How to Increase the Life of Wood Fencing

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Wood fencing is a popular and common choice among homeowners for exterior security and curb appeal. It comes in all types of designs, colors, textures, sizes, and more. Anyone can easily customize the look of their property with a wooden fence. Although versatile and appealing, wood fencing is quick to deteriorate overtime, and especially in moist or wet climates. But with adequate maintenance and care, wood fencing can last a lifetime.

Continue reading for tips on how to increase the lifespan of your wood fencing, and who to call for advice or fence repair services in your community.

Wood Fence Care

The first thing you want to focus on when it comes to wood fence care is the structural integrity of your wood fencing. The posts, rails, boards, and more have to be in good condition to provide the needed support and durability a wood fence thrives on for survival. And you must provide adequate care to ensure these areas and more are stable. Here are the details you need to know for proper wood fence care and maintenance:

Post and Rails – As mentioned above, the structural integrity of wood fencing is vital for its survival through the years. The posts and rails are the most important structures on your wood fence. Be sure these stay in good condition by regularly inspecting them for cracks, wood rot, mold, algae, pest infestations, and additional problems. Since the posts are inserted into the ground, they are exposed to much more moisture than the rest of the fence. This means they need extra attention.

Fence Inspections – The posts and rails are not the only areas of your fence to inspect on a regular basis; the rest of the fence needs to be checked out routinely as well! Check for broken boards, knotholes, rotting wood, mold, mildew, organic growth (i.e. mushrooms, algae, etc.), pest infestations or nest, wild animal damages, warped boards, loose posts or rails, overlapping tree branches, and any other potential hazards to your fence. Use a power washer at the start of every season to remove caked-on dirt, debris, and grime from the previous season. Consider applying a coat of paint or stain every few years to enhance the look and luster.

Fence Materials – The materials used to build your fence in the beginning should be high quality. For example, wood fences should be made with a sturdy wood, like Red Cedar or White Oak. Wood fence posts should be made with pressure-treated wood material. The rails should be made with a harder wood like Hem-Fir.

Wood Staining – On the topic of building your wood fence, after constructing it, be sure to let it sit for a few days in sunny dry weather so that all the moisture evaporates out of it. This way, it is ready for a proper stain treatment. Many people make the mistake of staining a wet or moist wood fence. Avoid this at all costs. Staining a dry fence allows the product to penetrate properly and produce an even color. Even if you construct a wood fence in the middle of winter, just wait until springtime to apply any stain. To stain a wood fence, use a power-sprayer for large surface areas or projects, and a handheld paint brush for moderate to small projects or for fixing mistakes.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for wood fence installation and repair in Indianapolis, and its surrounding counties. Owner, Lee Elliot, is a licensed general contractor that is happy to discuss your wood fence construction or remodeling needs. We offer home remodeling, renovation, repair, and restoration services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-454-3612 today and learn more about our fence repair and installation services we offer in Indianapolis, IN.