Your home’s fence serves a vital role in improving the appearance of your property and properly setting a border. A well-placed fence clearly defines your property lines and keeps children and pets safely on your property. However, regular fence maintenance is essential to keep your fence in good condition and secure your yard.
Five Fence Care Tips
With proper wooden fence care, your fence can last longer, and you can extend its useful lifespan by several years, saving on unneeded replacement. Here are some tips to keep your fence in good condition.
- Regular Inspections: Once a year, take a walk around your yard and take a good long look at your fence. A thorough inspection can tell you a lot about the condition of your fence is in. Look for problems such as rot or damage and make any needed repairs.
- Common Repairs: Simple things, such as hammering in loose nails, replacing old or broken boards, and tightening screws, can help prevent damage and keep your fence sturdy. Also, check each section of your fence to ensure it is firmly attached and that the post is firmly set in the ground. Signs of old or damaged posts include leaning or drooping, which indicate your poles need replacing. Surface damage, such as splits or cracks, can be sealed with waterproof glue.
- Reducing Water Exposure: While the wood used in fences is water-resistant, it can still be damaged by moisture. If you use sprinklers, be sure to aim them away from your fence, as this can prevent rot and moss growth. Your fence also needs proper draining to protect the posts from water damage that can occur due to pooling.
- Cleaning: You should thoroughly clean your fence every three to five years. Remove moss, mildew, and dirt from your fence’s surfaces, and after it has been fully cleaned, apply a UV-blocking water-resistant coating (paint or a sealant). A blend of bleach and detergent can kill mold on your fence before you wash it.
- Repaint or Reseal: Once cleaned, you should either paint or stain your fence. A proper paint or sealant can seal out the moisture and protect your wood fence from rot. UV inhibitors can also protect your fence from fading. Like with deep cleaning, repainting or resealing should be done every three to five years.
A wood fence makes your home safer and nicer to look at. With regular repairs, maintenance, and cleaning, you can keep your fence in good shape for many years. With proper care, a wood fence can last up to 20 years.