At Waltham Forest Engineering, we specialise in wrought iron gate repair across London and the South East. Whether your gate is damaged by rust, has bent or missing elements, or has dropped so it scrapes on the ground, our expert craftsmen can combine traditional techniques with modern welding and finishing to restore your gates to full strength and beauty.

We have extensive experience in the repair of all types of metal gates, and have carried out repairs on wrought iron gates for some of the best known historic buildings in London.

If any parts of your wrought iron metal gates are beyond repair or missing, we can make and install replacements that will appear to be original. This will probably involve using the original metal bars, finials (sometimes called railheads) or other decorative features as a pattern, then casting up a replicas or forging new parts, which when welded in place and painted will blend in perfectly.

Wrought Iron Gate Surveys

We can carry out a visual inspection of your wrought iron gates and provide you with a written and photographic record of your gate’s make-up, closing mechanism and condition, invaluable for its maintenance and repair. Also, if there are problems with your wrought iron gates’ movement, we can lift them to inspect the condition of the journal and bushes, and recommend the best course of action to return them to good working order.

Common Wrought Iron Metal Gate Problems

• Rust and Corrosion – moisture and weathering gradually weaken wrought iron, leaving it brittle or flaking.

• Sagging or Misalignment – heavy gates often drop over time, causing difficulty opening or closing.

• Broken Hinges and Latches – repeated use leads to worn or damaged fittings.

• Bent or Missing Bars – impact damage or age may warp sections of the gate.

 

How We Repair and Restore Wrought Iron Metal Gates

REPAIRING THE METALWORK

This depends on the nature of the damage. With old gates, layers of paint can hold rusted or worn metal together, so shot-blasting them back to bare metal might be needed to clarify what needs to be done. We can then replace missing bars or panels using time-tested methods that ensure the new elements blend seamlessly with the original design.

REPAIRING THE GATE MECHANISM

If gates have dropped, making them difficult to operate, we would check the hinges, and – if necessary – lift the gates to assess the condition of the heel pin and excavate the journal the heel pin fits in to assess if it needs to be replaced. If any of the parts have reached this stage, we can then make new ones to replace them.

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR GATES

To protect your gates from corrosion, and keep them looking good for years to come, once our repairs are completed, we’d apply a rust inhibiting painting system.

Rust and Corrosion Treatment

We remove rust using shot-blasting or sanding, then apply protective coatings and paint for long-term durability.

Structural Repairs

Sagging gates are realigned and reinforced, with hinges reset or replaced.

Welding and Replacement Parts

This will probably involve using the original metal bars, finials (sometimes called railheads) or other decorative features as a pattern, then casting up replicas or making new parts which, when welded in place and painted, will blend in perfectly.

Finishes and Protection

We offer galvanising, powder coating and high-grade painting to keep your gate protected against future weather damage.

WHY CHOOSE WALTHAM FOREST ENGINEERING

• Over 50 years’ experience working with heritage and listed properties.

• Highly skilled and experienced craftsmen.

• Trusted by clients such as the National Trust and Parliamentary Estates.

• A well-established service covering London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Kent.