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What Can I Do To Maintain My Wooden Fence?
Maintaining the wooden fence is an important part of getting the best out of it. Although low-maintenance options such as vinyl and aluminum fences are gaining popularity, wooden fences still look great and perform well at a low cost.
Many homeowners, however, are hesitant to commit to a wood fence because they are concerned that they will be taking on more than they can handle in terms of maintenance.
True, since wood fences are made of organic materials, they take a little more effort to maintain than PVC or aluminum fences. However, by taking a few quick and inexpensive steps, you can keep your wood fencing from rotting and eating up even more of your savings.
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Start with the basics.
Of course, even the best wood fence would need maintenance at some point in order to keep its beauty and avoid permanent harm. Even so, you can get off to a good start by ensuring that the products you use and the installation process are of the highest quality.
Since cedar is naturally more resistant to decay than many other wood types, it is a popular option for fencing.
Some homeowners prefer to do their own fence construction because it is a large job. Even, taking on your fence project as a DIY project may not be worth the hassle, and it may not save you the money you expected in the long run.
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Care for the Wood
Wood is prone to rot and decay because it is an organic material. To live as long as possible, it needs careful care and attention.
Your wood fence pickets, like a car's wax or a pair of shoes' shine, need to be sealed with wood sealant. If your fence isn't sprayed, make it a point to treat it with a water-repellent sealant once a year. Weathering, such as cracking and drying, can be avoided by sealing the fence.
Your fencing contractor will most likely paint your fence after it is installed. This is not, however, a one-time procedure. Re-staining a wood fence every 3-5 years, or sometimes more often, is recommended. Staining your fence on a regular basis will strengthen its intensity and keep it looking fresh.
Every 2-3 years, a painted wood fence can need to be repainted. Check for paint chipping and cracking on a regular basis to see if the fence needs to be repainted.
The weather can have a big impact on how much you re-paint or re-stain your wood fencing.
A simple rule of thumb is to spray a small amount of water on one of your fence's boards to see how it responds. Your fence is in good shape if the water beads up and runs off. It's probably time to re-stain and seal your fence if the water soaks into it.
3. There isn't any unnecessary weight on the wood.
Many homeowners enjoy decorating their fences with planters, metal ornaments, and other decorations because wood fences are easy to drill into. These additions can look good, but they can add unnecessary weight to the fence if they are too high.
Small decorations are appropriate, but heavy flower boxes or ornaments that weigh down the fence and cause it to sag over time should be avoided. If you would hang something heavier, do so on the stable posts rather than the fence boards.
If not properly cut back, vines and shrubs growing on or into a fence can compromise its structural integrity over time. Be sure to prune any shrubbery or bushes along your fence line on a regular basis to prevent your fence from being pushed over as the plants grow.
4. Prevent Moisture Problems
Water is the greatest foe of wood. Naturally, since fences are outside, they can get wet, whether from a rainstorm or your children's next water balloon battle. It's impossible to stop getting water on your fence!
Even so, it's crucial to keep an eye on your fence to avoid unwanted or constant contact with water. Since greenery maintains moisture, allowing plants to grow on your fencing will compromise its integrity. Plants should be pruned away from the fence. Yes, instead of other sprinklers designed to cover wider areas, a drip sprinkler device along the fence line is suggested. Avoid watering the planks with a hose.
5. Quickly Resolve Wood Fence Issues
Even the best fences can have problems, particularly in the event of bad weather. Do not delay if you see any sagging, loose boards, rotting, splitting, or other signs of damage. Take prompt action to resolve the problem. If you let damage to your fence go unchecked, it can turn into a much bigger and more costly issue down the road, so preventative maintenance is in your best interests.
6. Take Care of Your Hardware
If your fencing hardware is damaged, repair it as soon as possible to ensure that the structural integrity of your fence is not jeopardized.
Keep your gate's locks and hinges well-oiled to keep them operating smoothly and rust-free. Lubricated joints can keep your gate squeak-free and easy to open.
7. Keep a close eye on the fence posts.
To keep moisture and insects out of wooden fence posts, they are typically pressure-treated. Their standardized wooden fence posts are 44 or 46 inches tall, depending on your choice, and are designed to withstand the elements for several years. Wood, whether pressure-treated or not, is also vulnerable to moisture and rot.
8. Obtain the services of a professional who specializes in the upkeep of wooden fences.
Re-staining or fixing your wood fence is the last thing you want to do with your precious few summer days. In the long run, hiring a pro will save you time, tension, and even money in the long run by ensuring that the job is done correctly.
Do You Need a Fence Contractor You Can Trust?
Why pay more when you can restore? That's our motto and the way we approach every project. Fresh Coat Restoration specializes in new deck builds, new fence builds, deck repairs, fence repairs, arbor restoration, fence restoration, deck restoration, pressure washing and sealing/staining. If it's in your backyard chances are we specialize in it! When you call FCR you will be working with a licensed, insured, honest and reliable contractor with years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers. We are the top Fencing contractor in the Vine Hill neighborhood of Martinez, California, serving the fencing installation and restoration needs of homeowners throughout Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda Counties. Contact us today to start your project!
