OnlineFence Blog

How Should I Maintain My Wood Fence?

It is only natural that we spend more time outdoors and in our backyards during the warm summer months. As we welcome in the 4th of July, it is a great time to consider performing regular maintenance to keep your front and backyards looking their best for holiday guests. Here are several simple tips to help you with yearly fence maintenance.

Clean Up Base Of Fence Posts

If you didn't get a chance to do so in the spring, rake any leaves or debris from the area surrounding the base of your fence. Wood fences are susceptible to decay if they are exposed to wet leaves for too long, so by removing the debris you will prevent any damage that could occur from prolonged exposure to moisture.

Power Washing | Remove Excess Buildup

Use a pressure washer with some mild deck/fence cleaning solution to remove dirt and fungus from your fence. When you power wash your surfaces, you save hours of work, compared to regular cleaning methods. You save the time it takes to set up a cleaning solution and scrub the area. When performed at least once a year, pressure cleaning can eliminate contaminates that contribute to wood rot, decay and premature aging of your home's coating and building materials. Without a doubt, pressure-washing services can add years of life to your property.

Staining Your Fence

Don’t worry; underneath the graying exterior, your beautiful fence still remains. All you have to do is remove the surface layer of aged wood cells to expose a fresh layer of wood, which is possible through the use of a power washer.  Following power washing treatment, apply an exterior wood oil stain to preserve this new layer of wood. It’ll prolong the life of your fence to boot. Staining a fence requires a paint roller with a rough surface roller cover and a staining brush. (Note: a staining brush is not the same as a paintbrush).

Inspect For Minor Damage

It is easier to notice any damage now that your fence is clean and prepped. Take a walk around the fence, checking the condition of each board, while looking for loose nails or screws. Does your hinge or latch require any maintenance? If you end up finding any major damage, now might be a good time to consider whether you should repair or replace your fence