As wood is a natural construction material with remarkable rustic appeal, wood fence installation is a great way to add beauty and elegance to the property. Unlike many other types of fencing available out there, however, wooden fencing requires more upkeep to keep looking pristine and to last long. This is because wood is highly prone to damage by weather extremes such as persistent rain and excessive solar heat, as well as attacks by wood-eating insects such as termites.
If you want to preserve the natural beauty of your wooden fence, here's a rundown of some important wood care tips you can follow.
Cleaning your wooden fence.
Over time, build-up of dirt and grime on the surface of your wood can make the fencing look unsightly. To keep your fence looking good, you will have to clean it properly and regularly. One effective way of cleaning your fence is to use a pressure washer and some mildly soapy water. This power tool can save you the time and hassle of scrubbing the wooden surfaces with a brush. The force of the water coming out of the power washer will strip off any foreign build-up from the surface of your wood, so that the wood's finish can be visible again. It is important to set your pressure washer at a gentle pressure so that the force of the water does not splinter the wood. Be sure to rinse the wood with clean water once you're done removing the dirt.
Sealing your wooden fence.
After cleaning off foreign build-up from your wooden fence, it is advisable to occasionally apply a wood sealer onto it. But before doing so, you should allow the fence enough time to dry up properly. Sealing your fence is one way of ensuring it stands the test of time. Apart from ensuring your fence retains its natural colour, sealer prevents the wood surface from rotting, warping, cracking or splintering due to water infiltration and prolonged to the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Performing routine inspection.
A sure way of identifying potential problems with your wooden fence is to perform a regular inspection. Over time nails that fasten the wood panes together may begin to loosen. In addition, check for any rotting that may have begun on your wooden fence. If there are loose nails, consider picketing them back or replacing them. You will also need to replace rotting or broken wood panels. Routine inspections will also allow you to know when it is time to refinish your fence. A wooden fence should be refinished periodically because the initial finish wears off over time due to constant exposure to the elements.
Compared to other types of fencing, wooden fencing generally requires a higher level of upkeep to retain its beauty and to last for long. Following the above explained maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your wooden fence.
Hello! My name is Richard. If you are planning to install a new fence on your property, you should read on and check out my articles below. I spent a long time investigating the best types of fence. I had noticed that my wooden fence was starting to rot so I wanted to replace it with something more sturdy. My brother, who works in the fencing business gave me some spectacular advice which helped me to choose a metal fence. Now that it has been installed, I couldn't be happier. I hope you like my blog and that it helps you to find the right fence.