Five Tips to Maintain Your Wood Fence

A wood fence is both a functional way to create a border around your property and an attractive way to add design to your home's curb appeal.  It is important to maintain your wood fence in order to increase its lifespan and also retain its appearance.  As fence contractors in Sanford, we at Byers Fence help our customers maintain their wood fences with a few simple techniques.  Here are seven tips to properly maintaining your wood fence.

Routinely Tighten or Replace Loose Nails

When you inspect your wood fence, check all of the nails to make sure that they have not come loose.  This will result in ineffective border control by creating loose or damaged boards.  When you replace loose nails, use galvanized steel to help ensure the quality and promote longevity.  Consider caulking the nail holes once you replace loose nails to help add strength.

Look for Rotting Pickets

Inspect your fence for any rotting that could be caused from water damage.  If you have an area of your home that is susceptible to weather wear and tear, consider adding sealant to help protect your wood from rotting.  By adding a protective seal to your wood, you will help protect it from the damage caused by the elements.  Also, be sure to keep sprinklers and hoses away from your wood fence in order to prevent further damage.

Clean and Remove All Mildew

Mildew can cause major damage to your wooden fence, and it can also cause blemishes in the overall appearance of your fence.  Once mildew starts to grow, it will only continue to spread.  Every three years, we recommend that you pressure wash your wood fence in order to stop mildew from growing.  By pressure washing, you are ensuring that the wood is thoroughly cleaned.

Check Paint for Cracks, Chips, and Wear

If you have painted any sections of your wood fence, you want to inspect it for any cracks, chips, and other wear.  This could distract from its overall appearance.  Also, cracks and chips can spread, meaning that your wood is now being exposed to the elements.  When you notice cracked or chipped paint, sand the area and repaint.

Make Sure Posts Are Secure

When your posts are rotting from the soil around it, they will likely lose their structural integrity.  As you inspect your fence, give each one of your posts a little tug to make sure that they are secure.  If you notice that any posts are wiggling, contact fencing contractors to come to your home and repair your fence.

By following these five tips, you will be able to properly maintain your wood fence and increase its longevity and function over the years.  If you don't have the time to inspect or repair your wood fence, give us a call today.  We provide our customers with a team of reliable fencing contractors in Sanford who are knowledgeable on a wide array of fencing services.