Top Maintenance Tips for Wooden Fences

Wooden fences add an element of beauty and security to a home. They have been common utilitarian and decorative barriers around properties for centuries.

Proper maintenance is essential in keeping them looking their best and lasting for years. This article will provide some helpful tips on how to maintain wooden fences.

Regularly Clean Your Fence

Cleaning your fence should be a part of your regular maintenance routine because dirt and debris are bound to build up after some time. When cleaning your fence, use the right wood cleaning solution and ensure you read the instructions on application to avoid damaging the wood. Hose it down to rinse off the cleaner, or use a power washer if you have one.

Avoid Hanging Items on Your Fence

You may want to decorate your fence with metal ornaments, planters, or different decorations. These additions certainly look good, but they put unnecessary weight on the fence. 

Small decorations may be okay, but avoid hanging heavy flower boxes or metallic ornaments that could weigh it down. If you have to, hang ornaments on the fence posts and not on the boards. In this regard, avoid growing vines on your wooden fence, as it will compromise the structural integrity of the wood. 

Keep Moisture at Bay

Water is the greatest enemy of your wooden fence. Your fence will get wet from rain and possible balloon fights if you have kids, so sometimes it's unavoidable. However, avoid any unnecessary moisture.

Keeping moisture at bay involves pointing your sprinklers away from your fence or using drip sprinklers instead. Ensure the bottom of your fence does not come into contact with soil, as it retains moisture. If that moisture seeps into the boards, your fence will start to decay from the bottom.

Address Repair Issues Promptly

Even the best wooden fence will have a repair issue once in a while. You may notice loose boards, splitting, rotting, or sagging after severe weather. If you notice any of these issues, act promptly and resolve them before they escalate to a more expensive problem. Consider hiring a professional for the repairs to avoid causing any additional damage to your fence.

Repaint or Reseal Your Wooden Fence Every Few Years

Painting or sealing protects wood from weathering and prevents a lot of issues such as rot. If your fence is painted, repeat it every few years to prevent deterioration. If your fence is bare, reapply a sealant annually to keep it in its best condition. Consider hiring a professional for repainting or re-staining as well.

Watch Out for Mold

Wood is susceptible to mold, and, if left unchecked, mold could cause irreversible damage to your fence. Be vigilant and check for mold and mildew every once in a while to mitigate the risks of penetrating deep into the wood. If you find mold, consider remediation or replacement of the infected and damaged fencing boards.

Care for the Posts and Hardware

Most professional fence installers will use weatherproof hardware for your fence. If you have stainless steel or galvanized hardware, chances are it will last for years without rusting or warping. 

However, if your hardware is made from other materials, consider checking for rust or any damage and replace them before they compromise the integrity of your fence. In addition, keep your hinges and locks functioning properly by oiling and lubricating regularly.

Your fence posts may be pressure-treated to prevent insects and moisture damage. However, whether pressure-treated or not, wood remains susceptible to moisture. After a while, your posts may start to rot. Keep an eye on your posts, or consider replacing them with steel ones.

If you've realized that your wooden fence has some repair or damage issues, please contact us today. We will conduct a fence assessment, repair all damages, and carry out all these maintenance tasks for you.