Any property owner in Los Angeles that chooses a wood fence for their property needs to learn maintenance tips. A wood fence can last for longer than other materials, but only with proper maintenance. Knowing the way to keep the fence in top condition over the years will be the reason your wood fence always looks beautiful. The steps below will help you maintain your wood fence.
Once your wood fence has been installed by our professional fence contractor in Los Angeles, you should ensure you keep it in great condition so that it stays durable. A well-maintained fence will serve you for years and keep your property safe from intruders. A wood fence that is maintained properly is also appealing and can add to the general aesthetics of the property.
Proper repairs should be done once you notice that the fence is starting to see any signs of stress. It is also advisable to implement the following wood fence maintenance tips after the installation.
Understandably, you want to create a beautiful landscape with trees, but too many plants close to your wood fence will only spell trouble in the future. If you have a tree that needs to be removed, we recommend hiring a Tree Service Company. The plants have moisture, which is not a good thing when it comes to wood fences. If the plants' moisture is always on the panels, they will eventually rot away. It means that you have to spend more money getting repairs for the damaged parts of your fence. There is also the fact that you will have to cut down what is probably a valued tree/plant. Avoiding plants will help you maintain your wood fence.
You need to ensure the fence remains in the best condition by checking for things like loose nails, insect damage, damaged panels, and such. These are issues that you can sort out yourself if they are still in the early stages. Insects such as termites love wooden structures, so they are always a threat. If you notice any termite mud structures, dismantle them immediately. You can also opt to have the wood treated against insect attacks. Checking for small maintenance issues early is key to a long-lasting wood fence.
Given that the weather in Los Angeles is tropical, you are going to be dealing with the risk of decay, especially during the heavy rain season. You can try to limit the absorption of water by coating the fence with a sealant. The sealant will keep the water away from the wood and ensure it remains dry even during heavy rainfall. If the wood does not get too wet, then there is a high chance that it will not be vulnerable to decay. Sealing or staining the fence is a process that should be repeated every few years as the sealant wears off with time. Properly checking for decay will help you maintain your wood fence.
Cleaning your fence is a crucial part of ensuring that it does not succumb to mold and mildew. Tropical weather also brings the threat of fast-growing mildew/mold on the wood. Mildew grows around the bottom part of the panel where the wood meets the soil, so it may be hard to spot when you are not looking for it. It is advisable to clean using specialized fence cleaners and a pressure washer.
If you feel that your fence needs decorations, ensure that they are not too heavy and keep them to a minimum. Heavy decorations will weigh down your fence, and the effect will become visible after some time. Your posts may begin to bend or pull away from parts of the fence. It will become vulnerable to intrusion as well as damage. Ensure the decorations are not causing too much moisture for the wood. Avoiding any heavy fence decorations will help you maintain your wood fence.
If you have sprinklers to water your lawn, ensure that they do not reach the fence. Continued pouring of water on the fence will make it weak. If you cannot prevent the sprinklers from reaching the fence, you can try to cover the wood with plastic covers during the time sprinklers are on.
Taking care of a wood fence is what will make it serve you for a long time and keep your property looking beautiful. It is also advisable to get professional inspections that will address any wood fence problems right away. Fill out the form to get a Free Estimate from Los Angeles Fence Builders.