After you’ve had an expertly installed fence at your home or business, you may be wondering how to protect your investment. Our fences are built to last, but as a natural product, wood requires a bit of maintenance to prolong its lifespan. As a leading Owensboro, Kentucky fence company, Mr. Fence of Kentucky wants to ensure that your fence lasts for years to come. We have put together the following list to help you extend the life of your fence and keep it looking new for as long as possible.
Regularly Inspect Your Kentucky Wood Fence
At least once a year, you should examine your wood fence by walking along the fence line and looking for damage. Keep an eye out for deterioration, rot, loose boards, or cracks in the wood. Tighten any loose hardware you discover. If you can’t immediately make repairs, take note of them and fix them as soon as possible. If you need additional support to repair your fence, contact Mr. Fence of Kentucky, your favorite Owensboro, Kentucky fence company. We will be happy to help you find a solution. Neglecting smaller repairs can be detrimental and lead to larger problems, so be sure to take care of things as quickly as possible.
Preserve Your Fence By Minimizing Potential Risks
Moisture is the enemy of wood fencing, so do your best to reduce your fence’s exposure to moisture. Create airflow by planning your landscaping and leaving space between your fence and any plants, bushes, or shrubs. Remove leaves and debris so that they don’t accumulate since they can harbor water and increase the risk of water damage. Additionally, check the tree limbs and branches that hang close to your fence. If there are any broken or damaged portions of your trees, remove them as soon as possible, so they don’t fall on your fence. Take care of your fence by taking precautions and removing problems before they occur.
Clean Your Kentucky Wood Fence
Keeping your wood fence clean will go a long way to preserving its life. Check carefully for the following types of stains:
- Dirt or debris – this includes soil, mud, grass clippings, leaves, or mulch
- Water stains – your sprinkler can stain your fence if your water has high iron or mineral content
- Mold or mildew – these are especially prevalent in humid, wet climates
- Green algae – this can grow in very shady areas that don’t get sun. Check behind trees, plants, or any other areas that are hidden
Knowing what you are dealing with will help you find the best solution. A garden hose and gentle cleanser should be enough for minimal buildup or debris. For larger problems, use your hose to soak your fence. This opens the wood grain and makes it easier to rinse away dirt or debris. Next, use the cleaner that you have selected. You will need special products to remove mold, mildew, or algae. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to achieve the best results. Use a wire brush and remove any stains or buildup before rinsing with the hose. A pressure washer can also be used to remove tough stains, but do not use a setting higher than 1500-2000 PSI because that can damage the wood. Use an angular tip that fans the water spray to minimize any potential damage.
Regularly cleaning your fence will help minimize stains that may become more difficult to clean later on.
Use Stain or Paint to Protect and Refresh Your Fence
Wood fences can be preserved by painting or staining them. Either of these options will provide protection from the elements, reduce damage from UV rays, and prevent water damage. Generally speaking, paint or stain needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 years. There are some differences between them that you should be aware of before choosing which product is best for your fence.
Painting is generally more affordable up front, but it will need to be reapplied more frequently. Paint can chip or peel, and if that happens, it will need to be corrected immediately since peeling paint allows water to get into the wood. One benefit of paint is that it is available in a wide variety of colors and can easily be customized to match your existing home’s color palette.
Staining may last longer than paint since it penetrates into the wood and doesn’t chip or peel. Over time it fades, and that is how you determine when it should be reapplied. Stain is available in several colors and transparencies. A stain is a nice option if you want to enhance the natural grain of the wood without compromising style.
As a leading Owensboro, Kentucky fence company, we can offer further assistance when trying to decide which product is best for you. Reach out to our exceptional staff for more information and guidance.
Get Help From the Best Owensboro, Kentucky Fence Company
Mr. Fence of Kentucky provides expert fence service in Owensboro and the surrounding area. We are here to answer your questions about any maintenance needs you may have. Our skilled and helpful staff is here to help, so give us a call at (812) 425-3550 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
