In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic care tips typically offered to wood fence owners. The right care for your wood fence will help it last for years while providing fantastic aesthetics and protection, but failing to take care of these basic areas may risk a fence that wears down far too quickly and costs you money in the process.
At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re proud to offer a wide range of wood fence services, whether you require installation or simply need to source the ideal products from our catalog. What are some other tips we recommend on caring for our wood fences? Here are several.
Regular Inspections for Damage
Periodically, it’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection of your fence. Wood fences are particularly susceptible to weather-related issues as well as pests, fungi and other problems that may cause damage. By checking your fence regularly for potential trouble spots, you can stop them before they become an actual risk to the health of your property’s fencing.
We recommend a simple visual inspection of your fence at least once a week, or at least before you plan to do any major exterior yard work. You can also choose to increase the frequency of your inspections around problem-prone seasons, such as early spring when insects are known to seek shelter in the warm wood fencing structure or during late winter/early spring when fluctuating weather can cause unexpected damage.
Avoid Major Weight Risks
While decorations and other limited pieces on top of the fence are just fine, you want to avoid putting too much extra weight on top of the fence. This can cause damage over time, such as warping and other unsightly consequences that will leave your fencing looking worse for wear.
If you want to add a trellis or planter box to the fence surface, be sure it’s lightweight and specifically designed for outdoor use. Don’t stack heavy items, such as firewood or concrete blocks, on top of the wood fence.
Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure
Water and moisture can cause a number of issues with wood fencing over time. This includes warping and splitting that can occur when wood becomes too saturated. The issue here is that wetting the wood does not simply dry out. Just looking at your fence can be deceptive to homeowners—the wood will appear to dry out after exposure, but the internal structure is still wet, which results in warping and cracking.
The best approach is to limit water exposure as much as possible. Sprinkler alignment is a major factor in this issue. Avoid spraying the fencing itself when watering your landscaping, and keep sprinklers away from wood fence surfaces.
On-Time Repairs
If you do find damage or wear-and-tear of any kind on your fence, it’s vital that you repair it as quickly as possible. Whether the issue is a broken board, a split rail, a warped railing or some other problem, causing a delay can result in more damage and serious safety risks. Wood fences are safe when they’re used correctly, but any type of damage must be fixed immediately to avoid further issues.
For more on how to care for a wood fence, or to learn about any of our wood, vinyl, chain link or other fencing options, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.
