How do you maintain a fence?
Imagine living in a house without fencing:
You will be anxious about your family’s safety and security.
Your nosy neighbours may claim fruit-bearing trees on your property as their own if there is no proper demarcation line.
If you reside near a wildlife reserve, some wild animals may go astray and pose a threat around your property.
If you decide to sell your property, your house loses aesthetic appeal and diminishes its market value.
A sturdy fence is part of property investment, and investment needs proper care and maintenance. Fencing maintenance does not have to be difficult and tedious. You can learn some practical tips from fencing maintenance 101, culled by expert fencing specialists of Chainwire Fencing Specialist.
Why do commercial and residential fencing need maintenance?
Extreme weather conditions that cause damage to properties are one of the reasons why you should maintain fencing and always keep them sturdy and functional. It is prudent to take care of your fences before severe weather strikes as it can vary across all 8 states and territories throughout Australia. Maintenance should also be conducted for safety reasons to ensure that the fence is still operationally sound and the risk of injury or fatality due to faulty fencing is minimised.
Practical tips about fencing maintenance
Different fences use various materials, and the level of maintenance varies with each type of fencing. For example, a wood fence requires high maintenance, while a vinyl fence is the ultimate low-key. Remember that the number one enemy is water – especially flood water – because it hastens the aging process. If left unchecked, water will cause a wood fence to rot. Likewise, water penetration in scratches and dents opens the gate to corrosion in metal fencing.
A regular inspection is an essential part of fence maintenance. Check if there is wood rot, moulds, algae, dirty patches, and loose nails or screws. You should pay attention to sagging posts. Look for cracks, holes, splinters, broken rails, and stains around nails and screws. Get rid of unwanted vegetation around your fencing. The friendly team from Chainwire Fencing Specialist is ready to assist in case you need help with minor issues before they become major ones.
Maintenance of a wood fence
Wood fences cost less than other types of fence material but require high maintenance. Watch out for ants, insects, termites, and bees that eat into the wood and cause rot and decay. As mentioned earlier, water speeds up the weathering process of wood, which is subject to decay. Also, the sun bleaches and dries out wood, causing it to splinter, warp, and fall apart. Regular maintenance can help address these issues.
How often should you seal a wood fence?
A wood fence, like yellow pine, should be sealed with paint or stain upon installation. It helps to protect the wood from decay and rot. But if you use pressure-treated copper wood, there is no need for a sealant. If you want to paint or stain a treated wood fence, wait about 4 to 6 weeks for the wood to completely dry out. Then, repaint your wood fence every 2 to 3 years or re-stain every 4 to 5 years to keep it nice, clean, and rot-free.
How to clean a wood fence
A wooden fence should look fresh and new at any given time. A weekly scrub using lukewarm water and mild detergent will keep your wooden picket clean. Don’t forget to wipe out excess water with a dry rag. If dirt or stain persists, use a pressure washer to clean. Keep an eye on the green or black dirt stain. They are moulds and algae that need bleach solution or white vinegar.
Maintenance of chain-link fence
Chain link fencing is one of the most durable and affordable fencing types requiring minimal maintenance. The vinyl, aluminium, or galvanised coating helps prevent rust.
- Check for broken links and top rails.
- Watch out for unwanted vines and plants that creep along the chain.
- Clean the chain-link fence with water, soap, a scrub brush, and a dry towel.
Maintenance of a vinyl fence
Vinyl fences are becoming popular due to low maintenance requirements and resiliency against severe weather conditions. It is not susceptible to rot or decay. It is unpainted, so you do not have to worry about peeled-off or chipped paint. However, surface dirt and living stains make your vinyl fence look old and grey. Use soap and water to clean a vinyl fence. Yellow, green, or black living stains are algae that require a pressure washer with a bleaching solution to kill the algae and remove the stain.
Maintenance of the ornamental metal fencing
Most homeowners choose an iron, steel, or aluminium ornamental fence for its aesthetic appeal, classic style, and durability. The maintenance upkeep is to keep them from rust or corrosion. The metal fence usually comes in protective coatings but may have dents or scratches over time. Repair any damage to prevent water from seeping that may lead to corrosion.
Cleaning an ornamental fence is simple. Just clean the dirt, mould, mildew, or tree debris with soap and water. Then, use a garden hose to spray from the bottom to the top and down again for maximum cleaning with less water drip.
How do you know when to repair or replace your fence?
If there are cracks or damages to the fencing, the best thing to do is fix the problem before it becomes worse:
- If the crack is as thin as a hairline, clean it and seal with a sealant.
- If the crack or dent is pea-sized, seal with a silicon-based epoxy sealant.
- If the damage is substantial, consider replacing the damaged section of the fence.
Why choose Chainwire Fencing Specialist for your fencing maintenance and repair?
You have invested money in your property and have had installed fencing. Therefore, it is just befitting to ensure that your residential or commercial fencing is maintained. This way, you can maximise your investment for years to come.
Chainwire Fencing Specialist is your trusted and efficient fencing maintenance expert in Toronto, NSW. We offer quality materials for your fencing requirements because your privacy, safety, and security are our priority and concern. Call us on 02 4023 5416 or fill out our fencing installation request.