Metal and Wrought Iron Fence Products |
Viking Fence is committed to quality. We have gone thru a rigorous selection process and are proud to furnish and install the following ornamental iron fence products:
Ameristar Ornamental Iron Fence (click for more info and gallery)
Fortress Iron Railing & Fence Systems (click for more info and gallery)
Custom Iron/Metal Fences (click for more info and gallery)
What makes a quality ornamental wrought iron fence?
A quality product
- Is the manufacturer using galvanized steel?
- Are the pickets and the rails galvanized inside and outside?
- If so, what's the zinc rating of the galvanized coating?
- How is the steel treated prior to powder coating?
- The answers to these questions dictate how long a company can warranty it's product for.
A quality installation
- Does the fence company have a standard for how ornamental iron fencing should be installed?
- Are they organized to ensure a quality installation?
A company that stands behind both
- The warranty says it all.
- But a warranty is only as good as the company behind the warranty
Viking Quality Wrought Iron:
Hot-dipped galvanized steel. "Ornamental Iron" fencing, as it is commonly referred to, is actually, for the most part, galvanized steel or aluminum that has been galvanized and/or coated to prevent rust. True wrought iron fences are not common these days, for economic and practical reasons. Quality "ornamental iron" fence manufacturers start with hot-dipped galvanized steel. Hot-dip galvanizing is the process of applying a zinc coating to fabricated iron or steel material by immersing the material in a bath consisting primarily of molten zinc. It is inherently simple and effective, and this simplicity is a distinct advantage over other corrosion-protection methods. The hot-dip galvanizing process coats the fence pickets and rails both inside and out. Some manufacturers only coat one side of the steel picket and/or rail. As a result, their steel will rust on the side that doesn't have any protection (usually the inside). To get complete protection, both sides must be galvanized.
Highest level of zinc protection. Why is Zinc Important? Zinc's most remarkable quality is its natural capacity to protect against the elements. Zinc seals the underlying steel from contact with its environment. If the steel is exposed to the elements, the surrounding zinc corrodes sacrificially, protecting the underlying steel from corrosive attack. Because zinc is the sacrificial lamb, the more zinc a product has, the more corrosion protection it will have.
By protecting against corrosion and its costly effects, zinc extends the life of ornamental iron products. Zinc is an expensive commodity and getting more expensive in recent years because of the emerging demand from countries like China. As a result, some manufacturers either apply a thinner layer of zinc or none at all. The ornamental iron products that Viking offers have the highest level of zinc protection in the industry (G90). The G90 standard means that a sheet of steel has 0.90 oz. of zinc per sq. ft. Some manufacturers build their fence panels with either a G30-G60 level of zinc and some, believe it or not, use steel that isn't hot-dipped galvanized at all.
Below is an example of a fence manufactured by a local Austin firm that calls itself a leader in the ornamental iron industry. It was installed 2 years ago.
Total submersion E-Coat Process. For corrosion to begin, there must be an exposed surface that is not protected. Typical paint processes, no matter how carefully applied, cannot cover many vulnerable exterior surfaces such as the underside of a channel rail or the open area near the end of a tubular picket. Major corrosion problems start from the inside. All of the ornamental iron fencing that Viking Fence installs is coated by the same E-Coat process proven in the automotive industry to ensure application coverage of all exposed surfaces. The galvanized steel framework is subjected to a multi-stage pretreatment/wash (with zinc phosphate), followed by a duplex cathodic E-Coat system consisting of an epoxy primer, which significantly increases corrosion protection, and an acrylic topcoat, which provides protection necessary to withstand adverse weathering effects.
Are there hidden costs in choosing a product that isn't galvanized? The simple answer is "yes". The costs of additional surface protection (i.e. primer and paint), touchup and maintenance far outweigh the initial cost of using a hot dipped galvanized product. Download the Galvanized vs. Painted (.PDF) document for a cost analysis of galvanizing vs. other steel protection systems.
Viking Wrought Iron Installation:
Viking Fence has documented installation standards and a dedicated Quality Control Division. Viking Fence continually trains their fence installation crews on our "fence installation standards". Our goal is to give you the highest quality installation in the industry. Additionally, Viking Fence has a dedicated Quality Control Division to ensure that our installers are adhering to these standards. Most fence companies don't make this investment. We feel it is crucial to our reputation and our continued success.
Viking Wrought Iron Warranty:
Viking Fence ornamental iron products have the highest warranties in the industry. Compare that to local and regional manufacturers who claim to be leaders in the industry. We feel that the warranties these companies offer tells the entire story. Anyone can sell an inferior product at a cheap price and then walk away when it's time to support it. Only companies committed to quality furnish and install the best ornamental iron in the industry and then stand behind that product and that installation. Viking has been a Texas tradition in fencing for over 30 years. We will be here to support your fence if the time ever arises. We have built a portfolio of ornamental iron fences, that Viking installs, to assist you when you're ready to tackle your fence project. Call us today for a free estimate (512) 837-6411.
For more information, please see our Ameristar and Fortress product pages for complete details and photo galleries.
When you think iron fence, think Viking!
