Timber fences are classic and timeless—a beautiful addition to your property. Fences mark the boundary of your property to keep unauthorised people away from our property.
Even though most homeowners use timber for their fences, they are vulnerable when it comes to extreme weather conditions. A damaged timber fence can decrease the visual appeal of your property, that’s why homeowners must know it is important that homeowners know how to properly maintain and protect timber fences.
In this article, we will discuss simple ways on how to protect your fence from moisture and damage during the rainy season.
Avoid Putting Plants Near the Fence
Homeowners put grass, plants, and flowers near their fence lines because it increases the visual appeal. However, plants may expose our timber fence to moisture and cause rotting and damage.
If you’re planning to add some plants or grass in your yard, keep it away from your wooden fence. You can also use a plastic tarp for plants near the fence to help prevent moisture from reaching your timber fencing.
Keeping your grass and plants near the fence trimmed can also help in preventing moisture.
Avoid Installing Fence Posts in the Soil
Installing fence posts directly to the soil will make them prone to damage and decay because the soil contains moisture. Aside from that soil erosion can occur which moves the ground down.
Choose Pressure-Treated Timber
Before your timber fence installation, you should choose high-quality timber. The most ideal timber fencing materials are cedar and redwood. Ensure that your contractor is using pressure-treated timber to prevent rot, damage, and infestation of bugs.
You should also invest in quality hardware when joining the pieces of your fence together. A high-quality fence will last longer.
Stain or Seal Your Fence
Staining your timber fence using a water-repellent sealant will protect it from elements that can cause damage and rot. You should stain or seal your timber fence every two to three years.
You can hire an expert fencers to stain or seal your timber fence. Once the first coat of stain is done, allow the timber to completely dry for at least 24 hours before applying the next coat. Repeat the process and coat for the third time for the best results.
Examine Fence Regularly
Part of maintaining a timber fence is checking for signs of damages regularly. Check for missing boards, unusual marks on the timber, and early signs of damage.
Whenever you notice early signs of damage, make sure to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent expensive repairs in the future. Small cracks will develop into larger crevices and can fail your timber fence over time.
If you notice peeling paint or stain, consider painting or staining your timber.
Moisture and exposure to water during the rainy season can damage your timber fence. A high-quality and well-maintained timber fence can last for five years or more. Protecting it from rot, insects, and damage will increase its lifespan.
At Hervey Bay Fencing, we offer top-notch fencing services. If you need to install, reseat, or repair a fence, you can seek our professional fencing team’s advice.