your property. People look in at the building and others inside the fenced area can look out. This type of fencing last a lifetime when it’s properly installed.

Wrought iron fences and gates can be installed with stone, brick or wooden posts to work with professional landscaping. The individual iron bars can feature attractive finials on their tops. Wrought iron fencing comes in different sizes and heights with twisted and criss-cross patterns along with special designs that turn a gate or fence into a work of art.

Leaf patterns, hearts, trees, animals, birds, vehicles, your initials, name or business logo can be created in wrought iron. You will find numerous intricate wrought iron scrollwork patterns that can be used for fences, gates, stair and balcony railings.

These strong iron fences can provide a security perimeter for commercial and industrial buildings.

Installing a wrought iron fence or gate should be done by professionals. You can also do some of the advance work:

Determine the desired height and design of the fence and/or gate.

Layout the area you want to fence with your landscaper.

Obtain all necessary building permits

Select latch systems

Make sure that electrical systems are available if you want an automatic gate.

A well designed wrought iron fence and gate will enhance any property.

Classy and Practical: Wrought-Iron Fencing Projects

The possibilities are endless when it comes to wrought-iron fencing. If you can dream it, Lonestar Fence & Construction can turn it into reality. Wrought-iron fencing is pliable, which means that it can be shaped into various elaborate designs. Wrought-iron fencing is also more than simply another way to mark the boundaries of your property line–it provides a design feature that will add value and curb appeal to your home or business.

Driveway Gates

Using wrought iron for your driveway gates provides you with a product created by skilled craftsmen, with only the best materials to ensure you’ll enjoy years of use.

Installation of wrought-iron fencing should only be done by experts. Choosing wrought iron for your driveway gates will provide you will a high quality, aesthetically pleasing product with proven longevity.

For Gardens

Consider the use of wrought-iron fencing within the confines of your property. The accents of wrought iron are sure to heighten the splendor of your flowerbeds. Since this type of wrought-iron fencing averages only 1-3 feet in height, this particular type of project is cost effective yet eye-catchingly beautiful. .

For your Home or Business

One of the benefits of using wrought-iron fencing is that you can see through it. If you are not in need of extreme privacy, this can be an advantage. The street view of your home will be classy, upscale, and appealing to those catching a glimpse of what lies beyond through lace-patterned stanchions.

Wrought-iron fencing can be forged into any shape, so you can indulge in over-the-top, lavish designs, or you can use a minimalist approach that will still draw attention to your home and provide the added security and durability you need.

More Reasons to Install Wrought-Iron Fencing

Wrought-iron fences are an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional materials like wood or chain-link because they are constructed to last for generations. They do not need to be replaced as frequently as traditional fencing options and the materials used in your wrought-iron fencing projects can be reused if you move from your home or business and do not wish to leave your wrought-iron palisades behind.

Be sure to hire a reputable and reliable company that employs quality craftsmen to ensure proper installation and longevity.

No matter what type of wrought-iron fencing project you’re in the market for, Lone Star Fence & Construction will provide you with excellent customer service and detailed, professional workmanship.

Updated by Steve Rogers on November 30th, 2015

Wrought iron fencing can add elegance to your property–especially when considering the many designs you can use as well as the fact that wrought iron fencing can easily compliment other materials, such as brick or stone. The following are a few practical uses for wrought iron fencing, plus a few basic installation tips:

Practical Uses

Improve Security – If you’re looking to protect your property from potential intruders, installing wrought iron fencing around your property is an effective way to do so. Wrought iron fencing is strong and sturdy, making it less likely that unwanted visitors could penetrate the fence in a way that they might with wood or wire fencing.

Establish Boundaries – If you have a garden on your property, you can use wrought iron fencing to establish boundaries between the different sections of your yard. Remember, you don’t have to necessarily use tall wrought iron fencing. A wrought iron fence of about one to three feet high can be perfect for your garden and can help keep small animals out.

Installation Tips

While the actual installation of your wrought iron fence should be left to a professional, here are a few tips to prepare for installation:

Decide how high you want your fence to be.

Lay out the area you want to install the fence in.

Obtain all the building permits you need to install the fence (your contractor may be able to help you with this)

Choose a latch system.

If you plan on installing an automatic gate, make sure that electrical systems are available.