How to care for wooden Fences – Flores Fences LLC

A wood fence is a strong, lasting source of privacy, protection, and natural beauty. But no matter how strong and well-built your new fence may be, it’s not indestructible.

During the first year after installation, it’s perfectly normal to see some warping and splitting as the wood in your new fence cures and dries. After 5-8 years, some fences may experience leaning issues.

But with a regular fence maintenance plan, your fence should last a long time.

LOOK FOR MAINTENANCE ISSUES

Every year or so, walk along your fence line and give it a good inspection:

Check pickets for loose nails and hammer them back in or replace them.
Look for rotting or broken pickets that need to be changed. (One of the great advantages of a wood fence is that individual pickets or panels can often be replaced as a DIY project.)
Look for insect damage.
Make sure bushes and vines are clear of the fence. (This keeps less weight on the fence and keeps moisture away.)
Make sure posts are securely in the ground and ground soil has not washed away.

GIVE YOUR FENCE A GOOD BATH

To keep your fence looking good and free of mildew, clean your fence once a year or so.

Soak the wood with either a specially-formulated fence/deck cleaner or soap and water.
Scrub with a long-handled brush or use a pressure washer rated 1500-200 psi.
Be sure to clean where the fence meets the ground.

KNOW WHEN TO PAINT OR RE-SEAL

When water no longer beads up on your fence but soaks in instead (about 2-5 years after sealing), it’s time to paint, re-stain or re-seal.

After cleaning your fence, allow it to completely dry.
Re-stain, paint or re-seal with a roller or brush.

PREVENT FENCE MAINTENANCE ISSUES

Don’t water your wood fence! Water from sprinklers will discolor the wood and extra moisture will increase chances of rotting. Aim sprinklers away from your fence.

Keep bushes trimmed back and keep vines away. The extra weight of bushes on your fence will cause stress issues and vines can attract insects and moisture.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR FENCE IS OLD

Contact our service, at Flores Fences LLC we are here to help! You will not regret.