Rusting is one of the most common challenges metal structures face and one of the hardest to get rid of.
The challenge is that once rust starts, it’s difficult to stop. So if you don’t want your metal gazebo to start accumulating rust, it is advisable to prevent it as it is cheaper than repair.
Prevention is always a good idea if it doesn’t cost you too much money. In this article, we will discuss ways to prevent metal structures from rusting.
Here are some tips on how to prevent a meta Gazebo from rusting.
1. Painting
First, you can prevent rusting by painting your metal gazebo. Painting helps prevent rust from forming when you leave water on the surface of the metal.
Painting will also give your metal gazebo a new appearance that makes it look attractive.
When choosing the type of paint to use. You can choose from oil-based paints that are good for protecting against rust.
You can also choose from exterior paints, providing a high-quality finish. You should avoid using water-based paint since this will result in the paint breaking down.
The best time to paint your metal gazebo is after it is cleaned properly.
It would be best to avoid painting already rusted metal since the rust might spread.
2. Avoid contact with water
This is one of the most commonly overlooked ways to prevent a metal gazebo from rusting. Before you leave the water on your metal gazebo.
You need to clean the water’s surface using a brush and disinfectant. This will prevent rust from forming on your metal gazebo.
If you’re planning to use a hose for cleaning, use it for washing purposes only. Spray the surface of your dirt with a disinfectant and scrub it off with a brush.
3. Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning will prevent rust from forming on the surface of your gazebo. You must wash your metal gazebo with hot water and a brush for regular cleaning.
You can also use a pressure washer, provided that you don’t use it regularly. Avoid using soap, as this will strip the paint off the metal gazebo.
You should avoid increasing the friction at the joints of your metal gazebo since this will result in corrosion. Too harsh chemicals like bleach should be avoided as they destroy the paint.
4. Apply metal primer
If you want your gazebo to last longer, then you should apply metal primer on it. Before applying the primer, you need to clean your metal gazebo thoroughly.
Then use priming spray paint to cover the surface of your gazebo with its protective layer. Avoid overlaying the primer since this will result in lesser protection against corrosion.
When choosing a primer to use, make sure that the primer has a high rust-proofing content since this will provide the best protection against rust.
5. Apply paint after priming
After you’ve applied the metal primer on your metal gazebo, you need to paint it to provide extra protection against the corrosion.
The right type of paint will ensure that the surface of your gazebo is protected from corrosion.
You can also choose an exterior paint of your choice using colors that complement your gazebo’s color scheme.
Metal paints like these are very expensive but they do provide better protection against corrosion than primers and priming spray paints.
6. Oiling when not in use
If you want to protect your gazebo from rusting. Then it is advisable that you oil it with rust proof oil if it’s not in use.
This will prevent the metal from rusting since it helps in keeping the paint from chipping and wearing off easily.
You should only apply some oil on the parts that are regularly used for moving like the handles and wheels of your gazebo.
The reason for this is because if you apply too much oil, then water will be attracted to the metal gazebo resulting in corrosion. This is one of the ways on how to prevent a metal gazebo from rusting.
7. Using a gazebo cover
You can prevent rust from forming on your metal gazebo by using a gazebo cover. When choosing the gazebo cover, you should first consider the design and style of your metal gazebo since they come in various designs and styles.
You should also choose a material that blocks out water from getting to your gazebo.
Most of the covers available are designed to protect against water, but if you want better protection then it is recommended that you choose a waterproof material like plastic or canvas.
You should oil your metal gazebo before putting on the cover to prevent rusting.
8. Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance will help prevent rust from forming on your metal gazebo. This maintenance should be done when you notice that the paint has started to chip or peel off.
The reason for this is that the chipping and peeling paint leaves the metal gazebo exposed to rusting.
Regular cleaning also helps in preventing rusting since it cleans off any dirt or dust on your gazebo. In case paint has faded or peeled off, then you need to repaint as soon as possible.
9. Proper Installation
The installation of your metal gazebo should also be done properly. You should also ensure that the gazebo is secured by tying it down to prevent it from shifting or rocking when in use.
You need to choose a spot that is close to the ground but far enough from an existing structure.
The positioning of the footings of your gazebo should also be considered when you’re planning on installing it.
The location should be shaded and away from direct sunlight so as not to cause damage to your metal components.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways on how to prevent a metal gazebo from rusting.
These methods will help in keeping your gazebo from rusting and it will make sure that you don’t have to worry about maintaining your metal gazebo.
If you want your meta Gazebo to last longer, then make sure that you take care of it properly.
If you follow the steps above on how to prevent a meta Gazebo from rusting consistently, then it is guaranteed that your metal gazebo will last for years without rusting.
