Iron gates are a popular choice for security and privacy but installing one can be a costly endeavor. But with regular use, repairs will inevitably need to be made at some point. That’s why at the first sign of even minor damages to your wrought iron gate, it’s best to act quickly to repair them.
Here are four common issues on iron gates and some ways to repair them.
Iron Gates Rusting
Rusting is how iron reacts with oxygen in the air producing corrosion products, like water, ferric oxides, and hydrated ferric oxides. This type of damage happens when moisture gets inside the gate through cracks or holes in the metal surface, leading to the oxidization of iron molecules.
Fortunately, it’s possible to deal with rust by sanding and repainting the affected area of the iron gate. If the damage has already occurred, then you can fix it by applying a rust-inhibiting primer or a paint specially formulated for use on iron.
Scratches And Other Minor Damages
There really isn’t much of a contest between manual and automatic gates in terms of security. The aforementioned risks with manual gates aren’t present with automatic gates.
You can remotely open the gate, drive through with your car without getting out, then close the gate behind you. It’s incredibly convenient.
Bolt cutters are useless. Burglars will need specialized electrical knowledge to get past.
Many automatic gates also have features that allow you to monitor who enters and exits your premises. It will, in most cases, eliminate the need for other security solutions.
Denting
Dents are like permanent gouges and scratches, but unlike scrapes, they don’t go all the way through to bare metal. One of the best ways to repair dents is by applying a filler.
First, you’ll need to sand the damaged area then apply the filler to fill the dent. Once the filler hardens, you need to smoothen it again through sanding. Afterward, you can proceed with repainting the area.
It’s unlikely that the new paint will match the old one, so this is a great opportunity for you to repaint the entire gate with something new.
Loose Hinges And Sagging Iron Gates
These are very common and can cause a lot of damage if not addressed in time. They mostly occur because the bolts holding them together wear out from regular use, so tighten those bolts regularly so your gates will function smoothly.
Aside from loose hinges, sagging can also be caused by the following issues:
- Leaning Support Post: The gate will eventually drag if the support post starts to lean. The support posts need to be reinstalled when this happens.
- Presence of soil: The hinges and other gate components may be affected by soil and other debris, causing issues like sagging. Take the time to inspect your gate, have it cleaned, and oiled if necessary.
- Gate operator issue: Choosing the right operators is crucial to your gate’s performance. If the operator is too big or too small, the gate may start to sag. Be sure to install the right operator or replace the old one with the correct one.
Gate Repair Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
Iron gates are a popular choice for security and privacy. They come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit any home or business. But with regular use, repairs will inevitably need to be made at some point.
Thankfully, you now know the basics involved in repairing some of the most common iron gate issues. Always remember to clean your gates regularly and tighten bolts as needed to prevent these problems from happening in the first place.
If you feel like you’re not up to the task of repairing your iron gate, don’t fret. Consider reaching out to a professional to help restore your gate.