A fence is more than just a boundary; it’s an investment in your property that can boost privacy and security. However, fences require regular care to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.
Inspect for loose boards, sagging sections, and signs of insect infestation or structural issues. Also, make sure to hammer in any loose nails and tighten all hardware.
1. Clean It Regularly
A well-maintained fence doesn’t just look nice — it tells guests and neighbors that the home’s owner pays attention to even small details. Cleaning the fence regularly is an inexpensive way to keep it in good condition and looking great.
Dirty wood fences accumulate dirt, debris and pollutants that can cause rotting, mildew and mold growth. Keeping the wood clean helps prolong its lifespan and improves curb appeal.
Regularly wash your fence with a brush and hose or use a commercial wood cleaner that’s specifically formulated for the surface you’re cleaning. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions for best results.
To get rid of mildew, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with a bucket of warm water and scrub the fence with a brush. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry. For black marks, such as those from sneakers and tires, rub them with a pencil eraser before scrubbing. A soft scrub brush can also be used for tougher stains. Avoid scrubbing too hard to avoid damaging the surface. If your wood fence has a natural finish, apply a fresh coat of stain every three years to protect it from moisture and UV rays. If your fence has been painted, apply a new coat every two to three years to help preserve the paint.
2. Inspect It Regularly
Whether you’re inspecting the yard to ensure that the lawn is growing well or checking on your home’s roof system, identifying problems early can often make the difference between a minor repair now and a more expensive replacement in years to come. The same goes for your fence. Taking a walk around the perimeter of your property to assess how the fence is holding up on a regular basis can help you identify any issues that need to be addressed so they don’t worsen over time.
A frequent inspection will also help you determine whether or not it’s time to paint or stain the fence. This will help to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage that can speed up the aging process. It’s recommended to apply a fresh coat every couple of years.
Other things to keep an eye out for during your inspections include:
3. Repair It When Needed
If your fence is damaged by storms or natural occurrences, you need to repair it immediately. This will prevent further damage and prolong the lifespan of your fence. You can request a fence estimate at the link to start repairing or having a new fence for your home now.
Wooden fences are very vulnerable to rot due to the elements, so it’s important to use rot-resistant lumber. Pressure-treated wood is the most durable and least expensive type of wood to use for fencing, but cedar and redwood also hold up well. Staining or painting the fence is another great way to protect it from rot and maintain its color.
Keeping your fence in good shape will also help you save on repairs down the road. Performing regular inspections can help you identify issues that need to be addressed. For example, if your fence is leaning or pulling away from the posts, you can fix this by installing support braces ($60 to $150) or a concrete foundation ($125 to $2,300).
In addition to repairing and maintaining your fence, it’s important to trim any plants that hang over or around your fence. This will prevent them from damaging the fence physically and limit the growth of mildew and mold, which can lead to rot. Regularly adjusting sprinklers and trimming bushes can help as well.
4. Avoid Moisture
Wood fences are prone to moisture damage that leads to rot. Fortunately, this is something that can be avoided with regular maintenance and proper care. Moisture can enter the wooden components through cracks or splits in the wood or if there is a leak in your home’s roof.
The most effective way to prevent moisture from entering your fence is to ensure that your yard has proper drainage and that there is not a pool of water near your wooden fence posts. Additionally, be sure to point sprinklers away from your fence to minimize the amount of water that hits it.
It is also a good idea to clean your wood fence every 2-3 years in order to remove mildew, mold, and dirt buildup that can promote rot. This can be done by using a wire brush, hose, power washer, or oxygenated bleach. It is important to clean the entire surface of the wood in order to remove all of the buildup. Once the wood is dry, you should consider applying a protective sealant to protect it from moisture and sun damage. Re-staining your fence every few years is a great way to keep it looking its best while protecting against moisture and UV rays.
5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your fence as well as grass and shrubbery around it. Using eco-friendly cleaners can help to avoid this problem. DIY website From House To Home offers a simple recipe for making your own non-toxic wood fence cleaner. This mixture will cost a fraction of what you might pay for commercial cleaners and is safe for your kids, pets, and the environment.
In addition, avoiding harmful chemicals is important to the longevity of your fence as well as your health. For example, you should keep infrequently used flammable or toxic chemicals, such as paints, solvents, gasoline, oil, grease, antifreeze, and other car care products, in a fire safety cabinet outside the home. This will protect them from accidental misuse and reduce the risk of spilling them on your yard’s fence or in your garden.
Staining your fence is another good way to protect it from the elements and prolong its life. If you use a semitransparent oil stain, it will allow the natural grain of the wood to show through while protecting the surface from sun damage. If the stain contains UV inhibitors and mildewcide it will slow down fading and yellowing of the wood and provide additional protection from moisture.
6. Stain It Regularly
Staining your fence every 2-3 years is the best way to extend its lifespan and protect it from moisture and sun damage. A good stain can also help prevent the growth of mildew, mold and other pests.
When it comes to selecting a color, you have plenty of options. Solid colors are a great option if you want your fence to match your house, while semi-transparent stains allow some of the wood grain to show through for a more natural look. When you’re ready to start staining, it’s important to prep the surface of the fence. This includes cleaning it thoroughly, sanding down any rough areas and covering anything that can’t be moved to avoid spills or stains.
Whether you’re using a brush, roller or sprayer, apply your stain in two- to three-foot sections of the fence at a time. This helps ensure an even coat free of lap marks. If you’re using a sprayer, be sure to stand back a comfortable distance from the fence to keep the stain from running or getting overspray in hard-to-reach places like corners and between slats.
It’s also a good idea to stain your fence in the early or late summer, when the weather is warm and dry. If you can, wait for a few days of dry weather both before and after staining to give the stain the best chance of success.
7. Don’t Forget the Hardware
A well-maintained fence is a big part of the curb appeal of any home, but it’s also an essential tool to provide security and privacy. When homeowners neglect to keep up with routine maintenance, it can cost them thousands of dollars down the road when they need to have their fence repaired or replaced.
Inspecting your fence regularly will help you catch any damages or wear that occur early on. This will allow you to fix them promptly before they escalate into more significant issues that could lead to a complete replacement of the fence.
Dirt and debris can build up on any type of fencing, but wood and metal are particularly prone to this. Cleaning your fence with a wire brush or power washer is a good idea, as this can remove any dirt that has accumulated over time. Be sure to clean any decorative designs on your fence, such as wrought iron, to ensure that no dirt remains in the nooks and crannies of these features.
If you have trees, shrubs, or flowers growing near your fence, regularly removing them will help extend its lifespan as well. Plants that are close to a fence can attract excess moisture, which can cause mold or mildew and accelerate its deterioration. In addition, plants can act as a bridge for pests to crawl over and damage the fence.
