What’s The Life Span Of A Wooden Fence?
If you're thinking about installing wood fencing, you may be wondering how long it would last. To demonstrate More About Wood Fence Life Expectancy, a man lacquers a wood fence in the backyard.
In comparison to other fencing materials like vinyl, aluminum, or chain-link, wooden fences do entail a bit of a tradeoff in terms of longevity and maintenance.
It is, however, well worth the effort. Natural wood fencing is really unparalleled. It's elegant, classic, and trendy, and it adds a magical touch of elegance to any home.
We should note right away that in the rainy, windy, and wintery Pacific Northwest, wooden fences simply do not last as long as they might in drier climates.
A well-built wooden fence will last up to 20 years or more if properly maintained, which includes removing individual planks and boards as required.
But there's that tradeoff we mentioned: A wood fence needs daily maintenance; otherwise, it will rust if left unattended.
Wood is unlikely to last as long or be as robust as other fencing solutions, such as vinyl fencing. Wood fences can rot, warp, sag, and crack over time, particularly if exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. (In other words, in Western Oregon for eight months of the year!) Insect infestations can also affect wooden fences.
However, there are many ways to ward off the effects of the elements and the passage of time.
The majority of wood fences are made of cedar or redwood, two trees that are more resistant to decay than other forms of wood. That is why those two wood types are among the most widely used for fences.
It's also necessary to make sure the fence isn't prone to uprooting from surrounding tree systems, in addition to the type of wood. There should also be no vines hanging from it. Bushes and vines, while adding beauty and curb appeal to a fence, may also lead to rot and decay.
Your fence's life and longevity can be extended by using pressure-treated wood. Applying wood sealants and preservatives on a regular basis is also beneficial.
Landowners can inspect the fence from top to bottom once a year. This aids in the early detection of issues until they become too severe. Not only should the wood be inspected, but also the nails and screws that keep it together.
It's also a good idea to double-check that the fence posts are still firmly embedded in the post holes and the ground. The sections of the fence that don't touch the ground are less prone to rot and decay, as well as other moisture-related issues.
Cleaning the fence thoroughly and staining and painting it every few years is also a good idea. This will help to protect the fence's structural integrity while still preserving its striking look.
To cut a long story short, proper maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring that your wooden fence lasts for ten, fifteen, or even forty years!
Vinyl fences are the easiest to maintain, and their standard lifetime corresponds to a hands-off approach to fence maintenance.
With careful care, most fences can last a long time and more than satisfy their intended purposes, but few will outlast a vinyl fence. To keep them clean and maintained, these fences need the least amount of personal time. As a result, a vinyl fence's total lifetime is 35 to 40 years.
Unfortunately, these fences, like ornamental fences, need the most expertise to build, and a poorly constructed vinyl fence can easily become its own worst enemy. If you have the extra cash, a professional installation for these types of fences is highly recommended.
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