Iron Fencing

Cemetery Preservation Course

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Iron fences are an important contributing feature to the historic character and fabric of the landscape, yet their care is often overlooked during cemetery restoration because they rarely mark a burial and almost never contain an epitaph or burial information. Iron fencing may surround individual or family plots, mark the boundary of a cemetery, or flank formal entrances. In cemeteries where metalwork is a distinctive feature – in the form of fencing, grave markers, signs, gates or statuary - the landscape preservation plan should layout recommendations for treatment.

Repairing fences with loose or fallen pieces should be a high priority, as separated features can easily be lost. Small repairs, such as tightening bolts or replacing missing bolts, can easily be performed by cemetery staff. Consult a professional conservator or skilled historically trained crafts person for more complicated repairs, such as repairing or reattaching bent or damaged ornamentation, and for repairs of breaks in decorative cast iron fencing.

Painting inhibits rust formation, one of the leading causes of iron fence deterioration. The best practice is to remove all loose rust by hand with a wire brush, apply a coat of rust converter (available at hardware stores), followed by a coat of primer and several coats of paint. All primer and paint should be designed for outdoor metal surfaces.

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  Preserving Iron Fencing

  This video is part of a series of presentations and media for people interested in learning about preservation techniques to stabilize the nation's historic grave sites. In this presentation, the Center's Chief of Preservation Services, Jason Church, will discuss methods, used to stabilize high fencing in grave sites.

  Duration:

  36 minutes, 27 seconds

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  Iron Fence Repair

  Materials Conservator Jason Church demonstrates how to properly repair an iron fence. A Spanish language version of this video is planned.

  Duration:

  9 minutes, 2 seconds