As the seasons change and winter approaches, it’s crucial to pay attention to the maintenance and safety of your residential backyard fence. A yearly inspection of your fence can prevent potential disasters like it falling over during winter storms or succumbing to premature rot and failure. In this article, we’ll delve into why yearly inspections are essential and explore the key areas you should examine to ensure your fence stands strong year-round.
1. Safety First: Preventing Winter Storm Damage
Winter storms can be relentless, and the last thing you want is for your backyard fence to come crashing down during a strong windstorm or heavy rains. A yearly inspection of your Residential Fencing in Citrus Heights, CA allows you to identify weak points and take proactive measures to reinforce your fence, ensuring it can withstand the harshest of winter conditions.
2. Early Detection of Rot and Decay
One of the most common issues that plague residential fences is rot and decay. Wooden fences are particularly susceptible to this problem. Annual inspections provide an opportunity to catch these issues early on, preventing them from spreading and causing severe damage. Look for signs of rot, such as discolored or soft wood, and address them promptly.
The 1st most important area that you should check is at the bottom of the posts where they enter the ground. Commonly due to moisture buildup and moisture in this area, we find post rot that is the most common cause of fence failure (leaning/falling). While a visual inspection is recommended, many professionals perform a simple “push” test on each post. By applying slight pressure to the side of each post you will be able to feel if a post is weak and needs to be addressed. The squishy or wobbly feeling of a post is usually caused by post rot. This is easily solved with a post replacement or adding a support post as a temporary solution.
The 2nd most important to check is on the horizontal rails. While a visual inspection of these will be sufficient for most, when you find areas that look suspect of rot you should squeeze the wood and see if it feels squishy or week. Sometimes it will just crumble in your hands showing an obvious issue to be resolved.
3. Ensuring Proper Alignment and Support
Over time, fence posts can shift, and supports can weaken, compromising the structural integrity of your fence. During your yearly inspection, pay close attention to the alignment of fence posts and the stability of support structures. Reinforcing or realigning these components can prevent leaning or tilting fences.
4. Checking for Loose or Missing Fasteners
Fence fasteners, such as nails, screws, or bolts, play a crucial role in holding your fence together. Harsh weather conditions and natural wear and tear can loosen or damage these fasteners. Inspect your fence for any loose or missing fasteners, and make necessary repairs to ensure the fence remains secure.
5. Assessing the Condition of Finishes and Sealants
If your fence is made of wood, finishes and sealants can help protect it from the elements. These coatings can degrade over time, exposing the wood to moisture and UV rays. During your yearly inspection, evaluate the condition of the finishes and sealants. If they appear worn or peeling, consider reapplying them to extend the life of your fence.
6. Clearing Vegetation and Debris
Overgrown vegetation can place undue stress on your fence, leading to premature failure. Ensure that no trees, shrubs, or vines are in direct contact with your fence. Additionally, clear away leaves, debris, and any accumulated snow from your fence’s base to prevent moisture buildup and decay.
7. Reinforcing Weak Spots
During your inspection, identify any weak spots or areas that have been previously repaired. Reinforce these areas with additional support or replacement materials as needed to prevent further deterioration.
Locally Owned
When it comes to residential fences in Citrus Heights, CA, inspection is just as essential as how the installation is completed. Finding a professional and experienced company that can get the job done right the first time is a priority, and we are here to help from start to finish. Don’t wait until your fence is on the brink of collapse; make it a priority to conduct a thorough yearly inspection and keep your backyard safe and secure throughout every season. If you suspect your fence might have some issues to be fixed and you would like a free fence inspection, so call us today to schedule your appointment.