Summertime brings about much change in your garden plans. It’s the time of year where the focus shifts… but whilst you’re out catching those rays, your metal gates and railings are busy battling the elements. They're working overtime, protecting your property whilst looking the part. But here's the thing – they need a bit of TLC to keep doing their job properly.
During our twenty years in the metal garden products world, we’ve seen fences, gates and railings that have been maintained for decades and look phenomenal, alongside ones that rust within years and lose their appeal. The difference? Regular maintenance. It's not a difficult thing to understand, but it does need doing.
Importance of Summer Maintenance
You wouldn’t skip a check-up with your mechanic and expect your vehicle to run just fine afterwards, so why do it to your metal work? Think of this as the servicing period for metalworks. The unexpected bursts of sunshine along with random downpours puts the metal through its paces. Coastal salt air, urban pollution, and sometimes even stray footballs from next door also add on to the wear and tear.
On the brighter side, there is a silver lining in all this. Summer is the best time to maintain metalwork. The warm (sometimes!) weather is a blessing, as everything dries quicker and issues can be tackled before autumn’s damp kicks in.
The Once over monthly
Start with a proper look. Walk along your railings and gates - inspecting them thoroughly. Look for rust spots, loose fixings, and any damage. Small problems caught early save big headaches later.
Take that tiny bit of rust that you have been ignoring for example. By the time winter comes it becomes three times bigger. Rust is like gossip it spreads extremely fast and is wherever you don’t want it.
When checking the hinges, make sure they can move properly. The hinges should not creak like a haunted house door. A drop of oil does wonders, but it must be the right type like 3-in-1 oil or proper hinge lubricator.
Restoring Perfections
Pro tip: cleaning is not only done to improve the aesthetics. That is where many people go wrong. Cleaning is about looks. The presence of dirt and grime can trap moisture underneath the metal providing a perfect room for rust to form.
Soapy warm water and a soft brush can do wonders as detergents can be harmful. Avoid using pressure washers as they can do way too much and force water into places it is not needed. When dealing with thinning paints, using elbow grease is a perfect option.
Treating Rust in the Early Stages
Caught some rust spots? Don't panic. The tiny patches of rust can be eliminated with some wire wool and rust converter. Treat it as surgery; remove the bad portions before they spread.
For everything else, start loosening up. Fixing the remaining spots will need a slight roughening up with a wire brush until there is only metal left and covering it with a rust inhibitor, primer, and paint. As they say, it is a hassle, but more cost effective than replacing the entire thing.
Avoid major overhauls. Instead, have some touch-up paint nearby to keep everything looking fresh. Our long-time metalwork customers have sworn by this.
Amazing Protection That Works:
Prevention beats cure every time. If your metalwork's looking tired, consider a protective coating refresh. Modern metal paints and treatments are miles better than they were even ten years ago.
Galvanised coatings are brilliant, but they're not invincible. Even galvanised metal benefits from additional protection in harsh environments. Think of it as wearing both a belt and braces.
The Bottom Line
Summer maintenance is not complex but absolutely does need to be done. With prompt surface cleaning, rust removal, and protective measures, metal gates and railings can be maintained in proper working order for decades.
The secret? Being consistent. Working towards a target rarely gets attention while little things done over time make the real difference. Viewing metalwork as an investment ensures that it will be serving in the long run. After all, good fences designate good neighbours, whilst well maintained fences and railings make ultra good neighbours!