Proper maintenance of a fence is a must. Even the best fences require at least some minimal level of routine care. A properly-maintained fence can last for decades, serving you and your family for generations, and serves as a boon to your house’s market value. An improperly cared-for fence can show signs of deterioration and lose value in its aesthetic appeal and in its value in regard to how well it protects a yard. Replacing a fence can be a costly and lengthy process. Here are five tips to ensure that your fence serves you as long as possible:
A Fresh Coat Makes a Fresh Fence
A fresh coat of paint or stainer can do wonders for a fence’s longevity. Not only does cracked and chipping paint leave an eyesore, but it also leaves a chink in the armor– so to speak– for various forms of pests to wriggle their way through. Mildew and other fungal infections can wreak havoc on a fence, and termites are equally as happy to burrow their way through a spot in the fence where the paint has chipped away. A well-stained and painted fence serves as a shield against parasites which seek to make a snack out of your investments. To ensure that all the time and money invested in a fence doesn’t go to waste, give your fence a yearly makeover. You– and your fence– will be thankful you did.
Protect Your Fence With Pesticides
While some paints and stainers have innate pest-control properties, it can be a good idea to spray your fence with an environmentally-safe pest control spray. Pests can come in many forms, be it in animals whose claws would leave gouges in the wood, or smaller things, like fungi and burrowing insects. A good coating of pesticide will keep all manner of pests from turning your fence into a feast. Animals can smell the presence of something that might not be so good for them to taste, so pesticides can also be a good deterrent for curious large animals, such as deer or raccoons. Be sure to buy a pesticide that’s safe for animals, however, if you or a close neighbor has any pets. By their nature, pesticides keep animals away, but you don’t want to run the risk of getting anything bigger than a termite sick. Fortunately, there are many such pesticides to choose from, which can help improve the lifespan and quality of your fence for years to come. It might be a good idea to line up your fresh coat of paint with a fresh coat of pesticide, so as to save time and so as not to forget.
