Keep your wooden fence looking good as new!
There are a lot of benefits to installing a wooden fence. For one, they add a sense of style and increase the curb-appeal of the property. However, just like anything, they need to be maintained. There are two basic types of wood fences: you have the natural-look split rail which comes in three or four rails set between posts, and then you have barricade fencing or privacy fencing that can keep pets in and your neighbor’s eyes out. Both fence types, if built in the past ten years or so, should have been made from pressure treated wood that can withstand rot and insect damage many times better than standard framing or white woods used in our homes. The average life of a pressure treated fence is 20 years or maybe more, but this is only true if you take decent care of it.
Preserving its Natural Color
In order to preserve the natural color of the wood, use an exterior semi-transparent oil stain. It seals the wood while allowing the grain and color variations to show through, and its pigments add an overall color tone. Make sure the stain contains ultraviolet inhibitors, which will slow down bleaching by sunlight, and a mildewcide to slow fungal growth. Look for samples on cedar at the paint store, or bring in your own piece of wood to test. A test sample is the best way to ensure a satisfactory result. Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh.
Cleaning Your Fence
Before power washing your wooden fence, the first thing you want to do is wipe it down. Some manufacturers make special treatment products to remove mold, and they come in plastic bottles that you attach to your pressure washer. If you have this type of attachment, make use of it. If not, you can buy a pump up weed or insect sprayer and apply a 20% bleach solution with a mild soap like clothes washing liquid to the fence about an hour before you pressure wash it. This will allow for an overall, more detailed cleaning procedure.
Choose Hercules Fence Richmond!
Whether you want a colorful vinyl fence or a charming picket fence to protect your pool or keep your property and family safe, Hercules Fence has the expertise and equipment to repair or construct your dream fence. Whether it is a minor repair or major replacement, we would love to help your fencing better serve your family. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs whether they are residential or commercial for the right price. So, do not hesitate to call us at 804-752-7992 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.
