The appearance of a once-pristine wooden fence can become grey and dull after years of exposure to rain and sunlight. A wooden fence left untreated is vulnerable to damage due to wind, microorganisms, and fungi, as well as to water and sunlight.
While restoring the appearance of a now-dinghy wooden fence, it can be protected from further damage. All it takes is a couple of hours to accomplish the necessary maintenance, or if all this seems a little daunting, you can always hire professional fence contractors Tacoma WA.
Tips for Protecting Your Fence
Listed below are some tips you can use to protect your fencing:
1. Cleaning the fence
Wood fences can be kept looking their best with regular fence repairs and maintenance. Your fence needs to be power washed at least once a year at a PSI of 1500 to 2000. If you want a thorough clean with a power washer, the spray tips should be 15-25 degrees.
Power washing your own fence should only be done while standing 18 inches away and wearing protective gear (gloves, pants, long-sleeved shirts, etc. ), as debris can spray off the wood with a lot of force.
Cleaning and removing unhealthy stains is easier with pressure washers. Discolorations and stubborn stains can also be removed naturally by using baking soda.
2. Fix and Repair Damage
Check for missing boards and damaged areas on your fence by taking time off your schedule. Walk around the perimeter of your property to search for unusual marks and spots on the wood. Look for patches where the ground meets the wood.
These examinations should be conducted at least once a week on average, either by you or by fencing repair services. Make sure to keep an eye on the nails and the edges as well. Any time you notice damage, make sure it is repaired immediately to help prevent further damage.
Furthermore, a wooden fence that is not repaired in a timely manner can be more vulnerable to damage, and the cracks may develop into larger crevices that let rainwater into the wood. Comparatively speaking, the repair work is relatively inexpensive compared to getting a new fence built.
As well, if you notice general damage to an area, you should have an inspection performed to determine its extent. A new device could be needed if you do not notice that the problem can be easily fixed.
3. Staining the fences
Fences that are stained help extend the fence materials’ lifespan by protecting them from the elements that cause rot and decay. If you want to prevent the wood from being damaged by moisture or rain, use water-repellent sealants.
Alternatively, you can combine the sealant with an exterior stain to color and protect the forest. Depending on your surroundings ‘ climatic conditions, you should seal or stain the fence every two to three years.
You can contact a company in federal to help you apply the oil stain or powder coating around the fence. Let the wood dry for 24 hours after the staining process is complete before applying the second coat. You will see the best results by repeating this procedure before applying the third coat.
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4. Protect the fence feet from damp soil
Typically, wood fence rot and decay occur from the bottom, especially after heavy rainfall when the ground is damp or during the summer months when leaves pile up around the base.
A fence’s ‘foot,’ or the bottom a few inches, should be protected and kept dry to prevent the fence from absorbing moisture and decaying from the ground up.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to cut your fence slats properly so that they do not come into contact with the ground.
You can line your fence posts with half-buried bricks that extend all the way down to the bottom slats if you’re worried about security or pet containment. This prevents digging since the bricks are porous and carry water away from the fence rather than flow into it.
5. Get a yearly inspection from a fencing company
Despite the best intentions of a fence owner, it’s better to have an expert inspect the fence for signs of decay or damage. Fence builders should perform an in-depth inspection of their fence posts as part of their mandate.
In addition, the specialist should provide you with a detailed report from installation and repair to maintenance. It is recommended that you seek such help at least twice per year.
The most important factor to consider when hiring a fence company in federal way is to make sure that you have hired a well-known and reputable contractor.
Signing a contract is the first step in any engagement, and the contract will serve as a binding factor between you and the other party. As long as they comply with the agreement, you are free to hold them accountable if they do not.
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Best Ways To Protect Wood Fences From Rain
A wooden fence can last long when built and designed well. However, rotten wooden fence posts can significantly shorten their lifespan. Let’s find out what we can do to prevent them from rotting and how to keep the fence from turning grey.
1. Material selection
A wooden fence has a classic look, but it is vulnerable to rotting and moisture absorption. Cedar, juniper, redwood, and cypress are also resistant to rot.
2. Staining the Wood
Your wooden fence can be further protected against rot by applying a seal or stain. You can prevent rot by sealing your wood with a water-repellent sealant. To prevent moisture accumulation both on the wood and on the colors, you can potentially mix a sealant and a stain.
3. Protecting the bottom of the fence
Your fence material can become clogged with leaves, grass, and plants if there are small cracks. The rotting vegetation can cause considerable damage to your fence as it spreads.
The best way to protect a wood fence is by cleaning and maintaining your fence regularly. This allows you to keep it free of debris and foliage.
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4. If/when rotten sections appear, replace them
The whole fence doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced if you see or suspect some rot. Early detection usually allows you to replace just a small section of your fence and prevent it from spreading.
Since fence posts are in contact with the ground, wet rot is most common. When cutting away at the surface of the wood, top up the preservative and replace rotten parts.
How To Stop Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting Off At The Bottom
1. Use Treated Wood
The lumber from pressure-treated trees can rot, but pressure-treated lumber lasts longer and is less expensive than the lumber from heartwood and the trees mentioned above. Regardless of pressure treatment, no type of lumber is impervious to rot.
There is a liquid wood preservative in them that prevents them from rotting, but they do not resist water. Moisture can still be lost when they get soaked.
2. A decay-resistant wood treated with pressure
Preserve fence posts by brushing them with waterborne copper naphthenate, a wood preservative with no arsenic or chromium. The preservative can be applied to the entire post if desired, but it must be applied to the bottom, as it rots much more quickly at the bottom than at the top. The post could also be soaked in wood preservative standing upright, but this method wouldn’t work with several posts.
3. Add posts to concrete to make it stronger
Concrete can be used as an anchor for the base of your post if it needs to be anchored in the ground. Post-hole diggers are more effective than shovels for creating anchor holes because they make the perfect anchor point size.
4. Start by digging a hole 1/4th as deep as the post.
Once the hole is dug, you should fill it with gravel about 6 inches deep. Add a batch of cement to the hole, then place the post in the gravel. Water seeping into the soil will prevent the post from rotting.
Get a Free Consultancy Fence and Deck company near me!
Providing, installing, and maintaining fencing products, including fence panels and railing sleepers, sheds, and decking supplies, is what we do as a local leading custom fence & deck builder in Tacoma.
With A.K. Custom Fence & Deck LLC, you can expect top-quality fencing supplies and exceptional customer service. Contact us today if you’re looking for strong, durable fence posts, or visit our store for expert consultation for all your fencing needs.
FAQs
1. How often should I seal or stain my wooden fence?
It’s best to seal or stain your wood fence every 2-3 years to give it a nice look and prevent rain and sun damage. Regular maintenance will surely help preserve the wood’s natural look, provide great resistance to moisture and UV damage, and extend the life of the wooden fence.
2. What is the best type of wood for a weather-resistant fence?
The right wood in building your fence ensures its resilience against weather. Two of the best choices are cedar and redwood; these woods have oils that make them hard to be infested by insects and are also able to repel water. The woods are long-lasting, beautiful to the eye, and require less fence maintenance than others.
3. Can I use regular paint on my wooden fence to protect it from the elements?
While ordinary paint provides some protection, it is not ideal for weatherproofing your wooden fence. Certain sealants for wooden fences provide better protection against moisture and U.V. rays. If you’re confused, it’s best to contact a professional who can identify common fence maintenance mistakes and knows the different tips for fence longevity.
4. What are the signs of weather damage on a wooden fence?
Some common signs are discoloration, warping, cracking, or loose nails or boards. If you notice these seasonal fence symptoms, know it is time to act and avoid further damage. Contact our team at A.K. Custom Fence and Deck at 253-250-9882 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
5. What should I do if my fence has already started to rot?
It is important to address the situation quickly to prevent further fence rot. Professional help from A.K. Custom Fence and Deck ensures that the job will be done well and meets the seasonal fence care requirements that will extend the life of your wooden fence.
6. Should I hire a professional for fence maintenance, or can I do it myself?
While some basic fence repair and upkeep tasks can be handled independently, hiring a professional ensures comprehensive care. Professionals have the expertise and tools to address any issues effectively, preventing costly repairs in the future. A.K. Custom Fence and Deck offers expert maintenance services to keep your fence in excellent condition year-round.
Conclusion
Keeping a wooden fence in federal way protected from rain and sun is a long and sometimes difficult process, but it is necessary to keep the fence in good condition. You can always turn to A.K. Custom Fence & Deck LLC for assistance if your fence needs repairs.
We are more than happy to discuss replacement with you if the damage is too great, and we present you with quotes based on our many years of experience. Feel free to call or email us right now for more details.
