Wooden fences are one of the best things a homeowner can own. They are sturdy, easily maintained, and don’t require much care beyond a simple splint. However, if you made the mistake of buying a wooden fence second-hand or opened your fence to find an insect infestation or rotting wood, instructions on how to take care of one are essential for proper handling.
Some Important Points
- To remove insects, first remove the insect with a pesticide. Then, clean the mesh with a sandpaper or power sprayer. This will effectively get rid of any burrows and stop them from ever getting into your fence again. Use sticky traps with your pesticides to get rid of any other bugs you may find in your fence.
- When it comes time to treat holes in the wood, clamp on a splint around the hole and fill it with a quick set concrete mix until you get to the surface. After the concrete sets, sandpaper the surface to relieve any rough spots and varnish to make it look like new. Wooden fences made from cedar or redwood are naturally resistant to rotting. If you want to preserve your fence for years, make sure it is waterproofed with a water-based stain.
- If you are concerned that your wooden fence will not be able to survive a harsh winter and want to protect it, one of the easiest ways would be by covering it with tarp or plastic sheeting. That way, you can still enjoy the privacy of your fence without having to worry about the elements.
When it comes to your wooden fence, a good rule to follow is that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. If you take care of it from the beginning, you will feel its lasting effects for years.
Tips on Taking Care of Your Wooden Fence:
1) It is important to make sure your wooden fence stays away from sources of fire such as weather and lights.
2) Be sure to keep away from sources of strong wind. This too can cause damage. Naturally, the stronger the wind, the more damage your fence will sustain.
3) Protect your wooden fence from harsh chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides. These can be especially harmful to wooden fences because it is difficult for them to break down and decompose properly in soil.
4) Keep away from any water sources if you live on a construction site, farm or near a river where bugs may be in storage. This is especially the case during the rainy season.
5) Be sure to treat your wooden fence annually. This will make sure that it does not rot due to rain and insects. If you prefer, you can treat your fence every six months as well.
6) Make sure to keep your wooden fence safe from animals such as raccoons and squirrels who are known to destroy wood fences by chewing on them or stealing materials such as nails to line their nests with.
7) Never place metal on your fence as this can weaken it. If you see an opening in the mesh, try to fill it with a wooden plank to prevent any unsuspecting insects from getting through.
8) Be sure not to let children hang their toys or swing over your wooden fence. This could be dangerous to their health and can destroy the fence in the long run. Instead, keep them safe by installing a child gate and a child gate house like the ones you see nationwide.
9) You can make your fence even more durable and weatherproof by painting it. Do not use white paint as it will stain over time, just be sure to use a wood stain.
Some of the additional tips to cure your wooden fence
- Staining and Sealing
Although wood naturally repels water, it will still be vulnerable to the sun’s strong rays. Fences can easily crack, warp, or experience other problems when left unprotected. If you want your fence to last longer, then proper maintenance is a must!
Ornamental fences are more susceptible to weather. Rain and snow will cause your fence to deteriorate faster than others. Every year, you should stain and seal your fence so that it properly resists water damage.
When staining and sealing your fence, you should use a professional service. Even if you use the right products, you might not apply them in the proper way.
Fence painting is important to maintain, but it can be expensive when done by a professional service. By using a powder coating method, painting your fence yourself can save you a lot of money.
One disadvantage to a treated wood fence is that it is more susceptible to pests. All wooden fences need maintenance, but treated wood will require additional treatment to deter pests. You can add a protective barrier by coating the entire fence with beeswax prior to painting it. This can significantly reduce problems with bugs and rot.
- Paint vs. Stain
You have three different options when it comes to staining or sealing your fence: paint, stain, and sealant.
Before deciding on a specific type of paint, you need to know how the product will affect your fence. Latex paint is not a good choice for wooden fences because it will peel off quickly.
Paint and stains have different effects on wood. Paints sit on top of wood while stains penetrate into it. Since paints are temporary, they are better suited to fences that will undergo significant wear and tear. If your fence is used regularly, then paints can provide a functional solution that protects against moisture and dirt.
If you want your fence to last longer, then a stain is best. It is a permanent solution that provides protection against harsh weather and pests.
Sealant is an option for those who have concerns over pest control. It is able to reduce any chemical residue left behind by the wood’s finish.
Your Final Decision
The bottom line is this: If you want your wooden fences to last longer, then you must give them maintenance! By properly maintaining your fences, you can prevent all kinds of damage from occurring over time.
1. Clean: Empty old paint cans and sprayers out. If you have been using it, then scrub the fence with a mild soap and water solution until it is clean and dry.
2. Measure: Ask your contractor to make a detailed measurement of the posts, railings, and fences near to where your gate is going on the ground. You should also get down on your hands and knees to see if there are tree roots or plants that are getting in the way of the fence line.
3. Repaint: Fill in any cracks or holes in the wood. If you are not painting your fence, then stain it with a color that matches the rest of your home.
4. Check: Regularly check to make sure that your fence is perfectly square and straight! If so, then you do not need to proceed with more maintenance.
5. Repair: If there are any broken pieces of wood on your fence, then look for a way to repair them so that they are stronger than before.
6. Protect: If you are going on vacation, then spray your fence with a barrier against water and insects. You can also use a protective cover on the top of your fence to keep it clean and free of grit. 7. Clean: Check that the paint is dried before continuing with the maintenance. It is important that the paint adheres to the wood so that it does not chip off later on!
8. Keep: Regularly check your fence for any damage that may have occurred over time.