Protecting Your Wood Fence The Right Way

Know Your Wood

A beneficial first step in protecting your existing fence is knowing what type of wood the fence was built with. Certain types are better than others at resisting the fluctuating weather elements, insects, and soil. Each one will vary on the amount of protection & sealant needed to protect its overall integrity.

Networx.com further lists the best of the best quality wood for building a fence, including pine, cedar, redwood, and cypress. All four types are generally more durable, require less maintenance, and carry insect-repelling qualities. 

Why Should I Stain and Seal a Wood Fence?

A common misconception about wood fences is that they don't deteriorate quickly. However, the wood can split, warp, rot, and crack without the proper weather-proofing coating. These changes don't immediately appear.

In fact, you may not notice them for years or until you paint your fence and notice chipping. But the downward deterioration spiral can begin once the sun dries the preservation chemicals on the wood. Unsealed, exposed wood fibers are very sensitive to elements that cause decay. For instance, splitting, cracking, and other forms of decay come from:

• Repeated sun and rain cycles, causing the wood to swell and decompress
• Insects burrowing into or eating away at the fence
• Dirt and debris sitting on the surface of the fence
• Mold, mildew, and green algae breaking down the wood fibers

While your fence will always be exposed to these elements, it's obvious that without any protection it will deteriorate much faster than if it was properly stained and sealed. 

When Should I Stain and Seal My Wood Fence?

While you might be eager to immediately stain and seal your new fence, it's very important to let the wood rest and dry. The wood used in a new installation will have been pressure-treated with chemicals and a mill glaze to keep it from breaking down during transportation and installation, so you don't have to rush into staining and sealing it.

In fact, it's crucial that these chemicals are completely dry before staining and sealing your wood fence. This is because the chemicals will block the stain and sealant from fully penetrating the wood, which can lead to faster deterioration. The drying process can take three to four weeks after installation, depending on the weather.

When proper care and sealants have been used, existing wood fences need to be stained and sealed every four to five years. This will extend the life and beauty of your fence.

Can a Stained & Sealed Wood Fence Become Damaged?

In short, the answer is yes. Wood fences are exposed to sun, rain, humidity, animals, insects, mold, mildew, and more, all day, every day of the year! It's understandable that even with the best stain and sealant, they can eventually deteriorate and become damaged. However, damage can be significantly mitigated with routine maintenance and protection. 

Maintenance Tips for Protecting a Wood Fence

Wood fences shine their brightest when they are properly cared for with regular cleaning, maintenance, and resealing.

Fence Washing

Fences, in general, accumulate a lot of dirt and debris from grass clippings, dirt clumps and the like. While it might not seem like a big deal, over time, these can build up and cause decay. Luckily, there are some simple cleaning techniques that won't add much time to your yard work but will pay off in the long run.

The easiest way to wash your fence is with the garden hose. Just use a spray nozzle and spray off whatever debris is clinging to your fence. If you notice moss or mildew, you can use the power stream on the nozzle to remove them.

While there are plenty of fence cleaners on the market, some contain harsh chemicals which can be damaging to surrounding grass and plants or toxic to children and pets. Always look for chemical-free & environmentally-friendly cleaners.

Bleach is another way to remove a gamut of stains, rust, mold, and mildew. According to Clorox, all you need to do is add 3/4 cup regular bleach to one gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket. After pre-wetting the fence, scrub on the solution, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wash away with the hose.

Finally, power washing once a year will help your fence glow its brightest. It's important to be cautious with the force of your power washer, as too much force can penetrate the wood and cause gauges to develop. 

Fence Inspection

Inspecting your fence once or twice a year can help identify any deterioration issues before they get out of hand. It might also be helpful to photograph your fence periodically to track and estimate when repairs are needed.

• Posts - Give each post a gentle push back and forth to check for any movement. If there is movement, inspect the bottom of the post for decay.
• Panels - Check for damage such as warping, splitting, cracking, or insect rotting. Hammer down any loose nails.
• Gate - If your fence has a gate, check the hardware and hinges to make sure all are secured properly and in good working order. Tighten any loose screws and replace damaged hardware. 

Fence Protection

Every four or five years, it's ideal to restain and reseal your wood fence for maximum protection and preservation. After properly cleaning your fence, be sure to wait until it is completely dry before applying a new stain and sealant. This will keep your fence looking beautiful for years to come!

Conclusion

Like many things in life, the best way to keep your wood fence protected is with regular maintenance. An occasional power washing is beneficial, but what will really keep it in pristine condition is a proper sealant to protect it from all kinds of weather and bugs.