A well-maintained wood fence can create incredible curb appeal on your property. Meanwhile, depending on the style of wood fencing you’ve chosen, a wood fence can also provide some much-needed privacy while clearly establishing your property lines.
When it comes to maintenance, wood fencing doesn’t require too much time or effort. However, there are some steps you’ll need to take to keep your wood fencing looking like new. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered with some basic tips and tricks!
Clean Your Fence Regularly
One of the best things you can do to keep your fence looking its best is to simply keep it clean. This is especially important because wood is naturally porous. Over time, dirt and debris can actually penetrate the surface of the wood and cause deep staining or even rot.
The easiest way to keep your wooden fence clean is to simply give it a thorough power washing at least once a year. You can either rent a power washer at your local home improvement store or hire a company to handle this task for you. Regardless, power washing your fence will remove any grime or debris that has accumulated on the top layer of the wood, revealing the vibrant and beautiful wood underneath.
Keep the Wood Painted or Stained
By its very nature, wood fencing is porous and is therefore very prone to damage from the elements. This is why it’s so important to keep your wood fence painted/stained and sealed at all times. When your fence is first installed, it will likely receive a seal coat that should last for a few years.
Over time, however, seal coatings will fade away and need to be reapplied. Ideally, you should be painting or staining your wooden fence at least once a year to keep it properly protected from the elements. It’s also important to make sure that you’re using a stain or sealant that is specifically designed for use on outdoor wood surfaces, as this will give you the best protection and longevity.
For the best results, stain and/or sealant should be applied after your fence has received its power wash for the year. This will ensure maximum adhesion and an even application, which will keep your fence looking its best and protect against premature wear and tear.
When it comes time to stain or paint your fence, this is a project you can either handle on your own or hire out to a professional. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Hiring a professional will save you the hassle of having to prep and paint the fence yourself, which can be a time-consuming task. Meanwhile, professionals will have the tools (such as paint sprayers) necessary to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Don’t Let Minor Damage Go Unrepaired
Over time, even properly sealed wood will need repairs. When it comes to your wooden fence, it’s always better to handle minor repairs early on than it is to let them turn into major (and more expensive) problems.
Once a year, give your fence a thorough inspection to see what kinds of preventative repairs may be needed. Some common examples include:
- loose screws
- cracks in posts/rails
- rust on latches or hinges
- rotting or warped boards
If you notice any issues, contact your trusted fencing company right away to have these repairs done sooner rather than later. This will keep your fence looking its best and will save you money on more costly repairs in the long run.
Make Investments to Further Protect Your Fence
A little proactivity can also go a long way in extending the life of your fence. Consider, for example, that wood fences are very susceptible to termite damage. This is especially true in areas where heavy moisture from rain is common so consider taking extra measures to protect your fencing.
For example, you might consider having metal fence posts, as well as metal caps and concrete anchors, installed to strengthen your wood fence. This can help keep things stable, even in the event that the termite treatment applied by your fence installers wears away over time (which it likely will).
Your Wood Fencing Experts at A & O Texas Solutions
Compared to other fencing materials like vinyl and metal/steel, wood fencing does require a little bit more care and maintenance. However, the natural beauty of a wooden fence really cannot be beat—and after all, there is really no such thing as a 100% maintenance-free fence.
With a little care and maintenance, you can keep your wooden fence looking like new for many years to come. And when it does come time for repairs or replacement on your wood fence, our team at A & O Texas Solutions will always be here to help. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you!