R.C Fence LLC takes a beating from the elements; regular maintenance is key to keeping them in good shape. Inspecting your fence for signs of damage and rot can catch problems early and prevent larger issues down the road.
Wood fences require regular cleaning and staining, and the type of wood used will influence how often you need to do so. Cleaning the fence first ensures a clean surface for staining.
Inspecting the fence helps you see what damage has occurred and makes it possible to fix the problems before they become major issues. For example, if you see that there are holes in the fencing, this can indicate insect infestation, which is fairly easy to remedy. Insects are attracted to wood and can destroy a wooden fence over time, so this is an important reason for regular inspections.
If you see any signs of rust on the fence poles, this is an indication that they need to be repaired as soon as possible. Rust weakens the structure of the pole and it can also cause damage to the perimeter wires. Inspecting the poles will allow you to see if they need to be repainted, which can protect them from the elements and other damage.
Another thing to inspect is the electric gate system for signs of wear and tear. Make sure that the alarm is working properly and that all zones are functioning. This can be done by running a test at different points and zones on the perimeter fence.
The fence can also be inspected for any areas where the wires are showing signs of sagging or being pulled out of the ground. It’s very important that you get these areas fixed right away as they are a safety hazard and can potentially cause the fence to fail and cause a serious injury to someone walking near it. Inspecting the electrical fence system will also help you identify if there are any parts that need to be replaced or repaired.
You should always keep an eye out for any leaning or falling posts as these are a huge safety concern. These can fall on people or vehicles, causing serious injuries. A fence contractor can install support braces, which cost between $60 and $150, to stabilize the fence and prevent it from falling.
During the inspection process, it’s also a good idea to look at the state of the gates and latches on the fence. If the gates aren’t closing properly or they’re difficult to open, this could indicate that the hardware in them needs to be replaced. Having this information ahead of time can help you plan and budget for the repair costs. It can also allow you to time any repairs so that you can avoid harsh weather conditions, which can complicate the task at hand.
Clean the Fence
Wood fences require regular cleaning to remove dirt, pollen and other grime. It’s a good idea to wash your fence at least twice per year, once in the spring and again in the autumn. This will help keep your fence looking its best and protect it from fading due to the sun’s UV rays.
If you use a pressure washer, it’s important to do so under cooler, non-windy conditions. This will ensure that the detergent doesn’t dry on the surface before it’s rinsed off. You should also avoid spraying the nozzle too close to the fence as this can damage or stain the wood.
When washing your fence, it’s a good idea to start at the top and work your way down. This will ensure that you don’t miss any nooks and crannies where mold, mildew or other debris has settled. If you’re having trouble removing stubborn stains, you may need to scrub the area with a wire brush. If you’re having serious problems with a particularly obstinate stain, you can also try using chlorine bleach on the affected area.
Once you’ve rinsed the fence thoroughly, it’s a good idea to let it dry for a day or two. If you’re planning to stain or paint the fence, it’s essential that it be completely dry before beginning the process.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your fence yourself, there are a number of professional services that will do the job for you. These services will often use special chemicals that are formulated for wood fences, and they can provide the deep clean that your wood fence needs to last.
Wood fences can be damaged by anything from wind to insects. If you notice any cracks or breaks in the boards, runners or slats, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Not only does a cracked or damaged board look unattractive, but it can also compromise the strength and stability of the whole fence. Depending on the type of damage, you may need to replace only a few boards or all of them. Once the new boards are in place, a handyman can apply a sealant to help protect them from future damage.
Repair Damaged Sections
A damaged section of fence can quickly detract from the overall look and feel of your home and yard. Repairing your fence as soon as you notice any damage can help to reduce the cost of repairs and prolong its lifespan. Regularly walking along your fence line and inspecting its condition will allow you to catch any potential problems that may arise, such as loose boards or a sagging section of the fence. It will also allow you to check the hardware, such as hinges and latches, for functionality and wear.
Wood fences are particularly susceptible to environmental damage over time, so identifying any areas of damage is essential. Minor splinters or scratches can easily become cracks if left unchecked, and these can eventually lead to rot. A cracked or rotted fence post will also weaken its structural integrity, causing the rest of the fence to be more prone to damage over time.
If you notice a crack or splinter in your fence, apply some waterproof wood glue to the area and tape it together for 24 hours while it dries. This will prevent the crack from widening and allow it to maintain its structural integrity. You can also add extra support to a weak or rotting post by reinforcing it with a 2×4 scrap or metal T-braces. If you decide to use a 2×4, first sand the inside of the hole with coarse sandpaper and wipe away any sawdust or dirt that remains. Next, fit the 2×4 into the hole and nail it in place. Finally, secure the post with metal T-braces and caulk around the joint.
For a sagging section of your fence, you can try to straighten it by driving a spike into the ground and screwing it to the rail or reset it in new concrete. If you’re repairing a wooden fence, you can use a concrete spur for the best results.
Staining or painting your fence can also extend its lifespan and keep it looking new. A water-repellent stain will keep moisture and UV rays from damaging the surface of your fence, while also helping to retain its color.
Trim Vegetation
Keeping vegetation at bay is a critical step in keeping fences looking their best. Plants and vines that grow over the fence can put pressure on it, which can cause damage over time. This also allows moisture to collect near the fence, which can lead to rot and weakening of the wood. Trimming plants that grow over the fence regularly will prevent them from taking over and causing structural problems.
Ideally, the entire area surrounding a fence should be a no-growth zone. This means that nothing should grow, other than grass, within a 3-foot radius of the fence. This will eliminate the need for mowing and trimming, while maintaining the beauty of your yard. For a lush, low-maintenance shrub that looks beautiful next to a fence, consider hydrangeas. They bloom in the summer and produce colorful berries in the fall, which will create a striking contrast with your fence.
If you notice a section of your fence that is starting to rot, you can use concrete spurs to repair the rotting sections. These long, thin concrete blocks can be bought online or at most home improvement stores. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the repairs are done correctly.
Another way to reduce weed and grass growth is to mulch the area around your fence. A layer of 3-6 inches will block out the sunlight that is required to grow weeds and grass, which can save you the time and expense of mowing and trimming. Mulch also adds to the aesthetic of your landscape, and there are several types to choose from, including wood chips and bark.
If you have a neighbor who lets trees and bushes grow into the fence line, talk to them first about having them trimmed. It is usually illegal to remove a neighbor’s trees or bushes from the fence without their permission, so it’s best to ask them if they are okay with having them trimmed. If not, you can contact an attorney about filing a lawsuit against them for letting their trees and bushes encroach on your property.
