Top Ways to Prevent Rust on Your Metal Fences
You invest in a beautiful ornamental iron or classic chain-link fence to improve safety and make your home look more attractive. What if, after a few months, you see a dreaded orange-brown crust creeping across the rails? Well, that would probably be the last thing you had dreamt of!
In Northern Nevada, there’s one enemy every metal fence owner eventually faces: Rust.
If you don’t take care of your metal fences regularly, this rust can take over, and if ignored for long, it can shorten your fence’s lifespan.
So, how do you keep your metal fence looking brand new for decades? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most effective, proven ways to prevent rust on metal fences.
Why Do Metal Fences Rust So Easily?
Rust forms when metal, moisture, and oxygen react together. Even in dry climates like Reno or Sparks, moisture from rain, irrigation systems, snow, and morning condensation can trigger corrosion over time.
You must have noticed some common rust triggers across Reno, Winnemucca, Carson City & Sparks –
- Sprinklers that constantly hit the fence
- Snow sitting at the fence base in winter
- Chips or scratches exposing bare metal
- Poor drainage around fence posts
Easy Fence Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Metal Fence From Rust
1. Choose the Right Metal At the Time of Installation
Prevention starts before the first post is even set in the ground. If you’re currently in the market for a new fence, your choice of material is your first line of defense. Contact a top fencing contractor in Reno who offers rust-resistant fence materials.
- Galvanized Steel – It’s coated with zinc to block corrosion. If moisture hits the fence, only the zinc corrodes instead of the steel.
- Aluminum – It’s naturally rust-resistant. Aluminum doesn’t contain iron, so it physically cannot rust. It’s perfect for residential areas in Carson City where you want the look of wrought iron without the maintenance.
- Powder-Coated Ornamental Iron – If you love the classic look of iron, make sure it has a high-quality powder coating. This is a dry finishing process that creates a thick, protective skin over the metal and prevents it from rusting.
2. Keep Your Fence Clean
Most homeowners don’t realize that dirt holds moisture. When dust, mud, or leaves stick to your fence, they trap water against the metal, resulting in rust over time.
- Wash your metal fence 2-3 times a year.
- Use a mild soap, water, and a soft brush.
- Rinse the fence thoroughly, and especially near the bottom rails.
Do you have sprinklers nearby? That area needs extra attention. A quick seasonal rinse can prevent years of corrosion damage.
3. Keep Vegetation at a Distance
We all love a lush backyard, but did you know your bushes might be suffocating your fence? When plants, vines, or tall grass grow directly against metal, they trap dew and rain against the surface.
So, trim back any shrubs or vines so there’s at least a few inches of space around the fence. This allows wind to pass and dry the fence quickly after any storm or rain.
4. Inspect Your Fence Regularly
Rust starts slowly but spreads very quickly if it remains unnoticed. Every spring, walk the perimeter of your property.
- Check joints and welds. These are the most common spots for rust to start.
- Inspect the bottom of the posts. This is where snow piles up, and moisture lingers the longest.
- Check the gate hinges because moving parts often scrape off protective coatings.
By inspecting regularly, you can easily spot if any rust appears on the fence and remove it yourself or with the help of a professional.
5. Touch Up Chips Immediately
If you see a chip or a scratch in the paint or coating, don’t wait for too long to fix it. Exposed metal can oxidize within hours in humid conditions.
- Lightly sand the damaged area
- Apply a rust-inhibiting primer
- Finish with matching outdoor metal paint
6. Apply a Protective Wax or Sealant
If you have a high-end ornamental iron fence, you can protect it even more by using an automotive-grade wax or a clear metal sealer. These coatings help water roll right off the surface and keep dirt and pollutants from sticking to the metal.
7. Remove Rust If It Already Exists
If you spot any rust on the fence surface, try to remove it.
- Use a sandpaper or a brush to remove the loose rust until you see shiny metal.
- Neutralize by applying a rust converter. This chemical solution turns iron oxide into a stable, black protective layer.
- Use a zinc-rich primer and a high-quality exterior metal paint to seal the deal.
This stops rust from spreading and restores strength.
8. Call Professionals for Fence Maintenance
DIY maintenance helps, but not always. Maybe you don’t get enough time to inspect or clean the fence regularly. Or you might miss a small rust spot while scrubbing or treating the surface. That rust won’t stop on its own; it will continue to spread, slowly weakening the metal and damaging the fence over time.
A trusted fencing service in Carson City, Reno, Winnemucca, & Sparks can –
- Identify hidden corrosion
- Repair weakened joints
- Recoat or reinforce aging fences
- Extend fence life by 10-15 years
Common Questions About Metal Fence Rust Prevention In Carson City
How often should I inspect my metal fence for rust?
We recommend a thorough inspection twice a year. Check your fence in the spring, after the snow melts, and also in the fall before the winter moisture sets in.
Can rust spread even after painting?
Yes. If rust isn’t removed properly before painting, it can continue spreading underneath the surface. Also, if you don’t regularly clean and inspect your fence after painting, rust may bubble up again.
Is Aluminum fencing better than Steel?
It depends on what you’re looking for!
- Aluminum fencing doesn’t rust at all, which makes it a great choice if you want a low-maintenance option. It’s lightweight, holds up well in different weather conditions, and needs very little upkeep.
- Steel fencing is known for its strength and solid build, which makes it a good option for security or areas that need extra protection. However, steel needs proper coatings and routine upkeep to keep rust from developing over time.
If you need a durable and strong fence, steel works well, but if you can’t spend enough time on maintenance, Aluminum is the better choice. It’s not as strong as steel but is durable and doesn’t corrode.
When should I call a professional instead of cleaning my metal fence in my Carson City home by myself?
If you notice major issues, like a loose post, a gate that won’t close properly, or heavily rusted hinges, it’s best to call a professional fencing company in Carson City. Small surface rust can usually be handled on your own, but once rust starts affecting the structure or stability of the fence, expert repair is the safer option.
Takeaway
Rust is one of the most common reasons that can reduce your metal fence’s appearance, quality, and stability over time.
If your fence is made up of metals that don’t corrode like Aluminum, you don’t need to worry about rust. But if the fencing metal used is corrosive, you need to take proper care of it.
However, with timely inspections and regular maintenance like cleaning and painting, you can prevent your fence from rusting for long.
Protect Your Metal Fence Today With Artistic Fence Co. in Carson City, Northern Nevada
If you’re looking for a reliable fencing service in Reno, Winnemucca, Carson City & Sparks, Artistic Fence Co. can help.
We’re the top fencing contractors in Reno with an experience of over 60 years. Whether you want a quick fence inspection, fence replacement, or a new fence installation, we do it all.
We also provide fence repair services when you need them. Reach out to us today to get a free quote!
Call us at –
- Winnemucca: 775-623-6676
- Carson City: 775-882-4665
- Reno: 775-786-6002