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Steel post and rail fencing - how to manage rust?

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Rust on steel post and rail fencing

 

Steel post and rail fencing is a popular choice for many property owners due to its durability, low maintenance, and classic appearance. However, even the most well-maintained and premium steel fence can develop rust over time, especially if it is exposed to the elements. Rust not only looks unsightly but can also weaken the fence structure, making it more prone to damage. Fortunately, managing rust on Steel post and rail fencing is a relatively straightforward process that can help prolong the life of the fence. 

 

If you are planning to buy Steel post and rail fences for your property and are worried about the management of rust or if you are looking for ways to eliminate rust on your existing steel fence, then keep reading. 

 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to high-end property owners across Australia and New Zealand. Safety, beauty and ease of maintenance are some of our top priorities when it comes to featuring products in our portfolio. Premium Steel post and rail fence is our flagship product and we have taken special steps for rust prevention ensuring our customers’ peace of mind. 

 

Based on our years of experience and expertise in the effective management of rust, we will share our learnings and insights into solving this issue, if it ever arises on your property. 

 

In this article, we will discuss, 

  • How to prevent rust on your Steel post and rail fencing? 
  • How to check for rust on your Steel post and rail fencing? 
  • How to remove rust from your Steel post and fencing? 

 

After your 5-minute read, you will know the best way to tackle rust and ensure it doesn’t spread and ruin the aesthetics or the structure of your steel post and rail fencing. 

 

How to prevent rust on your Steel post and rail fencing? 

 

To prevent rust on steel post and rail fencing, you can take the following steps: 

 

Step 1: Choose the right type of Steel post and rail fence 

There are different types of steel fences available today – Cattle rail, pre-powder coated Cattle rail and premium Steel post and Rail. Before you choose steel fencing for your property, it’s a good idea to dig deeper and learn which steel post and rail fencing offer the best protection against rust and why. 

 

Step 2: Apply a protective coating 

Applying a protective coating to the steel post and rail fence, specifically Cattle rail can help prevent rust. There are a variety of coatings available, such as paint, powder coating, or zinc plating. Make sure to choose a coating that is specifically designed to protect against corrosion. 

 

Step 3: Keep the Steel post and rail fencing dry 

Moisture is one of the main culprits behind rust formation. To prevent rust, try to keep the fencing as dry as possible. This can be achieved by ensuring proper drainage around the fencing and avoiding contact with water for prolonged periods. 

 

Step 4: Keep the steel fencing clean 

Dirt and debris can trap moisture against the steel, accelerating rust formation. Regular cleaning can help prevent this. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to remove any dirt or debris from the fencing. Even cobwebs can form into lumps over time and trap moisture in them, impacting the steel fence. 

 

Step 5: Inspect the Steel post and rail fencing regularly 

Regular inspections can help you catch any signs of rust early before it has a chance to spread. Inspect the fencing at least once a year and after any severe weather events or impacts. 

 

 

How to check for rust in Steel post and rail fencing? 

 

Checking for rust in a steel post and rail fence is an essential part of routine maintenance. Here are a few ways that can help you in your inspection. 

 

Check for discolouration on the surface

To check for rust, start by examining the surface of the steel for any signs of discolouration or roughness. Rust often appears as a reddish-brown discolouration on the steel. 

 

Look for flaking or chipping of paint

Inspect your surface for any paint that might be chipping away revealing the corrosion beneath. 

 

Keep an eye out for bubbles

You can run your hand over the surface of the steel to check for any rough or pitted areas that may be caused by rust. The fence might feel bubbled up, which basically means that paint is holding your fence together while the steel has already rusted inside. 

 

 

How to remove rust from your Steel Post and Rail fencing? 

Regularly checking for rust and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and appearance of your steel post and rail fence. Here is a two step process to help eliminate or control the problem of rust on your steel fencing. 

 

Step 1: Clean your Steel Post and rail fence 

The first step in managing rust on a Steel post and rail fence is to clean the affected areas. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any loose rust and debris from the surface of the fence. You need to scrub away the loose and affected steel until you reach the raw steel in its manufactured state. 

If there is a significant amount of rust, it may be necessary to use power tool cleaning including grinders or sanders to remove the rust back to its original state.  

 

Step 2: Prime and Paint the Fence 

After the rust and affected areas have been cleaned and removed of all loose debris, including dirt, dust and grease apply a coat of Zinc rich Metal Primer following the directions of the manufacturer closely. 

 

The primer will help to prevent further rust from forming and provide a base for the topcoat. Make sure you apply an anti-rust primer, or one specifically made for metal. 

 

Once the primer has dried, apply a topcoat of paint in the desired colour. Use high-quality, rust-resistant paint for the best results. 

 

If your Steel post and rail fencing have rust, we highly recommend investing time and effort in its proper removal. In some cases, the property owners simply paint over the top of the corrosion, which helps maintain the looks of the fence but compromises the integrity of the fence. It might buy you a few months, but eventually, the rust will take over leaving you with no fence. 

 

Are you confident to manage rust on your Steel post and rail fencing? 

 

You wanted to know about the best ways to tackle the most common problem of steel fences. 

Now you know regular maintenance is key to managing rust on a Steel post and rail fence. Keep the fence clean and free of debris and avoid allowing moisture to accumulate on the surface. Inspect the fence periodically for signs of rust and address any issues promptly.  

 

If you see any signs of rust, it’s important to take action to prevent it from spreading. Depending on the severity of the rust, you may need to remove it with a wire brush or sandpaper and apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint. 

 

In some cases, it may even be necessary to replace the affected sections of the fencing. 

 

If you want to reduce your stress, time, effort and maintenance cost significantly then do thorough research and compare different steel post and rail fences in Australia and New Zealand before making a decision. Consider an engineered steel fencing system that’s specifically designed to prevent rust, with architectural grade coating, no welds and no penetration of steel at any point. 

 

In conclusion, managing rust on a steel post and rail fence is an important part of maintaining the fence’s appearance and structural integrity. Following these steps and performing regular maintenance, you can prolong the life of your fence and keep it looking great for years to come. If you want more information on how to maintain your Steel post and rail fencing feel free to connect with one of our fencing experts. We would love to guide you and help you maintain your beautiful property. 

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