Answering Some Commonly Asked Questions About Metal Fences

A metal fence can be a good choice for any property, as metal is very durable and virtually fireproof, so it's less likely to get damaged in heavy storms and won't feed a brushfire. Metal fences also may need little maintenance, so you can have one installed and typically not need to worry about making fixes for many years, if not decades. If you're thinking about having a metal fence installed around your property, note some commonly asked questions about these types of fences, and then you can determine if they're the right choice for your needs.

Do metal fences rust?

Aluminium is not prone to rusting, so it's a good choice for areas with very high humidity levels. Steel and iron that are used for metal fences are typically powder coated with a type of sealant, or dipped in another noncorrosive metal, that keeps the fence protected from water and humidity, so they shouldn't rust either. Only poor-quality metal fences that have not been properly coated or sealed should ever rust over time, so ensure you choose a metal fence with a zinc plating or that has been coated in a rustproof sealant, to avoid rust and corrosion.

What is wrought iron versus cast iron?

Wrought iron refers to iron that has carbon or another material added to it, to make it soft and pliable, so that it can be shaped and formed more easily. Wrought iron bars for fencing may be twisted, or the metal may be rounded, shaped into tubes or columns, or otherwise fabricated in a wide variety of styles.

Cast iron is very dense, brittle and hard; this metal is often used for cookware, because of its overall density and durability. This type of iron may also be fabricated and shaped into different styles, but cast iron is usually much heavier than wrought iron. It may also be more expensive, because it's so much more difficult to shape and fabricate.

Are metal gates always squeaky?

A metal gate may squeak, creak, and groan if it should rust, or if it pulls away from its connectors when it moves; this corrosion, or metal rubbing against metal, often creates these sounds when a gate is in motion. To avoid this noise, opt for an aluminium tubular fence and gate, as aluminium is very lightweight and less likely to pull connectors out of place, and won't rust or corrode. This can ensure quiet and easy operation of your gate without that irritating squeaking and groaning.