How to Care for a Wood Fence

A wood fence can add both beauty and security to your home or business. Wood fences are designed to last for many years, but with proper maintenance, you can prolong the life of your fence.

Here are a few tips on how to care for a wood fence:

Inspect

Take a walk around your yard and inspect your wood fence for signs of damage or rot. Check each section of the fence to ensure its structure remains secure – replace broken boards, hammer in loose nails, tighten screws, and firmly seat leaning posts into the ground.

Any steps you take to reduce the fence’s exposure to moisture will help prolong the life of the wood. Trim brushes or vines that may be hanging on the fence, because they hold on to moisture. Adjust sprinkler heads so they don’t get the fence wet – leading to rot or moss growth. Inspect your fence regularly if you live in a humid or rainy climate.

Clean

Every couple of years, clean the wood to remove dirt, mildew, moss and graying. After making any needed repairs, scrape off any debris or loose, peeling paint until you can see new wood, and clean the fence with a pressure washer.

If you notice mold on the wood fence, you can spray a mixed solution on the fence of bleach and mild detergent an hour before cleaning it – this will help kill the mold and prevent it from growing back.

 Reseal or Paint

After cleaning any debris off your fence, it is important to reseal or paint the wood. Exterior oil-based stains or latex paints are water-repellant and will help seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, and limit the amount of weathering to the wood. Additionally, choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from graying.

If you implement these care and maintenance tips, your wood fence is guaranteed to last for years. However, sometimes, small repairs aren’t enough. For a new, beautiful and customized wood fence for your property, contact the design and installation experts at Texas Fence and Iron today.