How to Properly Maintain Your Fence
A fence is a big investment that needs to be maintained and repaired regularly. This can prevent it from becoming broken, rotting or looking old and bedraggled.
A visual inspection should be conducted at least once a year regardless of the fence’s material. This should include noting all the visual damages and repairs.
Check the Pickets
If your fence is made of wood, look for signs of rot and mildew. If you see discoloration, start by thoroughly cleaning it with a power washer. After washing, apply a wood brightener that contains mildewcide and work it into the fence with a brush. This will help prevent the fence from becoming a breeding ground for mildew.
Then, rinse the fence and if necessary, apply a wood sealant or stain. This process not only looks good but helps increase the longevity of your fence by protecting the wood from water and sun damage.
Vinyl and chain link fences typically do not need this step, but it is still a good idea to inspect the pickets for any sign of wear. If you notice a section of the fence that appears worn out or damaged, order replacement pieces so they are on hand or schedule professional repair. This way, any problems can be addressed and fixed right away.
Clean the Fence
Using a pressure washer can damage wood and create chips that can ruin the look of your fence. If you must use one, clean the fence in cooler weather when it is not windy. This keeps the spray from drying on the surface before you rinse it off and blowing dirt into your face.
You can remove dirt and debris from a fence with a bucket of warm water and a scrub brush. There are also cleaning solutions made specifically for fences that you can purchase at most hardware stores.
For organic growth like moss and mildew, use a solution of two parts water to one part chlorine bleach. Scrub the solution onto your fence with a brush, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off thoroughly. A second application of the cleaner may be necessary if the first isn't effective. For stubborn stains, you can try Wet & Forget, which works slowly to gently remove organic growth.
Stain or Seal the Fence
The final step in the fence maintenance process is to stain or seal the wood. A stain will help to prevent rot, mildew and water stains while also protecting the wood from harmful ultraviolet light.
Before applying a new stain, make sure the fence has had time to dry and that it is free of dirt, mildew, mold and algae. Once the fence is cleaned, use a paintbrush, roller or sprayer to apply the stain to the wood slats. If you are using a sprayer, be sure to wear protective equipment including safety glasses and a mask to avoid getting the product in your eyes or mouth.
For best results, stain all sides of the fence, allowing the stain to form an envelope that will keep rainwater and sun from contacting the wood. A good quality stain should last two to five years, depending on the weather conditions where you live. This will help your fence to look great and protect your property for a long time.
Replace the Posts
If you notice that any of your fence posts are sagging or leaning, it's time to take action. Inspect each post carefully to determine if it can be straightened or if it needs to be replaced entirely.
If the fence is made of prefabricated panels that are attached to each post with screws or nails, you can easily free the affected post by unscrewing the brackets from the backside or removing the nails or screws with a cordless drill or hammer. If the fence is made of slats that are fastened directly to the posts, you'll need to use supports to keep the fence from collapsing while you remove and replace the damaged post.
The biggest hurdle with replacing a fence post is getting the old one out of its concrete foundation. If you can, you should try to do this without removing the concrete from the ground, but that's not always easy. If you do have to remove the concrete, make sure that you're using angular gravel rather than smooth pea gravel, which won't wedge against the sides of the new post.
A fence is a big investment that needs to be maintained and repaired regularly. This can prevent it from becoming broken, rotting or looking old and bedraggled. A visual inspection should be conducted at least once a year regardless of the fence’s material. This should include noting all the visual damages and repairs. Check the…