A wood Gaston Fence needs regular maintenance to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. Inspect it regularly to look for rot boards and loose or rusting hardware that must be repaired promptly. Trim trees, plants, and vines that may be overgrowing the fence.
Every two to three years, clean the fence with a pressure washer and recoat it with an outdoor water sealer containing mildewcide. This prevents moisture and UV rays from causing discoloration of the wood.
Inspecting your fence regularly is a crucial element of wood fence maintenance. A quick walk along the length of your fence will quickly reveal any loose boards, sagging sections or signs of wear and tear that need to be addressed. Taking care of these issues promptly will save you the cost of more extensive repairs later.
Different seasons call for specific care for wood fences. For example, winter’s freeze-thaw cycle can cause wood to expand and contract, resulting in cracks in the boards or other structural damage. Spring rains bring the risk of excess moisture that promotes rot. And summer sun exposure can cause wood to fade, requiring re-staining to keep it looking its best.
It’s also important to regularly check your fence’s foundation for moisture and ground movement that can affect the stability of the posts. Ideally, posts should be concreted into the ground rather than placed directly in it, as direct contact with soil can speed up the rate of decay and make the posts unstable.
Regular inspections will also allow you to notice signs of insect infestation, such as termites and carpenter ants, which can destroy wood structures. A pest control service should be contacted as soon as possible when you notice any indications of infestation.
If you have a chain link fence, it is important to inspect the individual links for bending or snagging that can occur over time. It is also important to check the gate and make sure it opens and closes correctly, especially after heavy snowfall when the gates may be bent or snagged by the weight of the snow.
For both types of fences, the gate should be opened and closed to see how the latching mechanism functions. A proper functioning latch will prevent unauthorized access and weather-related damage when the gate is open. It is also a good idea to remove any vegetation that may have grown around the gate to avoid unnecessary stress on the hinges and latching system. Finally, a thorough inspection will give you the opportunity to determine whether any upgrade or replacement materials are necessary.
Cleaning
Wood fences are outdoors and therefore subject to the elements, which means they are constantly exposed to dirt and debris. Over time, it can lead to the formation of more serious stains such as mold or mildew. Cleaning your fence is one of the most important steps in keeping it looking its best. This also helps to prepare the surface for staining or protective treatments, which will help to shield the wood from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
When it comes to cleaning a wood fence, the best way to go is with a pressure washer. This tool can be very effective, but it’s important to use it under cooler, non-windy conditions so that the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface before rinsing and the spray doesn’t blow back in your face. It’s also a good idea to start with a smaller area of the fence out of sight, so that you can get the hang of operating the pressure washer before you tackle a larger section.
If you prefer to avoid using a power washer, there are many natural solutions that will still help to remove stubborn dirt from a wood fence. Vinegar, for example, is a good choice because it has a mild acidic effect and can help to remove mildew and mold, while baking soda is somewhat abrasive and can help to scrub away any remaining dirt. You can also find products that are specifically designed to clean wood fences and which can be quite effective at removing stains.
Regularly trimming any overgrown vegetation that’s close to your wood fence can also help to prevent moisture from being trapped against the wood, which can cause rot and fungus. If you have a metal fence, regularly checking for rust and re-coating as needed can protect it from damage and extend its life. Lastly, sealing and staining your fence is another good way to help shield the wood from the elements. This will protect the grain from water damage and UV exposure, so it will last longer. It can also act as a barrier to help protect the fence from insects and other pests, too.
Repairing
Wood fences can become damaged from a variety of factors. A quick response to these issues can help prolong their lifespan.
For instance, if your fence is leaning or sagging, it may be caused by loose or broken boards. Replacing these can save you the cost and time of replacing your entire fence. It is best to replace the damaged boards as soon as possible to prevent them from warping or rotting.
Inspect the fence regularly and look for signs of damage or wear. Some repairs can be done with a tool like a crowbar or hammer and nails, while others require the use of power tools. If you do need to use a power tool, make sure to maintain a reasonable distance from the fence to avoid damaging it.
To prevent the spread of mold or mildew, apply a wood preservative. This can be purchased from a home improvement store and will be labeled for use on outdoor wood. The preservative is applied to the surface of the wood and will help to retard the growth of mold, mildew and fungus.
Sealing and staining also help to protect your fence from the elements. Choose a water-repellent stain that contains an ultraviolet stabilizer to help slow the discoloration of your wood fence from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Another way to protect your fence from the weather is to trim vegetation that grows near it. Overgrown plants and vines can cause moisture retention against the wood and promote rot. Regularly trimming bushes and vines can prevent them from causing damage to your wood fence.
Some repairs can be made by simply repairing the damage with a wood glue. Using a wood glue to fix broken boards is much faster and more effective than using nails. You can also use the glue to re-fasten loose boards and countersink any protruding nails. For any split or cracked boards, brush a bit of wood preservative over the surface before you apply the glue to arrest incipient rot. Adding steel wedges to your fence can help to reinforce a sagging or leaning section.
Repainting
It’s a good idea to repaint your fence every few years, especially if it’s exposed to the elements. This will help keep the wood looking fresh and protect it from moisture and UV rays. When painting, choose a color that enhances the wood’s natural whirls and textures rather than covers them up. Using a high-quality exterior paint will also ensure that your finish lasts longer.
Before painting, use a brush, roller or Wagner paint sprayer to thoroughly clean your fence, focusing on any areas that show signs of wear. Depending on your yard, you may also want to weed or trim back any vegetation that’s overgrown. Plants, vines and trees that rub against or hang from your fence can rob it of its life over time by causing damage such as cracking, warping, rot and more.
Once you’ve washed your fence and allowed it to dry, it’s time to get started with the repainting process. Make sure that all decorations are removed and the nails or screws holding them in place are tightened before you begin. It’s also a good idea to remove any old paint chips from the surface of your fence, so that the new coat will bond properly.
When applying the first coat of paint, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label for the type of paint you’re using. It’s also helpful to work with the direction of the grain of the wood when painting, as doing so will give you a more even result and help to eliminate any noticeable gaps or imperfections in your finished product.
It’s essential to have a drop cloth on hand to prevent your newly painted fence from getting dirty or ruined by splashes or drips of the new color. It’s also a good idea not to skip any steps in the priming process, particularly if your fence has previously been painted a darker shade of paint. Using a primer such as Peel Stop will help your finishing coats of paint adhere to the surface of the wood and hold up to moisture and UV rays.