About Wrought Iron Fences
Wrought iron fences give your home a stately appearance and will last for more than a hundred years. You can purchase new or antique wrought iron fences, or ones made of steel or polymer.
Real wrought iron is a mixture of iron and other materials that make it possible to shape it in different ways. Blacksmiths use heat along with methods of force to create the design, a process that requires great skill. This makes real wrought iron more beautiful than other types but also more expensive. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Wrought iron has been used as a building material since the Middle Ages. In the last two centuries, the demand for wrought iron increased to be used in bridges, ships and trains. Early skyscrapers also had beams of riveted wrought iron that provided the framework. Newer buildings used steel.
When mild steel was introduced in 1856, it replaced wrought iron because it much less expensive to produce as it required none of skills of the craftsman. Like wrought iron, it is long lasting and can be shaped into all the patterns of standard wrought iron. True wrought iron is rare today.
Real Wrought Iron
Real wrought iron is still available, both in the antique form and new. The advantage of real wrought iron is its longevity. While it does rust over time, the rust can be treated or even prevented if it receives the right kind of care. Two types exist: charcoal iron and puddled iron.
Mild Steel
This is the material used to create most of the modern "wrought iron" fences available today. Mild steel is a carbon and iron alloy, which is made by melting cast iron and removing the carbon and slag. Even though it has greater strength and produces better consistency, it has less resistance to corrosion than real wrought iron.
Polymer
Polymer "wrought iron" fence captures the look of real wrought iron. It is less expensive than metal varieties, easy to install and, unlike other types of wrought iron fences, will always be rust-free. Also known as faux wrought iron, this fencing is available at Lowe's and GeoMatrix under the brand name EverIron.
Caring for Wrought Iron Fences
Wrought iron and mild steel fences must be painted to prevent rusting. Use a high quality paint recommended by the manufacturer of your fence. If rust does appear shortly after installation, consult with your manufacturer or repair it yourself by sanding it down to the bare steel, wiping it clean and applying RustSeal primer. Wait until it dries before painting over it with the fence paint.
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