A new wood fence can be a stunning addition to your home, but it is also an investment that you will need to protect. SWi Wyoming specializes in installing cedar fences that are durable and long-lasting, but since wood is a natural material it is more prone to be affected by its environment. It will need some care and attention in order to maintain its integrity and preserve its attractiveness for years to come. In this article, we will share specific maintenance tips that you can follow to protect and preserve your new fence.
Routinely Inspect Your Fence for Damage
At a minimum, you need to check your fence yearly for damage. We also recommend checking it after any major storms or weather events. Take a walk around the perimeter of your fence, remembering to check both sides of the fence. Gently shake the posts to see if they are still secure. Additionally, look for signs of rot, insect damage, deterioration, and cracks or splits in the wood.
If your fence has been painted to seal it, check for chipped or peeling paint. Damaged paint will allow water to seep into the fence, so you will need to repaint any damaged areas quickly. It is important to check the hardware and tighten or lubricate it as needed. Taking care of any minor issues quickly will keep them from turning into difficult problems and will ensure that your Wyoming wood fence lasts as long as possible.
Keep Your Fence Dry
Moisture will cause damage to your wood fence, so reducing exposure will help to keep it strong and functional. One way to do this is to properly plan the layout of the landscaping around your fence. Leave space between your fence and bushes, shrubs, trees, or plants. This allows for adequate airflow, which will keep moisture, mold, and mildew buildup to a minimum. Keeping leaves and other yard debris from piling up around your fence line is also a good way to keep it dry. Taking the time to do these things will help to minimize any major water damage that can occur.
Check for Overhanging Limbs
Water and moisture are not the only landscaping concerns when it comes to your Wyoming wood fence. Be sure to check the trees along your fence line for overhanging limbs. Loose branches and limbs can fall during a storm or during high winds, so being proactive about their removal is essential. Trim or prune your trees as needed to keep your fence and property safe. Proper tree care is an essential part of wood fence maintenance.
Clean Your Wyoming Wood Fence
Before you clean your fence, check for stains and debris. Determining whether you have dirt, green algae, mold, mildew, or water stains will allow you to know exactly what product you need in order to properly clean your fence. If the buildup or staining is minimal, rinse it with your garden hose and cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product that you have chosen in order to get the best results. If you have extensive buildup, you can use a pressure washer to clean your fence. Do not use more than 1500-2000 PSI, and be sure to use an angular tip that fans the water spray. Be very careful, as you can damage the fence with a pressure washer. If you clean your fence regularly, it will help to keep stubborn, difficult stains at bay.
Protect Your Fence With Stain or Paint
While cedar is much more resilient than a typical pine fence, staining your cedar wood fence will further preserve its integrity and prevent damage. SWi Wyoming recommends Wood Defender brand stain, and we carry it in all of our store locations. Wood Defender covers in a single coat, with no runs, drips, or back-brushing to create long-lasting beauty and protection. Plus, it’s available in a wide variety of colors to match your home’s aesthetic.
Stain generally lasts longer than paint since it absorbs deep into the wood. It doesn’t chip or peel, so it doesn’t need to be refinished as paint does. Paint requires more maintenance over time and will need to be scraped off as it starts to crack and peel before applying a fresh coat. As an experienced Wyoming fence company, SWi Wyoming recommends Wood Defender brand stain and can help you choose the best protection for your wood fence.
Contact SWi Wyoming for Expert Advice
The friendly, experienced fence professionals at SWi Wyoming are here to answer your questions and provide solutions for your Wyoming wood fence needs. From installation to maintenance, we are here to help! Give us a call at (86) 754-0120 or contact us online to get assistance from our team. We look forward to showing you why we are the leading Wyoming fence company!
