
Ontario property owners love their metal fences and gates. Many recent projects by In-Line Fence are metal, taking advantage of the material’s strength, ability to withstand Ontario’s fiercest weather, and fantastic look!
Ontario’s rainy springs, humid summers and snowy/salty winters expose even the most protected metal to potentially damaging elements.
Reducing rust helps to extend the lifespan of your fences and gates. Let’s take a closer look at what can be done.
What Causes Fence Rust?
Rust is the result of oxidation when steel reacts with oxygen and moisture. Since both oxygen and moisture and greatly needed by us humans, we have to constantly deal with rust, protecting our outdoor metal fences and other structures as much as we can.
What Can You Do to Prevent Rust on Fences?
Regular cleaning is important in the fight against rust. Dirt, dust and other elements, like salt, can stick to a fence’s surface and encourage rust. For that reason, keeping your fence clean is important, even basic chain-link fences! You can wash your fence using a standard gentle soap and a brush, then rinse with clear water. (Even soap residue can make rust appear faster than if the fence was completely cleaned.)

Applying Protective Coatings to Your Fence
In-Line Fence recommends choosing a protective coating for your fence. These coatings can last for many years and reduce the amount of deterioration due to rust. Our metal fences and gates can be layered with simple paint, powder coating, or even galvanization.
Often we will use a thick powder coating on a metal fence. This durable coating isn’t applied with a brush; it is applied electrostatically and ‘cured’ under heat. It’s great protection against moisture and is resistant to chipping and scratching.
Take on Regular Maintenance
Catching early sights of rust will help to keep them under control before they become huge problems.
Look at your fence up close from many different angles to see if there are any signs of rust. Is there discolouration or paint flaking off? Be sure to check in the joints and where screws and bolts are used where moisture is more prone to collection and cause rust.
If you do see rust, address the spots immediately. Grind or sand down the spots, apply a rust-inhibiting primer, and repaint with metal paint that matches your fence’s colour.
If you need to, replace screws and bolts.
For added protection, you may wish to use a waterproof sealant on joints.

Rust Prevention Starts With Doing Your fence Job Right the First Time
Preventing rust on your metal fences and gates in Ontario involves applying the right coating, cleaning regularly and inspecting throughout the year. Doing these will helpt to ensure your fences and gates last a very long time and look great for decades to come.
If you have questions about how your fence might hold up in the future, reach out to In-Line Fence, an Ontario leader in new metal fence installations.