A new fence is a beautiful sight. It is sturdy, strong, well-constructed, and looks like it’ll last a few years. But then the sun, rain, and snow happened alongside pests, insects, mildew, mold, and algae. The fence’s deterioration began, and soon you will need to have it replaced. That is the typical scenario that many fences experienced across the country.
Routine maintenance is a must if you want your newly-installed fence to last for a long time. But where to start? Begin with this list:
Table of Contents
Seal and Stain Your Fence
This focuses entirely on preserving your wooden fence before it starts to decay. By taking steps to protect the wood from damaging elements, you considerably increase the lifespan of your fence. A sealer and a stain aid in preserving a fence, although not all stains have a protective coating. A sealer is necessary to ward off unwanted moisture, while a stain offers protection from damaging UV rays. Sealants are transparent and clear; thus, they do not alter the color or pattern of the wood’s inherent grain. The stain physically alters the wood color.
Clean and Power Wash Your Fence
Fence panels gather grass, dirt, and dust. On wood, fungi, mold, and algae tend to cluster and grow. You can thoroughly clean your fence by power washing it. If you intend to seal or stain your fence, you should power wash it first. Painting over a fence that is already contaminated, infested, or decayed won’t get rid of the issue or eliminate the cause.
There are several effective methods for cleaning fences. First, power wash your fence thoroughly. You can address the remaining green or black patches with a mild bleach solution or vinegar. Pick vinegar or bleach; do not mix the two since it is a dangerous chemical combination. You can also use baking soda to clean your fence. Don’t forget to protect your skin and eyes by using protective clothing.
Keep Plants and Water Off Your Fence
Plants store water and retain moisture for long periods. If your fence is lined with plants, remember that damp plants equal a wet fence. Moisture builds up, and the extended exposure to moisture will eventually cause the wood to deteriorate. Wood fence will experience damage from sprinkler water striking the panels repeatedly over a week. To prevent water damage, adjust your sprinklers, so they do not directly spray onto your fence.
Check and Fix your Fence
You can identify minor issues with your fence before they develop into severe problems by performing routine visual inspections. Look from top to bottom, at the edges, and in the areas with hardware. Look for bug infestations or fungus overgrowth on the fence board in addition to cracks or broken sections. Take immediate action and complete repairs as soon as you identify damage.
Select the Best Materials to Build Your Fence
If you construct your fence properly, it will last a lot longer. The choices you make before installing a fence are more important. Invest in high-quality wood, choose the proper hardware to assemble, and then build your fence appropriately. Remember that sometimes you cannot repair a fence, especially one that did not undergo routine maintenance and proper handling. For instance, a power wash won’t be beneficial if the force causes your fence to fall over. Pick high-quality materials that can withstand the elements.
Just like any other investment, your fence should be protected and maintained. That way, it can provide privacy, safety, and security. While wear and tear are natural over time, you can extend the fence’s life, strength, and beauty against harsh weather and insects.
source: https://cedarfencedirect.com/blog/2022/02/08/how-to-protect-your-wood-fence-and-prevent-damage/
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