Fence Repair: A Little Maintenance Goes A Long Way

When it comes to fence repair, metal lasts longer than wood. That’s a fact. But it doesn’t last forever. Even the sturdiest metal fence panels will eventually need some TLC if you don’t want to end up replacing them prematurely. When it comes to maintenance, remember that you need to treat them like any other painted metal objects. Rust is the enemy. Follow these steps, and you’ll help keep your investment looking sharp.

Step 1: Inspect Regularly

Vancouver isn’t exactly known as a low-humidity environment. As a result, you need to keep an eye on your fence in case rust starts to set in. During the rainy seasons, you’re going to want to do this at least this once a month. But in the dry summer, you can probably get away with once every three.

Step 2: Clean Regularly

Treat you fence like you would your car. If you want the finish to last for years, you need to clean them regularly. A quick rinse and wipe will do most of the time when it’s just battling the elements, but if it gets mucked up with bird droppings or other kinds of yuck, you’ll need to attack it with soap and water. Use a paint-safe type of soap, the same you’d use on your car. And in the winter, when corrosive salt spray off the roads can be an issue, be sure to rinse your fence at least once a week.

Step 3: Fix Paint Damage Immediately

Peeling paint is a breach in your rust defence and has to be dealt with ASAP before it can spread. Use a wire brush to remove loose and flaking paint, as well as any rust you find, then prime the area with two coats. Once that dries, add another two coats of rust-proof paint in a colour that matches.

Step 4: Attack the Rust or Face Fence Repair

At some point, you’re going to find a large patch of rust that needs your attention. Treat this like a more aggressive version of the peeling paint situation. Sand the affected area down to the bare metal, then apply a solution like Rust Mort to neutralize what is left. Allow it to dry, then prime and then paint as above.

As long as you maintain them, your fence should give you years of privacy, protection, and beauty. But even the most attentive care can only do so much. When it’s time to have more extensive fence repairs done, remember that QS Fencing is a fully licensed and insured company with extensive experience in fence repair. To learn more about the various services we offer, visit https://qsfencing.ca or call (604) 345-5145 for a free quote.