Wooden fences are classic and timeless—a beautiful addition to your property. Fences mark the boundary of your property to keep unauthorized people away from our property.
Even though most homeowners use wood for their fences, they are vulnerable when it comes to extreme weather conditions. A damaged wooden 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 wooden 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 wooden 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 wooden fence.
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 Wood
Before installing your fence, you should choose high-quality wood. The most ideal wooden fencing materials are cedar and redwood. Ensure that your contractor is using pressure-treated wood 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 wooden fence using a water-repellent sealant will protect it from elements that can cause damage and rot. You should stain or seal your wooden fence every two to three years.
You can hire an expert to stain or seal your wooden fence. Once the first coat of stain is done, allow the wood 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 wooden fence is checking for signs of damages regularly. Check for missing boards, unusual marks on the wood, 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 wooden fence over time.
If you notice peeling paint or stain, consider repainting or restaining your wood.
Conclusion
Moisture and exposure to water during the rainy season can damage your wooden fence. A high-quality and well-maintained wooden fence can last for five years or more. Protecting it from rot, insects, and damage will increase its lifespan.
At Hervey Bay Fencing, offer top-notch fencing services. If you need to install, reseat, or repair a fence, you can seek our team’s professional advice.