Learn how to protect your wooden fence from sun damage.
A wooden fence is a perfect addition to any property. It can match your style and be any color you choose while serving its complete functional purpose. A short wooden fence is quaint and stylish, while a tall wooden fence protects your property from intruders and wandering eyes. Whatever purpose your wooden fence serves, it is important to keep up with its maintenance all year round. If not sealed and protected properly, your wooden fence can take on sun and rain damage which will weaken the fence and begin to break it down. With the days getting longer and the sun getting hotter, it is important that you learn to maintain your fence properly now!
Check for Damage
You probably have not inspected your fence for some time, and you need to do so. Survey for winter and summer damage by checking for any spots that have taken on an especially heavy burden. Replace and rotted boards or posts and tighten any nails or screws that have come loose. If the latches on your gates have become stiff and rusty, spray some WD-40 on them and get moving.
Clear Plants and Debris
Upon your inspection, you may notice that plants and debris have become lodged in the cracks and crevices of your fence. Clear away the debris and remove any of the unwanted plants. Make sure you take special care of the plants because if they continue to grow, they can split parts of your wooden fence.
Power Wash
Spray down both sides of your fence with a power washer to prepare for treatments. It is really important that you do not skip this step, as you want the product you apply to your wood to stick. Be sure to stand two or three feet away from the fence while you do this, as a power washer can easily damage wood if care is not taken.
Paint and Stain
After you power wash, coat your wooden fence with a UV-resistant covering. If you want to maintain the natural look of your wooden fence, then a stain may be something to consider. If you want a specific color, opt for a paint. If you do decide to use paint, be sure to prime the fence before paint application. Be absolutely certain that whatever product you choose to coat your fence that it is UV-resistant to stop the sun from wearing away at the wood.
Wooden Fence Maintenance with Hercules Fence DC
Hercules Fence DC has been providing the area with fence installation and maintenance for more than 50 years. If you still have more questions about wooden fence maintenance, please feel free to give us a call at 301-944-1600 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and for tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
