If you want your wooden fence to last, it needs proper maintenance and protection. It is essential to periodically clean your wall, as moss and dirt can trap moisture against the wood, causing it to rot. Ensure you have all the necessary tools for repairs before starting any work. These include a hammer, nails/screws, drill, saw, replacement boards/posts/pickets, waterproof glue, wood stain and a preservative sealant.

Repair Any Damage

A wooden fence Lake County IL, is a sizable investment, so it’s essential to take care of them. Performing regular inspections and making repairs can prevent minor problems from becoming major long-term issues. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wooden fences, and it can cause rot, mold, and mildew. Regularly cleaning your wooden fence with a pressure washer or hose can help keep moisture away from the wall.

In addition to cleaning your fence, it’s a good idea to add a water-repellent preservative or sealant. These can be found at home improvement stores and hardware centers, and they can help protect your fence from rotting or insect damage. It’s also a good idea to trim bushes and vines hanging on or leaning against your wall. They can add weight and may cause the wood to rot faster. You’ll also want to check your sprinklers regularly to make sure they aren’t getting your fence wet, which can lead to rot or moss growth.

Keep It Clean

It’s essential to keep your wooden fence clean. A regular cleaning with a hose or pressure washer can prevent dirt and mold from settling in and rotting the wood. It is also helpful to regularly rake the area surrounding your fence. Any leaves that pile up can hold in moisture, which promotes rot, mildew, and mold. Use a helpful storage size guide to gain a better understanding of what would fit into different places and help you choose the correct size unit. If you use this method, work panel by panel to ensure that the solution is thoroughly applied and cleaned off of the surface of each board. It’s also a good idea to stain or seal your fence every few years. It can protect the wood from rotting, and it can help to extend its lifespan. It’s essential to choose a stain that provides UV protection and is water-resistant to maximize its effectiveness. If you decide to stain, allow the wood to dry for a week before applying the new coat.

Inspect It Regularly

The best way to extend the life of your wood fence is to closely inspect it regularly. It allows you to catch any problems early on before they get worse, such as rot or insect damage. It also gives you a good idea of whether or not your fence needs a stain or paint to protect it from the elements. Start by walking around your yard and examining each section of your wooden fence. Look for rotting boards, loose nails, or broken posts. If you find any issues, repair them immediately to avoid more extensive and costly damage down the road. You should also examine the base of each post to ensure it is well-anchored in the ground. The bottom of each post should also be free of debris, such as leaves and dirt, which can hold moisture that promotes rot and mildew. To reduce prolonged contact with moisture, line the post footing hole with gravel or rock to allow water to drain away from the wood.

Put on a New Coat of Stain or Paint

Keep your fence looking newer for longer by painting or staining it with a fresh coat to help keep moisture out and prevent wood rot. Using an exterior oil-based stain that contains UV inhibitors is recommended. When applying a fresh coat of paint, first give your fence a thorough clean to remove dirt and cobwebs. If necessary, use a power washer or bleach diluted with water to remove mildew spots and mold. Make sure your yard is free of any leaves, branches, or plants that may touch the fence. Leaf accumulation can hold in moisture and lead to moss growth, which can then crack or rot your wooden fence. Once the fence is completely dry, brush it with multiple coats of copper naphthenate (a wood preservative free of chromium and arsenic). Let the wood dry for the hours specified on the paint tin instructions. Then, either paint with a brush or roller, aiming to get an even coverage.