Wrought iron is one of the most popular items for making fences for both commercial and residential buildings. Just like steel, Wrought iron has very low carbon content. Because of this, it has a number of beneficial properties which makes it one of the most preferred materials for construction. However, while there are plenty of reasons you might want to use wrought iron fencing for your property, there some downsides to doing so too. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Wrought iron.  

Benefits of installing a wrought iron fence

It is a more durable option

Wrought iron is one of the most durable fencing types you can find out there. It is stronger than materials like wood and vinyl and thus is able to last a lot longer than them. Also, because of this strength and toughness, Wrought iron fencing is harder to break through which makes it great for security purposes. Wrought iron fences are also low-maintenance compared to other fence types. It can withstand corrosion longer than other fence types. Painting the wrought iron fence will further extend its lifespan even more.

It is decorative

Wrought iron can be forged into different designs and shapes hence the name “Wrought” iron that was given to it. The alloy is quite elastic and can easily be molded into different impressive patterns by designers and artists which is one of the many reasons why it is preferred for construction purposes.

There are a lot of design options to choose from

As mentioned, wrought iron comes in different shapes and patterns, this means homeowners interested in getting one has a wide range of options to choose from. There are plenty of themes and styles available and you can easily pick the one you find the most appealing for your home. Wrought iron fencing can also be custom made according to your preferences.

Click here to know more about wrought iron, its composition, properties and uses.

Possible downsides to installing a wrought iron fence

Privacy

In most cases, Wrought iron fences are designed with bars and sweeping swirls but with gaps in between the rods which makes them it easy through them. This is what is known as an open design. While these iron bars are close enough to prevent intruders from getting into your compared, they are still too wide apart which means people can see through to observe what is going on in your compound.  This might be a challenge if you want full-privacy.

Expensive

Wrought iron s quite difficult to produce which means its materials are not as readily available as wood and other materials used in making fences, this makes it slightly more expensive than other types of fencing. Installing a wrought iron fence will cost you more. However, it gives your home an elegant rustic look which makes it worth the price in the long run. It doesn’t come cheap, but if you can afford it, you will definitely love what you get.

It is prone to weather damage overtime

The jury is still out about whether wrought iron will be more preferable compared to other iron alloys in terms of resistance to corrosion. While wrought iron definitely shows some resistance, the fact still remains that after a while; corrosion is very likely to set in and can be quite had to handle due to slags in the metal. Slag which is a by-product of iron smelting is what gives wrought iron a grainy appearance which many people find quite appealing. However, this can also be a big disadvantage as this grain is typically accompanied by small pits which can collect water when it rains and can prove very difficult to clean. These pits are the points where corrosion begins and over time can cause damage. Painting is one way to handle corrosion in wrought iron, but it also means you will have to reapply paint on the fence as time goes by to preserve its appealing look.

Conclusion

Although wrought iron fencing is typically a stunning addition to any property and has a potential to make your property more secure, installing one isn’t without its possible disadvantages, you should consider these possible downsides carefully before going ahead with your decision.