Wrought iron fencing is a type of fencing made out of iron with a very small amount of carbon in it, increasing the durability and structural strength of the iron itself. This allows for wrought iron to act as an ideal building material for fences. However, like all fencing materials, wrought iron fences carry with them a set of unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of wrought iron fencing can help you decide whether or not a wrought iron fence is right for your home.
The Advantages of Wrought Iron Fencing
- Durability: The low carbon content of wrought iron greatly increases its durability beyond normal iron, and allows wrought iron fences to stand strong for an extremely long period of time. This durability translates into a long lifespan, which reduces your costs over time as sections of the fence will not need to be repaired or replaced. The durability of wrought iron makes it ideal for use as a security fence, as well.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wrought iron can be easily shaped and designed in interesting patterns and shapes unlike any other type of fencing material due to the malleable nature of the metal when it is being made. This allows for your fence to have a truly unique appearance and add something original to your home, something that other fencing materials simply cannot offer.
The Disadvantages of Wrought Iron Fencing
- Weather Resistance: Wrought iron, like most common metals, is susceptible to rust damage over time due to excessive weather exposure. Rust can eat through a wrought iron fence and ruin the aesthetic and, given enough time, even cause it to collapse. The spread of rust can be mitigated by painting the fence, and thus covering the metal from weather exposure, but the paint will need to be properly maintained through the seasons to prevent chipping, which represents an added hassle and expense to an already expensive fencing option.
- Price: Wrought iron is an extremely expensive fencing material, far exceeding the costs of wood and vinyl fencing (and even more expensive than other types of metal fencing too, depending on the metal in question). Additionally, as wrought iron is so heavy a material, labor costs are higher than with other fencing materials, as installation will take much longer. It should also be noted that wrought iron fencing with custom designs will greatly increase the price of your fence. However, wrought iron's durability could waive some of the expense in the long run.
If you are interested in wrought iron fencing, contact a professional fencing company, like Maximum Fence, for more information on your options.
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