- Peoria, IL:309-965-2241
07/22/2022
When was the last time you took a pressure washer to your fence? Or when was your wood fence stained last? As with home and yard upkeep, you must also regularly clean and maintain your backyard or front yard fences. And for tips on how to best maintain your fence, look no further than the fencing experts at Hohulin Fence. With a bit of knowledge and motivation, you can keep your fence in the best shape possible.
As you’ll soon find, most of this article’s tips on fence care pertain to the upkeep of wood fences. Due to the increased potential for deterioration, you must do everything possible to protect your wood fence. For example, your cedar (or other wood) fence should use pressure-treated wood. By using high pressure to inject preservatives into your lumber, the longevity of wood is significantly increased. Thankfully, Hohulin Fence takes the initiative by using pressure-treated wood for your fencing.
Staining your wood fence is essential to its durability and longevity. If possible, staining your fence should be something that’s done once some time has passed after its installation. Standard cedar fences are best to stain about a year after initial installation, allowing pressure-treating chemicals to dry out completely. Staining (or painting) your fence afterward gives it an extra layer of protection, preventing issues like fading, splintering and rotting.
Yes, even your fence needs cleaning! However, this tip doesn’t apply to only wood fences; all fence materials require cleaning. Thankfully, with the exception of vinyl, most fence types don’t need yearly cleaning. On average, homeowners must clean their fence every 3 to 5 years. Cleaning your fence might also mean taking a pressure washer to peeling paint and “touching it up.” The primary goal of cleaning is to remove any mildew, moss, dirt and bacteria gathering on your fence. Not only do these contaminants make your fence look dirty, but they can cause wood rot if you’re not careful.
After many years, even with consistent cleaning and painting, parts of your wood fence can begin to deteriorate. Most at risk of wood rot are your wood fence posts. Due to fence posts being placed in the ground, they are directly exposed to insects and moisture in the soil. If your wood posts seem to be rotting, you have two options: replace posts with new wood posts or metal fence posts. While both options work to keep your fence sturdy and standing, another wood post will likely need replacing again in a few years. Conversely, metal posts are more resistant than wood, thus lasting much longer.
Another way to prolong the life of your fence is by installing rot boards all along your wood fencing’s bottom. Your “rot boards” fill in the space between fence pickets and the ground. And as previously mentioned, wood that’s in or close to soil is at greater risk for deterioration. However, by installing rot boards, you give a buffer between your fence pickets and the ground. Rot boards help absorb excess moisture that might otherwise reach your pickets. After a few years, old rot boards can be replaced with fresh lumber.
While it may seem like an obvious thing to do, not everyone takes the time to inspect their fence closely. Once or twice a year, it’s a smart idea to take a walk around your fence to spot potential problems. Issues such as broken boards, loose nails, wood rot, holes, etc., are easy enough to find with a simple inspection. Furthermore, if you catch these problems early, you can avoid potentially expensive repair and replacement costs for your fence. Rather than fixing entire sections of fencing, you might only need to replace one or two boards.
Naturally, your wood fence will be exposed to water and moisture throughout its lifespan. However, doing your best to minimize contact with water and moisture outside of weather goes a long way toward preserving your fence. If there are areas of your yard where water pools too close to your fence, you might consider leveling the ground. Or, if vegetation has begun to grow on or alongside your fence, it might be worth trimming or removing it. Ultimately, the less water and moisture you expose your wood fence to, the longer it will last.
Even with preventative maintenance and consistent care, your fence will eventually become old and need updating. And when that time comes, you can count on Hohulin Fence! We offer timely and affordable fence installation of wood, vinyl, metal, chain link, and other fence types. Talk with our team today to discuss the best fence for your home or business! You can contact Hohulin Fence at 309-965-2241. We are located at 116 Harrison St, Goodfield, IL 61742.