How often are you power washing your fence?
Every season, your fence is exposed to weather, temperature changes, and fluctuations in humidity. By spending time every season on fence maintenance, you can ensure a long life for your investment.
Take a Walk
First things first, take the time to carefully inspect your fence for any signs of damage or decay. Make a list as you go to remember potential problem areas. If you are able to perform basic maintenance on your own, take a tool kit with you for basic on the spot repairs. Rotten wood? Don’t put off calling a professional to make repairs.
Wood rot is the biggest cause of fence damage and it can be tricky to spot if you don’t know where to look. Check the base of each fence post where it meets the ground, as this area is exposed to more moisture than anywhere else. Check for any broken parts, sagging, sinking, and loose posts or boards. Examine the length of your fence, regardless of material, for any mildew or rust. A minor issue today can cause a severe and costly problem in a month or two.
Make Sure You Maintain
After you walk around the perimeter of your fence and note repairs, it’s time to do some regular maintenance. Fencing that is simply dirty can be hosed off or pressure-washed depending on the level of dirt, rusting, discoloration, or staining. Make sure that you are trained to operate any washer you use or hire a professional from Hercules Fence to get your fence looking brand new. Once you wash, make sure the fence is completely dry before you do any further repairing or painting. Wooden and metal fences should be regularly painted or sealed to protect against corrosion or rot.
Call in the Experts
While all fences need regular fence maintenance, your fence may need some additional repairs. Replace any fence posts that are broken or showing signs of rotting. Without a solid foundation, your fence as a whole will not provide the security and support that you rely on. With the help of an expert, you can identify whether or not posts should be splinted or completely replaced and fastened with cement. By mounding cement an inch or two over the surface of the post, you can help prevent rot from returning in the future.
Problems other than your posts? Broken fence railing may be fixable by adding a patch made from 2×4 scraps. Damaged barbed wire can be snipped off quickly and easily. New strands of barbed wire can be added in section by section without needing to undergo costly repairs. Whenever you’re in doubt, contact an expert who can help you decide whether to repair or replace.
Fix Up Your Fence with Fence Maintenance
Have more questions about how to get your wood fence looking brand new for the summer? Hercules Fence has extensive experience in repairing and constructing fences made out of any and every material. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they’re residential or commercial, for the right price. Give us a call at 757-316-3600 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
