You’ve done it. You’ve had a new wood fence installed. You love it. You want it to last for as long as possible. You should be able to get about 15-20 years out of the fence especially if you clean and maintain it properly. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean and maintain a wood fence so you can do just that with yours.
Pressure-treated wood for posts
When building your fence, you should ask your fence contractor, like B.C. Fence, to get pressure treated wood for the posts. Why? Posts should be pressure-treated because they go into the ground where insects and moisture reside. Pressure treated wood is more resistant to damage from moisture and insects than other types of wood.
Apply a wood preservative to the rest of the fence
To keep your wood from rotting, you should apply a wood preservative to seal it. You can apply it directly to the fence; however, some manufacturers would prefer it if you cleaned the fence first with water and added a mildewcide. A sealant or preservative will trap anything on the wood. A clean and dry fence makes it last longer and work better.
Now you should wait two days after washing the fence before applying the preservative because that will give it time to dry. The preservative or sealant will protect your fence from absorbing excess water. That can lead to twists and splits and warps in the wood. The best preservative to use has a UV stabilizer. This won’t prevent your fence from graying in the sun; but, it will slow down the process. If you decide to stain your fence a different color, choose paint with a wood preservative in it.
Other tips
We have some other tips for cleaning and maintaining a wood fence here:
- Keep sprinklers from wetting the fence so the wood won’t rot.
- Remove vines, plants and other vegetation from the fence. The extra weight can cause cracking or warping.
- Check your fence every few months for insects, termites, wasps and more.
- Keep tree limbs trimmed. This will prevent falling trees from damaging the fence.
- Replace boards that have holes, show signs of water damage or are broken on a regular basis.
- Brush and wash dirt off the fence’s surface.
- If your fence is stained, re-apply the stain every couple of years.
We hope these tips have helped you figure out how to take care of your wood fence. If you’d like to have your new wood fence installed, we, at B.C. Fence, a leading fence company in Austin, can do that for you. Give us a call at 512-284-8716 today for more information.
FAQs
How often should I apply a wood preservative to my fence?
It’s recommended to apply a wood preservative or sealant to your fence every 1-2 years to ensure maximum protection against moisture, insects, and UV damage.
What type of wood preservative should I use for my fence?
Choose a wood preservative that includes a UV stabilizer to slow down the graying process caused by sun exposure. If you prefer to stain your fence a different color, opt for a stain that also contains a wood preservative.
Can I apply wood preservative to a damp fence?
No, you should wait at least two days after washing the fence before applying the preservative. This allows the wood to dry completely, ensuring better absorption and effectiveness of the preservative.
How can I prevent my wood fence from rotting?
To prevent rot, keep sprinklers from wetting the fence, remove any vines or vegetation that may add weight or retain moisture, and regularly inspect the fence for signs of damage or insect infestations.
What should I do if I find insects or termites on my wood fence?
If you find insects or termites on your fence, address the issue promptly by consulting a pest control professional. Regular inspections can help catch these problems early before they cause significant damage.
