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 neighbors eyes out. Both fence types if built in the past ten years or so should have been made of pressure treated wood that can withstand rot and insect damage much better than before. The average life of a pressure treated fence is 20 years or maybe more, but this is only true if it is maintained properly. So, take a weekend to ensure it keeps looking and performing like new.
Cleaning the Fence
The first thing you want to do is clean your whole fence with a pressure washer. A residential sized pressure washer should be adequate to get the job done. If you have an exceptionally large yard, you may want to consider renting a larger one for half a day. 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 an inexpensive pump up and apply a 20% bleach solution with a mild soap to the fence about an hour before you pressure wash it.
Making Repairs
This is a good time to make any repairs that you need to do. Look for wood that should be replaced or fasteners that need to be reseated. Make sure that your fence is secure in the ground and the posts have firm soil that has not washed away since the fence was built.
Staining Your Fence
Once clean you want to give the fence a week to dry in the hot sun before you apply stain. Stain is a petroleum-based product that will seep into the top layer of wood unlike paint that simply attaches to the surface. For that reason, the fence must be dry before you begin. Applying the stain can be done with a brush or with a power sprayer. If you are using a power sprayer, make sure that you use a tip that is rated for stain because it is much thinner than paint and will not need as much pressure to coat the surface.
Completing the Job
This is also a great time to lubricate your fence door locks and hinges. A general quality automotive grease can be used and remove hinge pins to apply it internally with a small brush. For a quicker fix, some people opt to use good old WD40 to make sure the hinges are lubricated and in top working condition.
Central Fence is here to help even after the installation. With over five decades of experience, we know how to care for all types of fences. We are a locally owned and operated business that prides ourselves in offering service after the sale. Contact one of our four convenient locations to see how we can help you with all your fencing needs!
