Many wooden fences can last 20 years or more, but only with proper maintenance.
Most pressure-treated wooden fences can last more than 20 years, while treated cedar fences may even last up to 40 years. However, wooden fences only last this long when they are properly maintained. If you’re a wood fence owner, here are a few maintenance tips you should know that will extend the life of your fence.
New Fence Tips
If you’ve just installed a wooden fence in your yard or around your commercial building, you don’t want to make the mistake of painting or staining it too early. The pressure-treated wood is infused with chemicals that help keep water and insects from damaging the wood, but the chemicals need time to dry out. If the fence isn’t dry when you paint or stain it, it will result in sealing moisture, leading to rot and decay. For this reason, you should wait about a year before staining or painting your new fence.
Inspect And Repair
Every year, you should inspect your fence closely for signs of damage or rot. Take the time to replace any broken boards and repair any loose nails. Ensure that each post is secured firmly in the ground, and decide whether or not posts in poor condition should be replaced.
While pressure-treated wood helps stop water from damaging the fence, it is not entirely water resistant. Be sure to take all necessary steps to minimize your fence’s exposure to water, including turning sprinklers away from the fence, trimming back bushes that are touching the fence since they can hold a lot of water, and make sure the surrounding area has proper drainage.
Cleaning
Every few years, take the time to give your wooden fence a solid cleaning. Remove all dirt, moss, and mildew, and recoat with a UV inhibiting, water-repellant coating. If there is mold on your fence, you’ll need to give it a deeper clean. You can mix a solution of 20 percent bleach to 80 percent mild detergent, then spray it on the fence one hour before washing it with a pressure washer. This solution will kill the mold on the fence while helping to prevent it from coming back.
Extending the Life of Your Wood Fence with Hercules Fence of Washington, DC!
Hercules Fence DC has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. We have extensive experience working with families and pet owners to keep the most important members of their home safe, so call us today about installing a new cat fence for your family. Contact us by giving us a call at 301-441-1600 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
