Maintaining Your Wood Fence

There are many homes that make use of wood fences because of its simple, warm and aesthetic appeal to most people. Wood is also a material that is resilient and easy to work with in many styles according to function and personal style. When a fence is well-maintained, it is able to make the property look even better than it actually is. The best part is that fence contractors in Debary recommend using wooden fences because they are actually one of the easiest type of fences to maintain and keep in good condition.

Here are some steps that you can rely on to keep your wooden fence looking ageless all year long:

1. Stain your wood fence

Wood staining of your fence after it has been installed not only makes it look shiny but also protects it from wet rot. After several months, you can reapply wood stain, preferably linseed-based oil stains to renew the organic protective oils that prevent the wood from getting bristle. Wood staining is recommended to be reapplied at least once each year post installation.

2. Pressure washing and cleaning

It is imperative to prevent the buildup of dirt, mold and organic materials on your wooden fences by cleaning as much as possible. One of the best ways to get a deep long-lasting clean of your fence is to use a pressure washing machine. You can use a solution of water and white vinegar to help remove stains and persistent dirt that may be causing discoloration. You just need to add about 1 cup of vinegar to a gallon of water and apply to the fence, preferably with a rag or a spraying machine. Once it sits for around 10 minutes, you can then do a power wash with a pressure washer.

3. Prevent mold and mildew

Over time, it is hard not to spot the buildup of mold and other organic matter on your fence if you carry out regular inspections of your fence. Once you spot them at the early stages, mix a soap solution and wash the fence till all traces of the mildew and mold are removed. Rinse down with water. Power washing also typically removes mold, but soap solution and regular cleaning is also effective.

4. Painting and resealing

In order to keep your fence looking its best, you should reapply a fresh coat of paint every 2-3 years. The paint is important because it provides a layer of protection to the fence and also enhances its good looks. You can find insect-repellant and other treated paint brands that will help reduce the attack by insects. During repainting, you also have the opportunity to repair places where the paint has chipped away. The resealing of the paint can be done once or twice a year to make the paint coat last even longer and deter rot and deterioration more effectively.

If you need some help restoring your fence back to its early glory, don’t hesitate to call on Byers Fences, a reliable fence contractor in Debary for your fence installation, repair and repainting. Call us today on 386-457-2045 or email us via the contact us page for a free consultation.