They have been popular for many decades now, and it’s for many reasons that wooden fences are a top choice for homeowners to put up on their properties from a visual and functionality perspective. Wood is a dynamic material for fences because it allows for all sorts of modern and traditional designs, and when maintained properly, they last for many good years. Below are six tips for keeping your wooden fence in prime condition.
Stain your wooden fence ASAP
Once your wooden fence has been installed you will likely want to think about putting a good quality stain on it soon thereafter, in order to protect it from both wet and dry rot. Protective oils are key to keeping the wood from getting dried out and fragile as this state results in dry rot of the material. When moisture is constantly in the air your fence can suffer from wet rot, but by using a linseed based oil stain you can proactively fight back against this rot from taking hold. It’s recommended that on an annual basis you stain your wooden fence to reduce the signs of aging.
Painting is a great idea
A nicely painted wooden fence not only looks sharp, but the longevity is wonderful as well as you only need to paint it every three or four years, depending of course on your area’s weather and climate conditions. You may notice chipping and peeling on some boards, so touch ups in affected areas should be on your radar as well to always keep it looking its best. Simply scrape and sand away the worn out paint and apply a new coat where needed. Paint contains protection properties, and for optimal results be sure to use paint that already has a primer in it.
Reseal and reap the benefits
Ideally, you seal your wooden fence shortly after you paint it, and by using a spraying unit you can get effective results with minimal effort on your part. It’s advised to reseal once or twice per year depending on how your fence’s painted surface is holding up.
Keep it clean and clear
Wooden fences can accumulate dirt, leaves, and other pesky debris that not only looks bad to the eyes, but even worse, also traps moisture – leading to mildew, mold, and wet rot. A pressure washer is your friend when it comes to cleaning wooden fences, and white vinegar works very well for anything that is stuck on their good. Mixing a gallon of water to a cup of vinegar is the solution you are looking for – then after applying it with a sprayer, you should wait 10-15 minutes for the solution to work its magic, then finally power wash it off with water to flush out the vinegar and the stubborn debris.
Repairs may be needed from time to time
Wooden fences tend to expand in the hotter months and contract in the colder months – resulting in fasteners and nails loosening over time. Loose nails are dangerous for many reasons, so be sure to hammer in any that are sticking out to prevent articles of clothing getting snagged or unfortunate injuries from occurring. Any nails that have been lost should be replaced, and be sure to be ready with new boards if any existing ones rot, warp, or split.
Keep pests away
Termites can feast on wooden fences so be sure to look out for any that may come your way. Use a natural insecticide early on to fend them off, or if the situation is dire, then consult professional help to deal with the issue.
Bring us on board
Cypress Railing is a trusted partner when it comes to home projects such as wooden fence designing, building, and installing. Contact us today so we can learn about your project’s needs and goals, and we can offer sound advice on how to best move forward.
