12 Ways to Maintain Your New Wood Fence
A wood fence creates lasting curb appeal that enriches the home it surrounds and creates a Wow! factor for all the neighbors who pass by every day
Sometimes we build a wood fence to enclose the yard, sometimes to keep children and pets protected, and sometimes for the privacy it provides. Homeowners build fences for many reasons but some of the more common ones are to provide a boundary, privacy, protection, or simply for the beauty a wood fence offers.
The wood fence you plan to build will be the first thing to catch your eye and the eyes of your neighbors. We know you want your home and fence to reflect the charm and warmth of the community you live in. We know you’re going to want to be sure that it looks as good as new every day, year after year for as long as possible. Nothing like the feeling you get with the rich organic appearance of a well-maintained fence. And the following tips are going to help you keep it that way.
12 Ways to Maintain Your New Wood Fence
Seal It
When adding a protective water sealant to your fence you guarantee to lengthen its life. There are different schools of thought on how often to apply a water sealant. One key to watch out for is when water stops beading on the wood, it’s time to reseal it. An annual application should provide all the protection most wood fences need.
Defend Against Moisture and Termites
Even if you faithfully apply a water sealant to your fence there are other areas where moisture can cause problems and warp a panel. If you haven’t constructed your fence yet, consider building it with the bottom of the fence elevated from the surface of the ground. This will provide an unobstructed airway which will help keep this vulnerable area dry. Another method is to enclose the bottom or the entire panel in a metal frame. Installing the fence a few inches off the ground will also help control termites. If the fence is allowed to rest on a dirt surface you can count on replacing your fence every few years.
Caulking
If it is not possible to elevate the fence, caulk the cracks and crevice in the concrete that surrounds the bottom of the post. Make sure the concrete is dry first. This will help control moisture, termites, and other wood-boring insects. Of course, today, many types of wood are pressure-treated with elements designed to protect against termites.
Sprinkler Adjustment
Water is a wood fence’s worst enemy. Abandoned to itself, a fence will slowly rot and eventually fall apart. Adjust your sprinklers so they point away from your fence.
Plants and Vines
Avoid growing large bushy plants and vines against your fence. Allow for a 2-3-foot gap. Plants growing up against a fence provide suitable harborage for rot, insects, and even rodents. Even though plants and vines will decompose your wood fence over time, homeowners still want the look that a flowering vine or plant offers the landscape. So choose wisely!
Fence Decorations
Be selective on the types of accouterments you decide to hang on your fence. Too much weight in any one place will place an unnecessary burden and cause the fence to warp and weaken.
Power Wash
We know that the weather is going to blow dirt and debris all over your award-winning red cedar. A light power wash will remove the decay and rot producing elements adding years of health and beauty to your fence.
DIY Formula for Cleaning
No power wash? No problem. Mix one part bleach with 2 parts warm water and a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. Cover nearby flowers and shrubs to protect from the cleaning mixture. Apply mixture with a soft bristled brush. Rinse and allow to dry.
Glue It
Suppose a small piece of a board is starting to peel or break away and start its own clan of redwood. Not so quick, little one. Instead of replacing the board, simply use waterproof glue, a clamp and glue it back in place. Allow 24-hours to dry and the fence will be just like new.
Control Future Damage
However, remove and replace boards or posts beyond salvaging. Hopefully, we’re not talking about your entire fence. It is especially important to remove rotting boards before the rot spreads and infects healthy boards.
Paint Protection
Depending on the type of wood your fence is made from, painting may or may not be an option to consider. Red Cedar and Redwood will last a lifetime with little maintenance to keep them looking great. However, a coat of paint on other types of wood will provide protection against the elements.
Grill Placement
Unless you don’t mind grease and smoke tattoos visibly displayed all over your fence, place the BBQ downwind and away from your fence.
Contact us for a free quote and let’s discuss the options available for the many different types of wood fences available for you to choose from.
