A metal fence can be a beautiful addition to your property. Along with adding to the aesthetics, it can serve many purposes, such as setting boundaries, keeping pets safe, and offering privacy. To keep your fence beautiful and functional for many years to come, you need to follow a few simple maintenance tips to prevent structural weakness.

Routine Maintenance

When you have a metal fence, you need to regularly do an inspection. Watch for issues like loose screws, corrosion, and bent components. You need to promptly address any problems you find to keep them from growing into major issues.

You also need to clean your metal fence. Mild soap and water are usually all you need to remove dirt and debris. Aluminum resists rust, but it can corrode in certain situations. If you notice minor scratches or chips while washing it, use a matching touch-up paint to cover these areas.

Landscaping Care

If you have large trees growing near your metal fence, have them trimmed regularly. This is the best way to remove dead and dying branches that could fall and damage it.

When planting shrubs along the fence, place them a few feet away from it. Their roots can cause damage as they spread. This results in tilting, and it can even cause your fence to collapse.

If you love the look of a climbing vine on your fence, purchase a trellis. By placing the trellis in front of the fence, you’re giving your vines a safe place to climb. If you allow them to creep up the actual fence, they can cause physical pressure to it. Vines also retain moisture, which leads to corrosion. In addition, vines often harbor fungi and insects that will further add to corrosion.

Environmental Issues

Watch after a heavy rain to see if water is pooling around your metal fence. If it is, then you can have something like a French drain, graded swale, or catch basin installed. This helps direct water away from the fence.

In addition to natural wear and tear, industrial pollution and high humidity can contribute to corrosion. A powder coating will add an extra layer of protection against these environmental issues.

All of this maintenance begins with a professional installation. Knowing that it’s sturdy and properly secured goes a long way when it comes to avoiding structural weakness. If you’re thinking about adding a metal fence to your property, call Reagan Fence in Kansas City, MO to talk to an expert about an aluminum fence installation.