Pressure washing a wooden perimeter fence is an effective way to remove dirt and grime accumulated for years. However, the process can be tricky. Using the wrong amount of pressure or applying the improper technique can damage the wood, costing you money in repair and replacement.… Read More »
How to Pressure Wash a Wooden Fence
How to Preserve A Wood Fence
Fences made of wood may be both attractive and practical. They can provide a stylish touch to your property, with all the options in terms of designs and hues. Keeping your wooden fence in top form is difficult, to say the least! So, what’s the best way to preserve a wood fence? There are a variety of measures you can take to safeguard and maintain your wooden fence.
Maintenance: How Can I Make My Wooden Fence Last Longer?
Like several other materials, wood fences need upkeep. If you’re searching for a fence that doesn’t need much upkeep, vinyl or chain-link fence might be the way to go. However, if you already have a wood fence and want to make the most of it, regular maintenance is critical.
To keep a wood fence in good working order, you must begin by keeping it clean. Keeping dirt and dust off of naturally finished woods allows the wood to “breathe”. To prevent your fence from rotting and molding, you’ll want to schedule regular power washes at a pressure of 1,500 to 2,000 psi. This will remove months of weathering from the fence and protect it from decay and fungus.
If you powerwash your wood fence, keep the pressure low. However, if you use a more powerful machine, be careful. When using a single-edged razor or another similar tool, this will certainly cause gauge development. Choose a 25- and 15-degree tip to minimize gouging the wood. Although the 25-degree angle is suggested for general cleaning, the 15-degree point is useful for addressing difficult or hard-to-reach locations.
Your fence may also require some light sanding. Examine your fence for rough patches or rotted wood after your annual power wash. Sandpaper is used on rough surfaces to make them smoother. This is also an opportunity to replace nails that have fallen out. To prevent the fence from rotting, use aluminum or stainless steel nails or screws that won’t rust and color the fence.
Does a Wood Fence Need to Be Sealed?
The next stage in preserving your wood fence is to fill and seal it. Mold spores and rot can grow if you fail to repair significant holes in your wood fence. Fill in those gaps with epoxy, which will keep your fence secure.
First, clean the fractured area with a wood-safe cleanser. Next, prepare the epoxy as directed on the box and apply it to the fissures. Finally, allow the epoxy to cure as directed in the product directions. Apply the epoxy on a sunny day to ensure that the mixture has adequate time to set and cure.
Wood fence is a living material, therefore it contains numerous microorganisms, oils, and moisture levels that must be brought to the surface in order to prevent decay. You’re denying them of this need by coating the planks of wood with a transparent sealant. Because it will keep the wood from “breathing,” a clear-sealed fence will decay far more quickly than a well-treated and maintained one.
You need to keep your wooden fence safe from UV rays without the danger of deterioration. As a result, think about using a breathable, waterproof exterior paint on it. You can also apply a water-repellent preservative or sealer to the wood, which will help protect it against rain and dampness. Concentrate on the fence’s joints and lower portions.
After you’ve stained or painted your fence, it’s time to do so. Use an outdoor-friendly stain or paint that contains a water-resistant or preservative chemical. As a result, you won’t have to use a distinct water-repellent solution. In fact, staining wood will make your fence seem better while also aiding in its resistance to the elements.
Always begin staining on the lighter side when necessary. You may always decide to darken the region with several, thinly applied applications. Wood fences should be stained every five years, and sealers should be used every two to three years, according to the rule of thumb.
Preventing Damage
PESTS
Termites, sometimes known as white ants, are a type of wood destroying insect that can eat away at and destroy a fence made from hardwood. Softwoods such as redwood, pine, fir, and cedar are all highly prone to termite infestation. Unfortunately, those are the most common woods used for fences. Termites may be eliminated by a professional company; however, you can also treat your fence with borax, which is a natural insecticide.
How To Protect Fence From Rotting?
Like any other maintenance operation, the best approach to avoid damage is to prevent it in the first place. Rain and snow cannot be prevented from soaking your fence, but you may keep moisture out of it by sealing the wood. As a result, have your fence painted with a sealant when it’s initially erected. You should re-stain the fence as needed.
Finally, keep plant life away from your fence. You should never train plants to grow on your wood fence because it creates damp areas. Furthermore, landscaping should not be planted directly against the fence.
If your fence is prone to decay, consider treating it with borate. Borate is a fungicide that’s safe for humans and animals to use and may be sprayed directly on the wood.
If your fence is infested with rot, you may prevent its spread by replacing the damaged portions. It’s probable that you’ll be replacing the main poles of your fence. This is where decay frequently begins since your fence posts contact the ground.
It’s critical to repair fence planks and posts if they begin to rot, since rot may quickly spread.
The best protection against rot gives your entire fence a complete clean and a fresh coat of stain!
How To Protect Wood Fence From Weather
If you’ve decided to install a wood fence and want to keep it, consider longevity options. What wood fence is the most durable? Cedar fences are generally the longest-lasting. They can generally survive for 15 to 30 years if properly maintained. Cedar is naturally insect- and rot-resistant, making it more long-lasting. Cedar fences can last up to 40 years if treated.
However, if you want to have the look of a wood fence without having to maintain it, consider using vinyl fencing. Vinyl fences can last 30 years or more with little maintenance required. Vinyl fences are immune to warping, decay, and shrinkage over time, unlike wood.
Whether you’re building a new wood fence or caring for one that already exists on your property, the secret to a long-lasting fence is frequent inspections, upkeep, and minor repairs and replacements as needed. Follow these guidelines to keep your wood fence looking great for many years!
Wood vs Aluminum Patio Cover
Patio covers are an excellent method to make your patio more useful in all conditions. They protect you from the harsh sun and rain, allowing you to use your patio in any weather. Different types of materials are used to make these covers, the most popular including wood and aluminum.
In this article, we compare wooden vs aluminum patio covers to help you determine which you might like to use for your patio.
Wood Covers
Wood has been a popular material in traditional houses for its natural beauty and endurance. Wooden patio covers give your outside space a more natural appearance by blending in with the environment. It’s also a very sturdy and robust material when compared to aluminum, which is why most solid patio covers are made of wood. When hanging or securing medium weight items on it, they won’t bend or twist.
Patio covers constructed of wood have several disadvantages, however. Because the material is more prone to weather damage, especially rain, than other materials, it requires more care and attention. It also develops cracks and fades when exposed to excessive heat, which means more upkeep and laborious repair.
Aluminum Covers
Aluminum patio covers are a low-maintenance alternative to wood. All you need to maintain its appearance is to clean it with a sponge and warm soapy water. It’s also more ecologically sustainable. Metal is better able to withstand the elements than wood. Aluminum’s sheer durability and resilience allow it to outlast wooden patio covers by several years.
On the downside, aluminum is more expensive than wood since it incurs higher production costs. It’s also not as robust as wood, especially the thinner covers, and frequently needs structural supports to support potted plants. The most important thing is that aluminum patio covers don’t have the same natural beauty as their wooden counterparts. However, this makes them ideal for modern and ultra-modern houses with a more minimalist style.
How to Build a Wooden Fence in Your Yard
Do you want to install a wooden fence in your yard? It can be a great way to improve the security and privacy of your home. In this blog post, we will teach you how to build a wooden fence from scratch. We will go over everything you need to know, from planning the project to installing the fence. Let’s get started!
How to Plan a Wooden Fence Project
The first step in building a wooden fence is planning the project. You will need to determine the size and location of the fence, as well as the type of wood you want to use. You also need to factor in your budget and schedule. Be sure to get accurate measurements so that you can purchase the correct amount of wood.
How to Build a Wooden Fence
Once you have planned your project, it’s time to start building the fence. The first step is to dig post holes and set the posts in concrete. Next, you will need to install the rails and panels. Finally, you will need to seal the wood to protect it from the elements.
How to Put Up a Wooden Fence
If you are installing a wooden fence, you will need to put up the posts and panels. The first step is to set the posts in concrete. Next, you will need to install the rails and panels. Finally, you will need to seal the wood to protect it from the elements.
How to Maintain a Wooden Fence
To keep your wooden fence looking good for years to come, you will need to perform regular maintenance tasks. This includes cleaning, sealing, and staining the wood. You should also check for damage and repair as needed. By following these tips, you can keep your fence looking great for many years.
If you are thinking of installing a wooden fence in your yard, be sure to follow these steps. It can be a challenging project, but the end result is worth it!
5 Tips for Staining Your Wood Fence
Getting high-quality exterior stain protects your wood fence against damage caused by moisture and the sun. A fence that is left unstained for a long time cracks and splits, reducing the lifetime of your fence. If you apply the ideal methods, staining a fence becomes an easy project. Amazingly, you can do staining without using a ladder. Since you want your wood fence to serve you for many years, you need to know how to stain it.
Here are five tips on how you can stain your wood fence stress free.
- Pick the Right Timing to Stain a Wood Fence: If your fence is newly built, give it three weeks before starting the staining process. Pick the right time for the wood to settle on the new environment. Wood gets enough time to open up its pores so that the stain can sink perfectly. Whether your wooden fence is old or new, the best time to carry out staining is during the morning and late in the evening on a cloudy day. In case there is rain, give the wood at least 24 hours to dry before applying.
- Select the Right Stain for your Fence: Some retailers, especially Big-box retailers offer stains at a lower price — and a lesser quality. When factoring in the fence staining cost, you should consider the cost of stain. Getting cheap stain does not guarantee durability. The idea here is to research before buying a stain. Additionally, the color of the stain matters because it needs to compliment your home. Therefore, get a sample of the stain before buying and test it first. If it looks good, go ahead and purchase it.
- Prepare the Fence before Staining: Some old wood fences have debris and mold that may prevent the stain from being absorbed. If your fence is in such a state, clean it and give it some time to dry up. Ensure that you wear protective gloves because you may be mixing different things. Once you are done cleaning the fence, cover it for protection.
- Choose the Right Tools: When staining your fence, you can use a brush and roller. If you opt to use a brush, get one that is 5-inches wide. Any paint roller works as well. A wide roller can be heavy. Therefore, get a roller has a weight that you can efficiently manage throughout the entire process.
- Apply Stain to the Wood Fence: If the weather has been dry for more than 24 hours, the process of staining can commence. Dip your brush or roller into the stain. Ensure that you apply a coat that is even all through the fence, from top to bottom. While some stains that have solid colors require a single coat, others need two or three coats.
An easy way to stain a wood fence
The process of staining your wood fence is simple and straightforward if you do the right thing. Therefore, follow the tips in this article, and you are sure your fence can have a new and appealing look the right way. Call Nortex Fence & Patio Co. for a free quote on any outdoor living project!
Updated May, 2024