A metal gazebo is a beautiful addition to the backyard and outdoor space. It gives you a place to hang out, relax, and enjoy the outdoors under the shade.
But rust is the most important thing to worry about when it comes to metal gazebos. Rust can weaken the gazebo’s structure and make it look bad. If it’s not fixed, it can eventually cause the gazebo to fall down.
In this article, we’ll talk about what causes rust on metal gazebos and give you tips on how to keep your gazebo from rusting and make it last longer.
We’ll talk about everything you need to know to keep your metal gazebo in good shape, from regular cleaning and maintenance to the right way to store it and have it checked. So, stay with us.
How does rust form on metal gazebos?
Here are a few things that can cause rust on metal gazebos:
Water and air humidity:
Moisture and humidity are two of the biggest reasons why metal gazebos rust.
When metal is exposed to water, oxygen can react with it and cause it to rust. When a metal gazebo is exposed to high humidity or a lot of rain, a thin layer of water can form on the metal, which can cause it to rust.
When water comes in contact with metal, the metal can corrode, or rust, because the water contains dissolved oxygen, which reacts with the metal to make rust.
High humidity can also cause condensation to form on metal surfaces, which can also cause the metal to rust. This is especially true in places like coastal areas where it rains a lot or where there is a lot of humidity. When sea spray contains both water and salt, it can speed up the rusting process.
Getting salt and chemicals:
Salt and chemicals can also cause gazebos made of metal to rust. Salt is a common cause of rust on metal, especially in coastal areas where sea spray hits metal structures.
Salt in the air can cause the metal to rust quickly because it speeds up the process of oxidation. This is because salt has chloride in it, which can get into metal and cause it to rust from the inside out.
In the same way, chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning products can also make metal surfaces rust. These chemicals can react with the metal and cause it to rust or corrode. They can also weaken the metal’s protective coating, which lets water and oxygen get to the metal underneath and cause it to rust.
Dents and scrapes:
Rust can also form on a metal gazebo if it gets scratched or dented. When the metal’s protective coating is broken, water and oxygen can get to the metal underneath. It can cause the metal to rust. Scratches and dents can be caused by things like wind-blown debris, hail, or even just normal use and wear and tear.
When a metal surface gets scratched or dented, the protective coating is removed—leaving the metal underneath exposed to the elements. Once the coating is gone, the metal can rust quickly because it is no longer protected. Scratches and dents can also let salt and chemicals come into the metal, which can speed up the rusting process.
It’s important to remember that rust can happen naturally over time, but it can also be sped up by things like moisture, salt, chemicals, and scratches or dents. Because of this, it’s important to protect metal gazebos from these things so that rust doesn’t form.
How To Prevent A Metal Gazebo From Rust?
You can keep metal gazebos from rusting by doing some of the following:
Maintenance and cleaning on a regular basis:
Metal gazebos must be cleaned and taken care of regularly to keep them from rusting.
This means that you need to clean the gazebo regularly and put a rust inhibitor or protective coating on the metal surfaces. This can help stop rust by keeping the metal surfaces clean and dry and by adding another layer of protection against water and other elements.
Getting rid of dirt and debris:
Getting rid of dirt and debris from the metal parts of the gazebo can help keep the metal parts clean and dry, which can stop rust from forming. This can be done by washing the metal surfaces with mild detergent and water, then rinsing them with clean water. After that, you can also clean its legs with a dry cloth so that water couldn’t damage them.
Putting on a rust-preventative or protective coating:
Putting a rust inhibitor or protective coating on the metal parts of the gazebo can help stop rust from forming by making an extra barrier against water and other elements.
This can be done with a spray or paint that stops rust, or with a protective coating like wax or oil.
Subscribe For More Gazebo Videos!
Ask Gazebo
How to store things right in the off-season?
Metal gazebos are less likely to rust if they are stored properly during the off-season and kept out of the weather. This means covering the gazebo and putting it somewhere dry and covered.
Cover the gazebo:
When the gazebo isn’t being used, a cover can help protect it from things like rain and snow. You can do this by covering the gazebo with a tarp or another waterproof covering.
Putting it away in a dry, covered place:
Keeping the gazebo in a dry, covered area when it’s not in use can help keep it from rusting by keeping it out of the weather. This can be done by putting the gazebo in a garage or other covered area, or by putting it under a shelter.
Routine checks and repairs:
Metal gazebos won’t rust if they are checked and fixed regularly. It is because any problems that might be causing rust can be found and fixed. It means finding scratches and dents and fixing them, as well as adding touch-up paint as needed.
Find scratches and dents and fix them:
Checking the gazebo regularly for scratches and dents and fixing them as soon as you find them can help keep the metal surfaces from rusting by keeping them out of the weather.
Putting on touch-up paint when necessary:
Putting touch-up paint on the gazebo’s scratches and dings can help keep the metal from rusting by making an extra barrier against water and other elements.
To keep a metal gazebo from rusting, you need to clean and maintain it regularly, store it properly when not in use, and check and fix the issues regularly. By doing these things and taking the right precautions, you can keep your metal gazebo from rusting and make sure it lasts for many years.
Also, Learn: Can You Leave A Gazebo Up Year Round
Considerations for different types of metal gazebos
Different types of metal have different properties, which affect how they react to environmental elements, such as moisture and heat.
Here are the expert recommendations for each type of gazebo:
- Aluminum Gazebos: Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal that does not rust, making it an ideal material for outdoor structures. However, it is important to note that aluminum can corrode if exposed to acidic substances. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a clear coating on the aluminum surface to create a barrier between the metal and any corrosive elements.
- Steel Gazebos: Steel is a ferrous metal that is prone to rusting. To prevent rust from forming on steel gazebos, it is important to keep the metal surfaces clean and dry and to apply a rust inhibitor to the metal surfaces. Regular painting or repainting is also essential to keep rust at bay.
- Wrought Iron Gazebos: Wrought iron is a type of steel that is commonly used in decorative metalwork. To prevent wrought iron gazebos from rusting, it is recommended to apply a rust inhibitor and to keep the metal surfaces clean and dry.
Available rust-resistant coatings
There are several rust-resistant coatings available in the market which offer unique specialties and uses.
- Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy is a two-part coating system that creates a hard and durable surface. It provides excellent adhesion and is ideal for protecting metal surfaces from rust, moisture, and UV damage. But do not use it on rusted metal.
- Polyurethane Coatings: Polyurethane is a single-component coating that provides long-lasting protection against rust, corrosion, and weathering. It is ideal for steel surfaces that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, as it provides excellent resistance to UV rays and moisture.
- Zinc-rich Primers: Zinc-rich primers are designed to provide cathodic protection to metal surfaces. They work by corroding instead of the metal surface, providing a barrier that prevents rust and corrosion.
When choosing the right rust-resistant coating for a metal gazebo, several factors should be considered, including the specific environment the gazebo is in, the type of metal used in construction, and the intended use of the gazebo.
For example, if the gazebo is located in a coastal area—exposed to salt spray and high humidity levels, zinc-rich primer is a good choice. If the gazebo is made of aluminum, a polyurethane coating is a better option, as aluminum is susceptible to corrosion from salt and moisture.
How to apply the rust-resistant coating on a metal gazebo?
It’s important to apply the rust-resistant coating properly to ensure its effectiveness in preventing rust on a metal gazebo. Here are the specific steps for applying the chosen coating:
- Preparation of the Surface: Before applying any coating, the metal surface must be clean and free of rust, dirt, and oils. This can be achieved through power washing, sandblasting, or using a degreaser. After cleaning, the surface should be dried thoroughly.
- Surface Preparation: The next step is to prepare the surface for the coating. This includes sanding or scraping off any loose rust and priming the metal to ensure the adhesion of the coating. A zinc-rich primer can also be used to provide additional corrosion protection.
- Application Techniques: The type of coating and the environment in which the gazebo is located will determine the best application technique. For example, an epoxy coating can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray gun. On the other hand, a polyurethane coating may require a specialized spray application.
- Drying Times: The drying time of the coating will depend on the type of coating and the environment. Typically, a minimum of 24 hours is required for the coating to dry completely. During this time, the gazebo should be protected from rain and direct sunlight.
FAQs
What should I do about the rust on my metal gazebo?
If your metal gazebo is already rusting, you need to fix the problem right away. This could mean using a wire brush or sandpaper to get rid of the rust and then covering the metal with a rust inhibitor or protective coating. If the rust is bad, the rusty parts of the gazebo may need to be replaced.
I have rust on my metal gazebo. Can I paint over it?
Painting over rust on a metal gazebo might hide it for a while, but it won’t stop the rust from getting worse. Before painting the rusty gazebo, it’s important to get rid of the rust and fix the problem that caused it. This will keep the rust from getting worse.
How often do I need to check on and fix my metal gazebo?
It depends on where it is, what kind of metal it is made of, and how often it is used. At least once a year, or more often if you live in an area with high humidity, a lot of rain, or near the coast.
Will my metal gazebo not rust at all if I use rust inhibitors or protective coatings?
Rust inhibitors and protective coatings can help keep a metal gazebo from rusting, but they aren’t a sure thing. It’s important to check on and take care of the gazebo regularly and to fix any problems that might be causing rust as soon as they’re found.
Conclusion:
Yes, rust is a big problem for metal gazebos because it can weaken their structure and make them look bad. To keep a metal gazebo from rusting, it’s important to know what makes it rust, like moisture and humidity, salt and chemicals, and scratches and dents.
By cleaning and maintaining the gazebo on a regular basis, putting it away properly when the season is over, and inspecting and fixing it as needed, you can keep your metal gazebo from rusting and make sure it lasts for many years.
The gazebo can also be kept from rusting by using rust inhibitors or protective coatings. It’s important to remember that keeping things from rusting is an ongoing process, and regular maintenance is a must. If you take care of your metal gazebo, it can be a beautiful and useful part of your outdoor space for many years.
