How Can I Extend The Life Of My Wood Fence?
A wood privacy split rail, or picket fence will enhance the beauty and security of your home. These fences usually last about 15 years, but with proper maintenance, they may last as long as 20 years or longer.
Considerations for a New Fence
The type of wood is the first thing to think about. Because of their resistance to decay and rot, western red cedar and redwood are widely used for fences, but there are a number of other wood types available. Because of the severe weather in Kansas, cedar is the most common tree.
Finally, wait about a year after installing a new wood fence before staining or painting it. This gives the wood and the chemicals used in the pressure treatment time to dry out. You'll only end up locking moisture in, which can lead to rot and decay if the fence isn't dry. While pressure-treated wood is resistant to fungus and termites, it is still susceptible to swelling, shrinking, cracking, and warping, so basic maintenance is necessary every two or three years.
Take a walk around your yard once a year and look for signs of damage or rot on your fence. Replacing broken boards, hammering loose nails, and tightening screws are all things that need to be done. Check that each part of the fence is securely connected to the one before it. Make sure the posts are firmly seated in the ground if any parts of the fence are leaning. If the posts are in bad shape, you will need to repair them. Check your gates' hinges and locks to make sure they're stable and aligned properly. If necessary, lubricate them with automotive grease.
Since pressure-treated lumber isn't totally impervious to water infiltration, any measures you take to reduce the wood's exposure to moisture can help it last longer. Adjust sprinklers so that they don't get the fence wet, rotting the wood or allowing moss to develop. Trim back bushes and vines so that they don't cling to the fence, as they add weight and moisture.
Ensure that the area around the fence has enough drainage to prevent water from pooling around the posts. The soil at the base of each post should be tightly packed and slope away from the fence in a gentle slope.
Every 3-5 years, clean
Clean your wood fence every two to three years to prevent dirt, moss, mildew, and graying. Then apply a UV-blocking, water-repellent finish. Scrap away any moss or peeling paint so you can see your wood again after you've made the required repairs. If your fence has mold, make a solution of 20% bleach and 80% mild detergent and spray it on the fence an hour before cleaning it. This will help to destroy any mold spores present and prevent them from returning.
Repaint or reseal After You've Cleaned Your Fence
Reapplying paint or stain every 3-5 years is recommended. Use an exterior oil-based stain or latex paint to help seal out moisture, avoid wood rot, and limit the amount of time your wood is exposed to the elements. To prevent the wood from turning dark, use a stain or sealant that contains a UV inhibitor. Allow for a week of drying time before adding a stain or sealant that is thinner than paint.
Do You Need a Fence Contractor You Can Trust?
Why pay more when you can restore? That's our motto and the way we approach every project. Fresh Coat Restoration specializes in new deck builds, new fence builds, deck repairs, fence repairs, arbor restoration, fence restoration, deck restoration, pressure washing and sealing/staining. If it's in your backyard chances are we specialize in it! When you call FCR you will be working with a licensed, insured, honest and reliable contractor with years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers. We are the top Fencing contractor in the Vine Hill neighborhood of Martinez, California, serving the fencing installation and restoration needs of homeowners throughout Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda Counties. Contact us today to start your project!
