How to Maintain your Wood Fence and Gate for Durability

Your wood fence and gate not only provide security, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic look of your home. These essentials component of your property can last up to 15 to 20 years with good and regular maintenance.

Cleaning and Assessing your Wood Fence and Gate

Before starting a regular maintenance schedule, it is essential to assess the current condition of your fence. Start by cleaning your wood fence and gate thoroughly. Eliminate dirt and grime by using a wood fence cleaner, brush or use a pressure washer gently, you want to avoid damaging the wood fibers.

Once the fence is clean, look for signs of damage, such as, rotting wood, rust or broken hardware or any other issue that can compromise its integrity. This will help you identify the specific areas that require repairs and will help you plan your maintenance accordingly.

Repairing and Maintaining

Replace any broken or rotten boards and tighten loose screws or replace loose or broken nails. If your boards have splits or small cracks you can apply a waterproof glue to these areas. Replace damage post or reinforce lose posts.

Proper fence maintenance includes preventing moist at the bottom of the fence or gates. You want to remove any grass, plants or weeds growing at the bottom that can cause moisture and lead to mold growth and wood rotting.  Remove any loose or hanging tree limbs that touch or are close to touching your fence so they do not rub against the fence and cause damage during wind or a storm.  One last step to do is to re-stain your fence for added protection. Staining will not only make your fence look more pleasing but the compounds in the stain protect it from UV light, water, insects, as well as fungal growth.

Doing fence and gate maintenance 1 or 2 times a year could save you a lot of time and money later. Don’t let the elements damage or weaken your investment. Make sure your fence and gates are in good condition.