Care and Maintenance of Residential Wood Fences in Pleasanton
Many people still prefer residential wood fences in Pleasanton. It’s not a surprise, since wood is one of the most popular and traditional materials for fences. A wood fence marks boundary properties, provides optimum privacy and security, as well as gives superb curb appeal.
However, you cannot control Mother Nature from producing potential damage to the wood from the rain, wind and moisture. If you cannot hold back Mother Nature, you can protect your fence from totally rotting over time. Caring for and maintaining a residential wood fence in Pleasanton does not have to be expensive, time-consuming or rely on too much effort. However, these repairs can be both expensive and time-consuming if the fence hasn’t been properly taken care of over time.
If your wood fence stands as protection for your home and property, why don’t you give it the protection it deserves? Here are some of the simple ways to care for a wooden fence:
- Know which kind of wood you’re going to use for your fence
When it comes to picking the right species of wood for your fence, redwood and cedar are always the recommended choices. They offer natural resistance against decaying and rotting. Besides, they also have a naturally weathered look. Applying a sealant will give these fences additional protection. Pine is also a good choice for fences but it will not weather like cedar or redwood.
- Use paint, stain or sealant to add protection to your fence
This has been one of the most usual ways to preserve a wood fence. Paint, stain or sealant will not only add a protective layer but they also enhance the look of the fence. The ideal time to apply these protective solutions to your fence would be at least once during the first year, and then re-apply every few years to maintain the look and condition of the fence. These liquid sealants are come in traditional paint or spray. A word of caution though, it is unlikely the wood will return to its natural color once you apply a stain or paint. It is important to have this issue settled in your mind because it is not reversible.
- Use pressure treated lumber
A pressure-treated wood is moisture and insect-resistant, thus it is an excellent choice if you’re using underground posts. Nevertheless, pressure treated wood also requires some water sealant especially if you cut it and expose the untreated areas.
- Wash and rinse your fence periodically
To get the dust and dirt off of your wood fence, simply rinse it. You should know that the dust and dirt lodged into the grain of your wood fence (or into the cracks of the fence’s sealant) will retain more moisture in your fence. This will speed up the rotting process. On the other hand, washing and rinsing will help slow down the graying and rotting process of your fence. Pressure washing your fence will remove even tougher dirt, thus making it look almost as good as new. Another word of caution, though — frequent pressure washing may do more harm than good to your fence, or it may even damage it.
- Get the obvious threats off your fence
A pressure-treated wood is moisture and insect-resistant, thus it is an excellent choice if you’re using underground posts. Nevertheless, pressure treated wood also requires some water sealant especially if you cut it and expose the untreated areas.
- fallen trees and their branches, or branches that have been hanging on the trees
- vines or other climbing/creeping plants that invade your fence
- sprinklers installed near your fence (because the water that’s used for the sprinklers, unlike rainwater, may contain chlorine and other chemicals)
- heavy objects like a huge rock
- tree roots that stick out from the ground surface
- children playing near the fence (throwing a ball on the fence, or even climbing over the fence)
Caring for and preserving residential wood fences in Pleasanton will keep them looking almost as good as new. Most importantly, it will also extend the useful life of your fence for years to come.