Known for their attractiveness and strength, it’s no wonder that wooden fences have enjoyed decades of popularity amongst homeowners. And if you’ve decided to enhance your garden with a wooden fence, you’ll want to know how to extend the life of your wooden fence to get the most out of your investment. xtend
So let’s take a look at some key maintenance tips for wooden fences, so you know exactly how to keep them looking their best and performing at their peak.
6 fence maintenance tips to extend the life of your wooden fence
Built with concrete or metal posts
Creating a long-lived fence starts with construction. If you can, opt for posts made from rot-resistant materials such as concrete or metal. Fence posts support the entire structure of the fence, and so it’s imperative that the materials used are wisely chosen. This is especially true when you consider that it’s the posts, rather than the panels, that have the most contact with the ground, and the most exposure to moisture. Therefore, opting for metal or concrete posts to hold up your wooden panels is a more practical choice than selecting wooden posts.
Invest in gravel boards
Also known as rot boards, gravel boards are an optional feature in fence construction that are absolutely worth the investment to improve the lifespan of the fence. The role of gravel boards is to lie just between the fence panel and the ground, almost acting as a buffer. This shields the fence panels from much of the moisture and insect activity of the ground, enabling the panels to maintain their quality for much longer.
Inspect and repair regularly
The only way to tell if your fence is showing signs of age or disrepair is to become familiar with its condition through inspection. Ideally, take a look at your fence at least once a year to check for any current or developing problems. Look out for loose screws, rot, damage, sagging, cracks, holes, or just any decline in quality. Once any issues have been identified, it’s vital that they are not left to worsen, otherwise you could find yourself with a bigger and more expensive issue to resolve further down the line. That’s why it’s always advisable to nip any problems in the bud the moment they’re identified.
Schedule in cleaning
You may not think that a wooden fence is something that particularly requires cleaning, but it’s actually recommended to carry out a clean every 2 – 5 years. This is to remove any dirt, fungi or mould build-up which can impact the aesthetic appearance of the fence and also its longevity. A garden hose is the most effective way to clean down a fence, although if there are a few stubborn patches, you may wish to give these more attention with a little bit of soap and very soft cloth or soft-bristled brushes. For mould or mildew, it’s always worth trying more gentle or natural remedies before opting for harsher alternatives to protect the quality of the panels.
Paint, stain and seal
Paint, stain and sealant are excellent ways of vastly improving the quality and lifespan of your fence. When it comes time to stain a fence, you should wait at least a few weeks beforehand to allow the wood to settle into its new environment and weather conditions. Remember to re-paint, re-seal and re-stain once every 2 – 5 years. To help you remember, why not time it with your cleaning?
Reduce moisture exposure
Wood is a beautiful addition to any garden, but despite painting, sealing and maintenance, there are still little things you can do to protect it from unnecessary moisture. For example, you may wish to direct sprinkler systems away from the panels. Similarly, if you notice any vegetation growing on your panels, this can result in damp foliage having close contact with the boards, leading to rotting, so trim back vegetation when you can.
Do I need to replace my fence?
If your fence is extremely old, in a state of marked degradation, or is requiring multiple repairs over the years to keep it in shape, it might actually be more economical to replace the fence rather than continually repair it.
Part of cost-efficient fence ownership is recognising whether repair or replacement is more effective in the long run. If a fence has consumed a lot of money in repairs recently, this might be telling you that it’s time to invest in a new, sturdy and well-sealed fence.
Fence Installation In London ,Harrow and Hillingdon
With over 60 years’ experience, Harrow Fencing are trusted stockists and installers of high-quality wooden fences for homes across Harrow, Hillingdon, and beyond. We provide a wide range of fence panel styles to both homeowners and trade clients to ensure you have the right look and performance for the right application. Simply get in touch with our team to learn more.
