There are different kinds of fences, and each one is best suited for a certain purpose or environment. While the ideal fence can be expected to last many years, regular care and maintenance are still needed for it to last. Even the most durable and versatile metal fences will still need to be taken care.
If you have no idea of what to do, then this article is perfect for you. Here are some tips for fencing care and maintenance which you can easily carry out.
Provide surface protection for the greatest enemy of metal fences – rust.
Iron and steel are common components in a strong and durable fence. Unfortunately, these elements will easily turn into rust once exposed to oxygen and water or moisture. This is a natural occurrence made more likely with exposure to heavy precipitation, acid rains, air pollutants, or salt water.
Once rust develops, this porous film holds moisture, thus promoting further corrosion as it spreads all over your metal fence. Rust should not be taken lightly and must be taken care of right away as it does not only look unappealing, but also because it can quickly break down your fence. Usually, metal fences are covered with non-corrosive materials such as zinc, but like any other fences, they still needs to be repainted over time.
To get rid of the rust, the fence can be wire brushed and sanded down before being covered with a rust-inhibiting primer and then repainted. There are, however, complex but more effective methods like treatment with a rust converter such as tannic acid based products. Other methods include dry-grit blasting and the use of needle guns and scaling hammers. With these methods, it is best to hire a professional who will do the job for you. They can make sure that everything applied to your fence will give it a longer lifespan and the most protection against rusting.
Clean your fences regularly.
There are different ways to clean and care for various types of fences. Usually, washing the fence down water from a garden hose is enough to get rid of most dirt. Metal fences may develop grime or stains which can easily be removed by brushing with a cup of household detergent mixed in a gallon of warm water. A wooden fence can be bleached with a mixture of one part bleach and two parts water. Vinyl fences should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months with regular soap and water.
Get rid of debris around the foundation of your fence as this can potentially cause damage. Watch out for concrete, rocks, tree roots, loose branches and other elements which may affect the structure of your fence.
Check your fence’s anchoring and structural integrity.
The foundation where your fence posts are set may become loose over time and this will affect the stability of your fence. Soil may erode, and even concrete setting may shift your fence, especially if it is wobbly and stabilised by fillers, or if the stone foundation breaks open.
Hiring reliable and qualified professionals to set up your fence is the first step; however, make sure to regularly check for changes that may happen through time. Hinges, latches, or screws may also become loose eventually so make sure to check on these, too. Avoid hanging objects on your fence or screwing new attachments as these may cause damage.
There are simple ways to take care of your fence. There are also occasional repairs or maintenance activities that are better off at the hands of a professional. If you are in any need of help in taking care of your fence, feel free to contact your Fencing Specialist.