A wrought iron fence is an attractive and dependable way to keep intruders off your property. Fences don't come much sturdier than these, but there is a lot that goes into installing one. Chances are, if your area doesn't require you by law to have a professional install it, you'll want to hire one anyway. This guide will give you some idea of what goes into the process.
Should I Pick a Wrought Iron Fence?
If you are thinking about installing a wrought iron fence, you are probably basing your decision on aesthetics as much as anything; they are very beautiful and stately additions to most homes. You do, however, want to think about the architectural style of your house and the tone of your neighborhood when you are making your decision. Older-style homes lend themselves well to this type of fencing, but more traditional modern homes would probably look better with wood or vinyl.
Wrought iron is expensive and cumbersome (it is, after all, made of iron). If you think you want to take this job on yourself, you'll need to contact your town council because you may need to hire a certified mason to install the fence anyway. Due to the incredible weight of the material, many places have laws set up that require it to be set in concrete or cinder block to keep it from blowing over in extreme weather and causing bodily injury or harm to the surrounding area.
Installing a Wrought Iron Fence
Whether or not you are required by law to have a certified mason handle the installation for you, there's a good chance that a zoning inspector will have to look at the work once it's completed. For this reason, the obvious safety reasons outlined above, and the detailed and complex nature of the installation process, it is highly recommended that you contact a few contractors about this job. Compare their prices and experience with the material and pick the one that suits you best. If you know someone who has fencing like this, ask him or her about who did the work and how it went.
There are a few things that you, the homeowner, need to decide:
- What style of fencing do you want? A lot of wrought iron is custom made, so your options will be varied.
- Do you want brick or concrete columns to be a part of your setup?
- Do you want high fencing and/or sharp cap posts for added security?
- Do you want your wrought iron galvanized to prevent rust?
- Do you want to add a traditional wrought iron gate to your driveway?
Wrought iron is very classy, and you certainly pay for it. But it can add a lot of value to your home in terms of aesthetics and safety. It may be quite the undertaking, but installing a wrought iron fence on your property is going to transform the look of your home.