You decided you wanted to enhance your property and you had The Professional Locksmith install an iron gate. It looks fantastic and you couldn't be more pleased. But, how do you properly care for your iron gate after installation?
There are several things you need to know about iron gates when it comes to caring for them. Here are a few tips to help you care for your new iron gate.
Apply Protective Wax
Depending on the type of iron gate you have, it may be a good idea to add a protective coat of wax to your gate. Some iron gates tend to rust due to exposure to humidity and rain. With a coat of wax, you can keep your gate protected from rust and it will look amazing for many years to come.
Clean it Regularly
Every so often, your new iron gate will need to be cleaned. It's best to use a mild cleanser during the cleaning process and a non-abrasive cloth. Don't let the water actually dry on the iron gate as it could stain or damage it due to the hard minerals and chemicals found in tap water.
You'll want to dry the gate with a sponge or cloth and never use caustic cleaners on your iron gate. Surface sprays, window cleaners, and any harsh chemicals may permanently mar your gate.
Remove Rust
Your new iron gate won't have any rust, but over time, rust may show up. If you do find any rust on your iron gate, you want to remove it. This can be done easily with sandpaper. Just rub away the rust and, if necessary, you can repaint the gate once the rust has been removed.
Paint Your Iron Gate
While a layer of wax will help protect your gate from rust, paint works wonders to keep an iron gate in good condition, too. Instead of using wax, you can decide to paint your gate to help protect the iron from the air and moisture.
Keep it Oiled and Repaired
Iron gate hinges will need to be oiled every so often. If you notice a squeaky sound or another sound from the hinges, it may be time to get out the oil or grease. It's a good idea to apply oil or grease to the hinges at least once per year.
In addition, you want to make sure any missing fasteners or other repairs are made in a timely manner to your iron gate. If you don't address repairs quickly, they could turn into a bigger issue. If something you cannot fix has happened, such as the welds breaking, it's time to call The Professional Locksmith and let an expert fix your iron gate.
Along with caring for your new iron gate, you may want to beef up the security of your gate. Before it's installed, talk to an expert from The Professional Locksmith about boosting security with metal screens and other measures.