Installing a new fence is an investment in your home or business and there are 7 recommended tips that will help you keeping this fence looking better and lasting longer than your neighbors!
1. Start with High-Quality Material and Workmanship
The foundation for a long-lasting fence starts with using quality materials and skilled fence professionals. Work with a fence contractor that only uses high-quality wood, metal, or vinyl fence materials. A highly rated fence contractor will install your new fence with a higher level of detail to ensure that your new fence is structurally strong from the its first day, reducing the likelihood of early deterioration.
2. Hidden Steel Posts for Rot Resistance and Added Strength
One of the best ways to reinforce your fence’s structural integrity is by using hidden steel posts. These posts are installed beneath the surface, offering extra support against the forces of nature. Hidden steel posts can make your fence more resistant to wind, rain, and other environmental stressors, significantly extending its lifespan.
3. Yearly Inspections for Damage
Regular inspections are key to identifying potential problems before small issues become more major issues. Make it a habit to inspect your fence at least once a year. Look for signs of rot, insect infestations, loose boards, or missing hardware. During this inspection we recommend that you use your hands on fence feeling the strength of each post and panel by pushing on them. If any feel “loose” or “weak”, these should be fixed immediately before they start leaning and causing further damage to the next sections of fence. Timeliness in addressing your fence issues will help reduce the extent and costs of the repairs.
4. Cut Back Vegetation from the Fence
Overgrown vegetation can be a significant threat to your fence’s longevity. This includes bushes and trees next to fences which push the fence, as well as vegetation that is growing on the fence. In both situations, we highly recommend you trim back any branches, vines, or shrubs that are encroaching your fence. These hold moisture against the wood or cause physical damage over time. Maintaining a clear space around your fence will help it stay dry and intact.
5. Adjust Sprinklers So They Do Not Spray the Fence
The constant spraying of water from sprinklers on a fence will cause discoloring of the fence as well as premature rot and failure. This is easily solved by adjusting your sprinklers so they do not spray in the area where your new fence is going to be installed. It is recommended that you manually turn on your sprinklers and check their spray pattern at least once a year to address any damaged or accidentally turned sprinklers that are spraying your fence.
6. Paint or Stain After a Month
Painting or staining a fence will help maximize your wood fence’s longevity by repelling water and reducing rot. While it is a great idea to apply a coat or two of your favorite paint or stain to both sides of a fence, you need to wait a few weeks or a month for the new fence to dry before you can do this. While we hold wood in our inventory or more than a month or two before we install it, it still will retain a decent amount of moisture content. Once the fence is installed this moisture will exit the wood in the first month given that there is not any rain. Many people that have fences installed over the winter elect to wait till the spring to apply this seal to help protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and pests.
7. Make Small Repairs as Needed
During your annual inspections, you may encounter minor issues like loose nails, small cracks, or peeling paint. Don’t procrastinate on these repairs. Address them promptly to prevent them from worsening over time. A little maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your fence.
Conclusion:
The above 7 recommendations will keep help you ensure your fence look better and last longer than your neighbors. These tips including the yearly inspection and routine maintenance will help to significantly increase your fence’s lifespan and save you money in the long run. Start with the right materials and craftsmanship, use hidden steel posts for added strength, perform yearly inspections, and keep vegetation and sprinklers back. Remember to paint or stain your fence after it has had time to dry and don’t ignore small repairs. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your fence for many years to come.
If you need further advice, contact our fence experts at this number 916-790-7100