12 Reasons Why Your Iron Fence May Be Falling Apart

The fence is subject to harsh weather conditions. Rough winter months can cause fence boards and posts to crack or split apart. Extreme heat in the summer may also warp iron panels, making them difficult or impossible to work with until they have time to cool down again.

Harsh chemicals may be used on fence panels to kill moss growth or deter weeds. Over time, these chemicals may seep through the fence materials, weakening them and compromising their structural integrity.

A fence that is situated too close to a fence. Suppose your fence is erected too closely to another neighbors' fence. In that case, it may not maintain its shape and curve as designed for optimal aesthetic appeal. It can also cause the edges of panels near the shared fence line to warp or detach from their posts.

Broken wire fencing is a common cause of iron fences falling apart. A hole in a wire fence caused by rusting, deterioration, or a fence-cutting animal can cause a great deal of damage to your iron fence.

The hole may allow other animals and pests access to the inside of your fence, which can lead to broken fence posts, damaged gate hardware, and compromised structural integrity to its surrounding area.

A fence post that is too short may have a visible lean, causing your fence line to become unstable, uneven, and unsafe. Animals or even humans can push over a fence panel with weak posts.

Strong wind gusts can create a significant amount of force against an iron fence, mainly if your fence is located along the property boundary or anywhere near tall trees that sway with heavy winds. If fence posts are not solid enough for strong weather conditions, they may break, fence panels become detached from their posts, and fence hardware can be damaged.

If your fence is between five years old to twenty years old, then it will need repair or possibly a new fence - this is because after about that time, the fence may start showing signs of rusting at the fence posts. It may also cause it to rust and deteriorate, so check for any signs that this might be the case.

If you live in an area with high humidity levels, your iron fence may be more susceptible to rusting and corrosion. The fence will look like it is falling apart when using quick-dry primer and paint. It is best to use a fencing primer and fence paint specially designed to avoid this problem.

Poor installation techniques were used during the iron fence construction. This can include improper framing or poor engineering and cause fence panels to fall out of alignment. The fence can also develop a lean due to shifting ground and erosion, causing fence sections to become loose or even break off entirely if not caught early enough.

A fence that is not maintained correctly will see a rapid decline in its lifespan. Regular cleaning with mild detergent and water removes light surface rust on your fence panels while pressure washing rids them of mud, dirt or debris caught up in fence crevices.

Poor gate materials were used when it was made. This will undoubtedly result in premature gate failure, thus requiring professional fence repairs earlier than you expected. The fence post holding the hinge should also be checked regularly because they may start pulling away from the ground with no root system or support.