Wood fences are the preferred privacy fence option and make for a beautiful barrier around your property. Whether you choose a picket fence or a full privacy fence, wood fences require a little bit of maintenance to keep them looking nice throughout the years. This blog will explore some of the options for extending the life of your wood fence.
Differences in cedar and pressure treated
Conyers Fence Company offers both pressure-treated and cedar fencing. Both options will produce a quality fence for your property, it really just depends on your preference. Cedar boards hold up well in extreme weather conditions and resist decay and rot. Pressure-treated boards are chemically treated to resist any insect or water damage.
Despite the face board material, all of our fences are framed with pressure-treated material. Pressure treated posts are infused with a chemical that helps to keep out bugs and water, preventing premature damage to the wood.
Staining or Painting
Staining or painting your wood fence is a great way to seal the wood and extend the life expectancy of your fence by years. Staining your fence will also help the wood to retain its color much longer.
We recommend waiting about 6 months to allow the wood to completely dry out before your do any sort of sealing. If you seal your fence prematurely, you can seal in the moisture which will cause rot and decay. Waiting until the end of a dry season is the best. You will also want to reapply the paint or stain to your fence every few years.
Limit contact with vegetation and dirt
If your fence is exposed to dirt or any sort of plants or trees, the wood will be exposed to extra moisture which can cause the wood to rot early. Trees, plants, and vines can also cause the fence to loosen or cause structural damage to the fence. Sprinkler systems should also be set to avoid spraying directly on the fence. It can cause the finish to wear off or cause the wood to rot.
Annual inspections and repairs
We recommend walking the fence line once a year looking for any damages or rotting sections of fence. Check that your face boards are secure to the fence frame and that no sections are leaning. Inspect each post for any water rot or deterioration.
If you find any small splits, cracks or chips in the wood, you can seal it using a waterproof wood glue. We also recommend lubricating any gate hinges and locks annually with automotive grease.
Cleaning your fence
Pressure washing your fence every year or two will keep your fence looking clean and remove any mold. Make sure that your pressure washer is set to a low setting and that you use a wide fanning tip to prevent the water from cutting into your wood or stripping any sealant. Check out our blog post on pressure washing fences here.
If you have any repairs that need to be addressed, give us a call to schedule a time for us to come out and fix your issues. While Conyers Fence Company does not offer painting, staining or pressure washing services, we would be happy to refer you to someone who does.
Give us a call today!
770-922-2474
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