Caring for Your Metal Sign or Weathervane: Simple Maintenance Tips

A weathervane or hanging sign from Black Fox Metalcraft should catch the eye and make a lasting impression for many years to come. We’ve taken great care to ensure they are as well made and finished as they can be, and they therefore do not need much in the way of maintenance, but here are a few tips to getting the most from your weathervane or sign: 

Weathervanes Maintenance 

• It is worth checking the ball bearing every now and again to ensure there is enough grease to keep the sail spinning freely. This means the sail will always turn into the wind, avoiding ever being hit side on by a gust.
  
• A little extra grease can also be applied onto the grub screws on the shaft collars; though these are stainless steel, they are a potential point for rainwater to gather which is not going to help the longevity of any type of metal..
  
• If your weathervane is mounted at a height where cobwebs are visible, it is nice to brush these off every now and again to keep your weathervane looking it's best.
• If having work done on your roof, have a quick check to ensure the weathervane pole remains vertical – this is key to ensuring the weathervane spins properly in the wind and therefore never feels the full force side on.
• If your weathervane needs to be taken down to change location, make sure you take the time to wrap it carefully to avoid accidental damage, this is particularly important when your weathervane is gilded.  

Gold Leaf Care

• If your weathervane is gilded, please resist the temptation to touch it! Gold is weather resistant, but can be easily damaged if handled.
  
• Gold leaf does not need lacquering as it is 23.5 carat; gold of this quality has a longer lifespan than lacquer, so you’d need to touch up the lacquer before the gold needs any attention.  

Hanging Signs Maintenance

• If your hanging sign develops a squeak over time, you can apply a little grease to the bolts connecting it to the hand forged bracket.
  
• Again, as with a weathervane, you can dust off any cobwebs off to give a good first impression.
• If tree sap or bird mess falls on your sign, it's a good idea to clean it off as soon as you're able, in order to keep the finish in pristine condition.
• If a tiny bit of powder coat is accidently chipped for example while fitting the hanging sign, you can apply a couple of coats of Hammerite or similar outdoor paint to the affected area; there is a layer of zinc underneath to protect against rust so this should still be sufficient protection from the elements. In the unlikely event of more significant damage, contact us with photos and we will be able to advise the best course of action.

If you have any questions, get in touch – we’re not a faceless online company, we’re quite happy to answer questions on the phone or email no matter what they may be.