Whether you installed a fence to improve privacy, prevent theft and vandalism, or reduce insurance premiums, you obviously want to keep it for a long time. Installing a fence isn’t cheap, so naturally, you want to make the most of your investment. Lucky for you, fence maintenance in Bixby can extend the lifespan of your fencing so it keeps your property secure for years to come.
There are a few general measures you can take, and a few specific ones, depending on the type of fencing on your property. We’ll walk you through some specific guidelines on how to look after your fences and some general tips that apply to most types of fences.
| Type of Fencing | Maintenance for Long-Lasting Fence Solutions |
| Aluminium | These fences are the easiest to maintain because all you need to do is spray down the fence with water and let it air dry or wipe it down with a cloth. In case of any stubborn stains, you can use some dish soap and a microfiber cloth. |
| Wood | Moisture is highly damaging for wooden fences because it causes them to rot and fade. Keep sprinklers pointed away from your wooden fence to lengthen its lifespan. Yearly cleaning should include brushing off loose debris, applying a cleaning solution, and rinsing it off with a garden hose. |
| Vinyl | A simple tip to maintain your vinyl fence is to regularly spray it down with water to prevent dirt from building up and causing damage. A simple cleaning solution made from soap and water can keep your vinyl fence looking new. And if you spot issues like an undone picket, get it fixed right away. |
| Chain-Link | For long-lasting fence solutions, it’s recommended that you spray it with a hose to keep dirt from building up. Plants, flowers, or trees that grow near the base of your chain-link fence can lift and displace links, causing damage over time. You should remove these plants as soon as you spot them to prevent further damage. |
| Ornamental | Ornamental iron fences are the most durable type of fencing out there, so they need little maintenance compared to other types. This includes removing any dirt that builds up on the fence, keeping up with minor repairs, and using a protective coating to give it a brand new finish. |
Tips for Fence Maintenance in Bixby
Now that we’ve gone over a few specific techniques on how to maintain each type of fence, here are a few common tips to keep in mind:
Stain or Paint Your Fence
Depending on the material your fence is made of, staining or painting it is an effective way to increase its lifespan. With a wooden picket or privacy fence, professionals recommend staining it since paint traps moisture with time, which can lead to rot. Staining a wood fence provides better protection from the elements and UV rays – all while improving its appearance.
On the other hand, paint is recommended for metal fences since it protects the surface from rust and corrosion. It makes your fence resistant to wear and tear, while the variety of colors makes it easy to match with the rest of your outdoor decor.
Yearly Cleaning
While cleaning may not seem like a big deal for maintaining a fence, dirt build-up can cause any material to deteriorate faster. That’s why cleaning your fence is the first step in maintaining it. Start by removing loose dirt, debris, and mold from the surface using a soft brush.
If you have a wooden fence, brush it gently to avoid damaging the wood. And if your fence is made of metal, check for signs of rust. In the case of any rust, use a rust remover or sandpaper to carefully take off bits of rust.
Fix Any Signs of Minor Damage
After you’ve cleaned the fence, check for any damaged sections that need repairing. If you spot signs of damage like broken or rotten boards, loose screws or nails, or other structural issues, you should call in a professional to fix them.
With vinyl or metal fencing, you may find cracks or dents that need to be fixed. Addressing these damaged areas can protect your fence from further deterioration and keep it stable. Otherwise, your fence will continue to deteriorate and need expensive repairs or even replacement.
Trim Vegetation
You need to control the vegetation growing around your fence. Overgrown plants like shrubs or vines can exert pressure on the fence, causing them to bend, crack, or even break in places. While we’re not saying you should get rid of all the plants growing near your fence, it’s a good idea to prune the vegetation. By creating some space between the plants and your fence, you keep moisture from accumulating, preventing mold and pests from damaging your fence.
Remove Snow Buildup During Winter
For long-lasting fence solutions, you need to take proactive measures to protect your fence across different seasons. So, during the winter months, you should remember to get rid of any snow buildup along your fence. This gets rid of excess weight that could push down on your fence, causing it to bend or break.
During the fall months, clear away any fallen leaves around your fence because they can trap moisture and lead to rot or rust. And when summer rolls around, it’s a good idea to apply a fresh layer of protective coating to protect your fence from UV rays.
Check The Hinges
The hinges are what connect your fence to a gate, so any damage to the latches or hinges can put stress on your fence. You should check the hinges to make sure they’re aligned before lubricating and tightening them to keep the fence from sagging.
Make Your Fence Pest-Resistant
Wooden pickets and privacy fences are vulnerable to attack from pests like termites. It’s recommended that you apply a termite-resistant treatment to keep pests from damaging your fence. This goes a long way in preserving your wooden fence and making the most of your investment.
Bonus Tip: Call A Professional
Besides cleaning your fence and applying a protective coating, you should remember to call an expert team to look at the fencing. Even if you can’t see any signs of damage, professionals can spot issues like improper drainage or poor installation, which can affect the fence’s stability over time. By correcting these problems early on, professionals can keep your fence from deteriorating further and needing a full replacement.
Summing it Up
To put it simply, maintenance should be a priority if you want long-lasting fence solutions. Depending on the type of fence you have, you should remember to clean the surface, get rid of any buildup, mold, and rust, and apply a protective coating. You should also remember to fix signs of minor damage before your fence requires extensive repairs or a possible replacement. Of course, the most important part of maintaining your fence is that you should call in expert professionals to inspect it and make repairs.
FAQs
When should I clean my fence?
How often you should clean your fence depends on factors like the material, weather conditions it’s exposed to, and your location. Generally, you should aim to clean the fence at least once or twice a year.
How to stop my metal fence from rusting?
The best way to keep your metal fence from rusting is to keep it clean and dry. It’s also recommended that you apply a protective coating like paint, rust-inhibiting primer, or powder coating for long-term protection. And if you spot any signs of rust, treat it immediately with rust remover or sandpaper.
When should I replace my fence?
If your fence is severely damaged because of rot or rust, or it’s no longer stable, replacing it is a much more cost-effective choice. Even with extensive repairs, your damaged fence may not last very long and you’ll end up needing a replacement anyway.
How to prevent my wooden fence from warping?
Besides avoiding moisture exposure, you can prevent a wooden fence from warping by ensuring proper installation by leaving enough spacing between boards so they can expand and contract. Professional installers will also apply a protective sealant to the timber to prevent moisture absorption.
Can I repair my chain-link fence myself?
While you can make minor repairs like fixing loose wires, readjusting the tension, or replacing damaged sections, more extensive repairs are best left to professionals. If there’s a hole in the fence or major signs of wear and tear, an expert can use long-term solutions instead of a short-term fix.