In the spring, it is important to tend to your wooden fence because it could have been damaged during the harsh winter months. If left unattended, the damage can significantly reduce the lifespan of the fence on your property. Proper spring cleaning and maintenance enhance the aesthetics and durability of your fence as well.
Complete Spring Inspection
Begin by inspecting the wooden fence. Check for any signs of impairments like cracking, warping, or rotting wood. If not repaired, this type of damage continues to worsen over time and will require more extensive repairs in the future. Other things to do at this time include nailing down loose or rusty nails and stabilizing unstable posts to limit hazards your fence may cause.
Repairing and Replacement Options
Once you’ve added the fence to your spring-cleaning list, it is time to make repairs such as replacing warped boards or securing loosely fixed panels. Having a professional handle these things as early in the season as possible helps prevent further deterioration caused by the heat and storms of summer.
Sealants for Protection
After the fence has been cleaned and repaired, applying sealant is the next step to take. It protects wood from moisture, insects, and UV rays. Sealants differ depending on the type of wood and climate, so ask a professional to help you make the right choice.
Have Your Fence Stabilized
When the weather changes in the spring, it is time to check the stability of your wood fence. Seasonal changes can sometimes shift the soil, resulting in different forms of settling. The most common condition associated with shifts in the soil is loosening posts, usually followed by leaning or wobbling, which can ultimately destroy the physical integrity and safety of the fence.
Looking at the condition of the posts is the first step in assessing the fence’s stability. It is also important to check if the posts sink or if the soil has shifted. These situations are often caused by factors such as changes in weather that make the soil expand or contract. If the posts seem to sink or the soil near them is disturbed, it’s time for professional repair services.
One way professionals stabilize a fence is by adding soil or concrete around the base of each post. This secures the post and prevents future movement due to soil instabilities. Concrete is preferred for this process because it’s a permanent solution that provides a stable foundation able to withstand environmental changes.
Continual Care and Observation
Ongoing monitoring is essential for catching new issues with your fence before they escalate into large-scale problems. A fence inspection will determine what minor damage has occurred after heavy rainstorms or windy conditions. Clearing debris and overgrown vegetation around the fence during spring cleaning is essential to make sure that you can detect issues as early as possible.
If you live in Commerce City, CO, contact R O Fence Services for all your wood fence services this spring!
