Salvaging wrought iron railings is a sensible and sustainable decision, retaining the character of the original fence, saving money and reducing waste. Not all wrought iron can be salvaged though, so this guide will help you to understand whether you can salvage your railings or whether they will need to be replaced.

Deciding whether to salvage or scrap your wrought iron railings

If your wrought iron railings are crumbling or soft, the chances are that they are beyond repair and should be replaced. When iron railings are not maintained, they are vulnerable to degrading and if they give to firm hand pressure, their structural integrity is likely to have been compromised to the point that replacement fencing from a company such as https://donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/wrought-iron-railings/ is a more practical option.

If, however, the iron does not yield to hand pressure, it may be salvageable. Surface rust can usually be cleaned off using wire wool. In some cases, deep rust pits will need to be filled and welded to retain the strength of the railings and you may want to consider the cost of this work, as it can in some instances exceed the cost of replacement.

If the rust is only on the surface, you may be able to remove it, then prime and paint the fence, achieving a pleasing finish at an affordable price.

In conclusion

Provided that your wrought iron railings are structurally sound, they can usually be repaired, though you will need to balance the cost of repair versus replacement to make sure salvaging them makes financial sense.