Enjoy some fresh air and sunshine while saving yourself money in the long run by doing some wood fence maintenance each season. As with quickly addressing any minor repair needs that you discover, cleaning your fence each year helps keep it looking good and functioning as it should. Below, learn more about the importance of wood fence maintenance and common questions on this topic. If you have questions or are looking for professional care for your residential or commercial fence, the experienced team at Orange Fence is here to help!
The Importance of Regular Wood Fence Care
The weather in every season affects your fence. It’s not just the snow pile-ups, high winds or freezing rain that lead to fence damage. Fencing can also be harmed by UV rays and heat, as well as accumulations of fallen leaves and other debris. Any of these natural elements can contribute to the breakdown of your fence materials and reduce the lifespan of your fence. However, cleaning a wood fence regularly helps support the integrity of your fence, ensure its longevity and maintain its appearance. During the cleaning process, and in general, also make sure to look out for common fence repairs like loose hardware or leaning posts and fix them as soon as possible.
How to Clean and Protect a Wood Fence
To clean your wood fence, choose from two different cleaning methods as detailed in this fence cleaning guide. One method is to scrub the fence by hand with just a little water and perhaps a cleaning solution with vinegar or bleach, if your fence is really dirty or has some mold or mildew. You can also use a pressure washer on your fence, though this cleaning method should be done carefully to avoid damage from the pressure. When cleaning, pay special attention to areas that are more consistently subjected to moisture and thus susceptible to mold or mildew, like parts of the fence that are near the ground, shaded or covered with shrubs or branches.
Cleaning is one way to protect a wood fence against issues that can affect its appearance and hasten decay. Using a sealant, stain or paint offers even more protection from the many threats to your fence and also provides another way to enhance its appearance.
Common Questions about Wood Fence Maintenance
How frequently do you need to clean a wood fence?
Make cleaning your wood fence and other wood fence maintenance part of your springtime to-do list. After the challenges of the colder months, spring is the perfect time to give your fence some TLC. Also, if it’s time to reapply a protective coating, such as a sealant or paint, to your fence, it will need to be thoroughly cleaned first. If your fence experiences more frequent issues with dirt accumulation, mold or mildew, consider doing both a spring and a fall cleaning.
What kind of sealant is beneficial for wood fences?
Sealants are a clear coating designed to resist rain and other moisture that can result in warping, rot and other issues. For protection against moisture and UV rays, applying a stain is another option and one that can also add some color to your fence. Similarly, paint can transform the overall look of a fence and protect it from multiple dangers. If you want extra UV protection and/or need to cover up minor discoloration or other blemishes, then paint may suit your needs, but it does require additional upkeep.
In exploring these options, you’ll find that sealants, stains and paint can be oil-based or water-based. This guide to stains for exterior use from The Spruce provides a side-by-side comparison of both oil and water-based stains. As with this type of fence coating, as well as sealants and paint, there are pros and cons to each option, so it may be helpful to consult with a professional fencing company like Orange Fence for assistance tailored to your particular fence and its unique setting.
How can I address mold or mildew on my wood fence?
Mildew is more of a surface issue, so it can be easier to clean. Mold removal may take a bit more elbow grease and a stronger cleaning solution, as it often penetrates into the wood. As with general cleaning, you can create a solution at home or buy one, making sure to protect yourself and any nearby plants accordingly. Then, apply it to the mold or mildew, leave it to sit for just a few minutes, scrub it away, and rinse the fence clean.
Why Choose Orange Fence for Your Fencing Needs?
At Orange Fence & Supply, we’ve been helping homeowners and business owners protect their properties for over 95 years. For your wood fence or any other type of fence, the Orange Fence team is available to provide fence repairs throughout our Connecticut service area, as well as new fence installations and other products that you may need for DIY fence solutions. Contact us today for a free estimate!
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