Fences are investments for homeowners. Often costing thousands of dollars to build, wooden fences make for eye-pleasing property borders that not only help cut sound intrusion but add value to a home as well, but unlike steel fences, wood fences require a fair bit amount more TLC to keep them in tip-top shape. One preventative measure known as weatherproofing will ensure your hard-earned investment does not prematurely rot in the years and decades to come.
Know Your Wood
First thing is first: you must know what type of wood was used to build your fence. Most wood fences, especially those built up around new property homes, are made of either redwood, spruce, fir, pine, cedar, or cypress. All the woods mentioned above are among the best types of fencing woods.
Redwoods and cedars contain natural oils that resist rot and mold, making them last quite a bit longer outdoors than most of the other wood species like spruce and cypress. For cedars and redwoods, they often do not require a finishing lacquer but occasional oiling instead. Other more vulnerable woods, like spruce and cypress, will last longer if coated with a water-resistant finish.
Fill All Cracks
Not treating deep, wide cracks in your wooden fence is a sure-fire way to let mold spores and rot run amok. Filling those crevices with epoxy is an easy fix that anyone can do.
Follow the instructions below to fill a cracked fence with epoxy successfully:
- Clean the cracked area with a wood-safe cleaner
- Mix the epoxy according to the directions on the box
- Apply the mixed epoxy to the cracks in the fence
- Let the epoxy set based on the recommended times in the product directions
Make sure you apply the epoxy on a dry, sunny day so that the mixture can adequately set and cure.
Avoid Applying Clear Sealer
Because wood fencing is a natural product, it contains a plethora of microorganisms, oils, and moisture levels that need to be exposed to keep the wood from decay. By sealing the planks of wood with a clear sealant, you are robbing them of that need. A clear-sealed fence will decay far quicker than a properly treated and maintained one because it will prevent the wood from “breathing.” To protect your wooden fence from UV rays without the risk of rot, consider painting with a breathable, waterproof exterior paint.
Choose a Correct Stain
Staining wood will help your fence look its finest while helping it to fight the elements. When applied correctly, the stain will repel water and protect the wood from over-drying. Always remember to start on the lighter side. You can always choose to darken the area with multiple, thinly applied layers. Applying several thin coats will ensure that the stain does not appear darker than you anticipated.
Weatherproofing a wooden fence will protect one of your homeowner investments from prematurely decaying. With just a little know-how and regular maintenance, you can keep a wooden fence looking like new for years to come. Central Fence is here to help or answer any questions you may have about keeping your wooden fence in the best shape possible!
