Your fence serves multiple purposes: security, barrier, beautification, seclusion, and space demarcation. Nonetheless, the fence structure is exposed to the vagaries of the weather, being a permanently installed outdoor fixture, and will benefit from periodic upkeep for optimal sturdiness. Whether you have a wooden, vinyl, metal, or composite fence, it should be maintained properly by following tips suggested by a reputed fence company.
Property owners can take care of their fences by inspecting and cleaning them regularly, applying paint or stain to wooden fences, treating metal fences to prevent rust, and fixing loose or broken boards and panels. They can also trim vegetation around their fences and protect fence posts. Feel free to reach out to a trusted fence installation company if it gets tough to manage on your own.
Maintenance Tips by a Reputed Fence Company
The fence is supposed to be well maintained to ensure it lasts longer and remains beautiful. Here’s how you can take good care of fences to keep them safe, aesthetically pleasing, and operable for longer.
Inspect Your Fence Regularly
The best fence company would suggest inspecting the fence regularly. Walk around your fence at least once or twice yearly to check for wear and damage. Depending on the material, you may find these common issues that demand attention:
Cracks, warping, or rotting wood for wooden fences.
Rust, dents, or corrosion for metal fences.
Cracks, mold, or discoloration in vinyl fences.
Loose nails, screws, or brackets in all fence types.
Problems should be detected early enough, as they may prove expensive if not taken seriously. In addition, check the fence's leaning or sagging. This can be a sign of structural defects.
Clean Your Fence Regularly: Suggested by Residential Fence Company
Dirt, grime, mold, and mildew can accumulate on your fence, especially after rainfall or snow. Regular cleaning helps your fence look better and last longer since dirt and grime do not compromise the materials. There are many types of fences; how you clean each is dependent on the type.
Wooden Fences
Mix mild detergent in water using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Hose down well. Bleach solution can be used if the stain is stubborn or mildew, but be careful not to apply too much, as it might damage the wood.
Vinyl Fences
These fences are relatively low-maintenance. As advised by fence company experts, you can clean them using a garden hose and a mild soap solution. A soft cloth or sponge is also great for scrubbing off the dirt.
Metal Fences
Metal fences, especially iron fences, rust after some time. Clean the rust using a wire brush, then soak it in mild detergent. For extra protection, apply a rust converter to the fence.
Apply Paint or Stain to Wooden Fences
Wooden fences weather down gradually. It starts to warp, crack, and rot when exposed to elements. Giving a protective stain or paint on your wooden fence protects it against moisture, sun, and pests.
Paint
A top-rated fence company will help you choose high-quality exterior paint for outdoor use. Painting gives your fence an attractive and clean look but needs to be touched up frequently.
Stain
This is yet another way of safeguarding your wooden fence, but more importantly, it gives an enhanced appearance over the natural color. Oil-based stains should be used since they possess repellency that prevents water from penetrating the wood and causing rotting.
Treat Metal Fences to Prevent Rust
Rust is possibly one of the biggest enemies of metal fences, especially if they are made from iron or steel. To prevent this problem, ensure your fence is primed or painted rust-resistant. The commercial fence company will suggest using a wire brush to remove any spot of rust as soon as it appears and apply a rust converter or protective paint to stop it from spreading.
Consider applying a clear sealant to protect your metal fence against the elements. Rust inhibitors can also slow down corrosion.
Fix Loose or Broken Boards and Panels
Fence panels, boards, or pickets may eventually come loose due to exposure to external environmental conditions, movement of the ground, or actual usage. Any loose or broken board should be fixed as soon as you see it. Here is what fence company experts suggest you to do:
For wooden fences, hammer in loose nails or change the boards that have been broken down.
While in the case of vinyl and metal fences, loose screws and bolts can easily be tightened for them to fit properly.
Trim Vegetation Around Your Fence
Plants, trees, and shrubs surrounding your fence can damage it. Long, unpruned vegetation can rot wooden fences, holding moisture against them, while the plants will only speed up rusting in metal fences.
Just trim bushes, vines, and trees growing onto your fences to avoid trapping moisture and allow air circulation.
Also, a residential fence company would suggest against growing large trees near your fence. Tree roots will shift fence posts, resulting in leaning and uneven fences.
Protect Fence Posts
Fence posts support the whole structure but often go unnoticed during regular maintenance. Ensure your posts are well-installed and the base is protected from moisture. Water-resistant material should be applied at the bottom of wooden posts.
If your fence posts are wooden and directly placed in the ground, compact soil around the bottom so water does not collect.
How to take care of a new fence?
A professional fence company would suggest tips to maintain their property. These include regularly inspecting it for damage, applying weatherproofing treatments, keeping the area free of debris, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent moisture buildup and prolong its lifespan.
Why does your fence need maintenance?
Your fence needs maintenance to prevent deterioration caused by weather, pests, and wear over time. Regular upkeep ensures its structural integrity, enhances curb appeal, and prolongs its lifespan for lasting protection.
How to make a fence last longer?
To make a fence last longer, regularly inspect for damage, apply protective sealants or coatings, clean it to prevent mildew and rust, and address repairs promptly to maintain its structural integrity, as advised by fence companies.
Conclusion
As several companies have advised, taking care of your fence is an essential part of home maintenance. Property owners should regularly inspect and clean their fences. Wooden fence property owners must also ensure that their fences are painted or stained. They have to treat metal fences to avoid rust. A professional fence company should fix broken boards or panels of a fence. In addition, the vegetation surrounding their fences should be trimmed regularly. Fence posts need to be protected.
