As a homeowner, you have a lot to care for when it comes to your home and property. There’s always something that needs attention, from minor repairs to remodeling projects. With each upgrade you make, your home becomes an even more special place to live. Regular, ongoing maintenance is really important too.
If you live in a house, rather than an apartment, you’ll also be taking care of outdoor chores. In addition to all the lawn and landscaping tasks, there are recurring outdoor maintenance responsibilities. One of the items you’ll want to be sure is on your list is properly maintaining your wooden fence.
Oregon’s climate can be hard on timber fencing, but with the right care and attention, you can preserve and prolong the life of your fence. When you pay attention to your fence, it will continue to look great and protect the safety of your family and your privacy for years to come.
Assessing The Condition of Your Wood Fence
To properly maintain your wooden fence, the first thing you’ll need to do is make a thorough visual inspection of the full fence line. Start by walking along the entire length of the fence, checking the wood for any signs of damage. If you see discoloration, warping, cracks, or sections of the wood that are spongy or soft, it may point to termite damage or rot.
Next, you will want to perform some physical tests. You can check post stability by gently shaking each one. Examine each of the panels to check for integrity. From there, make sure that each of the gates is working well, without any dragging or sagging. You can also use a wood fence moisture meter to spot rot that is not yet visible.
Importance of Wood Preservatives
With Oregon’s often intense environmental conditions and intense UV rays, wood preservatives can be key to extending the life of your fence. Rainfall and high humidity can result in moisture absorption that, in turn, causes decay and rot. Regions that are prone to termites can also see damage that could eventually lead to fence collapse.
Wood preservative treatments are designed to help protect the wood from termites, mold, fungi, and damage from moisture. You’ll find two basic types of preservatives to choose from, water-based or oil-based.
Water-based products are generally more eco-friendly and dry quicker, but they have to be reapplied more often. Preservatives that are oil-based can penetrate more deeply into the wood, and generally offer better resistance to pests and water.
Cleaning the Wood Fence
To keep your fence beautiful and prolong its life, it’s important to regularly clean the panels. As time goes by, mildew, algae, dirt, and debris can build up on the surface and trap moisture, leading to unsightly discoloration, damage and decay.
When you want to clean your fence, start by removing the surface dirt, loose debris, cobwebs and any mildew. You can then scrub the wood fence with a solution of cold water and mild detergent, or choose to use a pressure washer. Set the washer on a low setting to avoid damaging the wood.
After cleaning, rinse with cold water and allow to dry for several days.
Moisture Management
In Oregon, managing moisture is a critical element of maintaining and preserving your wood fence. As a natural product, wood absorbs moisture; this can cause it to warp, swell or even rot over the years.
To manage moisture, make sure there is proper drainage along the base of the fence. Mulch, soil, or plants should not be right up against the timber. Leaving a small space between the ground and the bottom edge of the fence will let air circulate and lead to faster drying.
You’ll also want to apply a waterproof sealant specifically designed for outdoor timber to further protect the wood.
How to Extend the Life of a Wood Fence
One of the best ways to extend the life of your wood fence is to apply a top-quality, protective finish. Wood stains can penetrate deep into the fibers, and offer excellent protection. Sealants help to create a waterproof surface barrier, and may contain UV blockers to help prevent sun damage.
Ongoing maintenance on and around the fence is also key. Keeping vegetation trimmed and away from the fence help prevent moisture buildup from leading to mould and rot. Quickly repairing any damage to posts, boards, and hardware is also critical.
A wood fence can add beauty, privacy, and protection to your home and property. In order to prevent damage and to extend the life of your fence, you’ll want to regularly inspect and assess the structure and the area around it. Proper cleaning, moisture management, and using wood treatments and stains or sealants also helps keep your fence in great condition for years to come.
