If iron railings, fences and gates are properly
cared for, you should get a lifetime of use. Usually rust or corrosion affects
the base of the post where it is set in concrete. The most serious form of
rusting occurs because the top of a post is not properly sealed and water leaks
inside the post where it corrodes from the inside. Even worse, water inside the
post will expand in freezing weather, which expands the steel causing the steel
to bulge. In some cases this expanding or "bulging" at the base of the post can
actually break the steel, allowing more water to enter. At this stage, a railing
is unsafe for use and must be replaced or a new post must be welded to the
existing railing.
To maximize the life of your railing or fence,
do the following annually or biannually:
Inspect the bottom of each post. If there is rust, scrape the area with a
steel
wire brush and sand it with rough grade
sanding
paper. Clean the area with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and ensure it is
thoroughly dry before applying a
rust-inhibiting
primer, followed by a finishing enamel coat.
Pay special attention to bulging at the bottom of posts. If there is any
bulging, you should call a local repairman or railing company to replace the
post. Bulging is a sign that water has entered the post. If you contact a
local railing company or repairman to replace the post, ensure you specify to
the repairman that the top of the post should be properly sealed to prevent
water from entering through the top of the post.
Check the cement/mortar around the base of the post to ensure it is
mounded around the post. If the cement is recessed in the hole where the post
is set, water will continually settle in the recess causing rust. If you
notice water is consistently settling around a post, add mortar or cement to
create a convex mound around the post. Water continually settling around posts
will drastically weaken a railing and shorten its lifespan. Regularly check
your posts after it rains to ensure water is not settling around posts.
Rust-inhibiting
primer (if you use a spray can, make sure you adequately protect the
surrounding area, i.e. house, bricks, etc. Spraying may leave a haze on areas
you did not intend, so take heed!)
Rust-inhibiting paint (see note on spray
cans above)
Goggles
Paint Brush
(preferably a foam brush - these are cheap and effective)
FX: 804.798.1308