Tips for Maintaining your New Wood Fence After Installation

What could be better than the classic and timeless look of a wooden fence surrounding your property? After getting wood fence installation in Orlando, FL, you may in awe of how amazing your new fence looks. However, in order for it to continue looking this good, regular cleaning and care are essential. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining your wood fence so it can look like new for a long time to come.

Power Wash Before Staining

Every so often, your wood fence will need to be stained or treated again. Before doing so, it is vital to power wash the fence first. When a fence is covered in dirt when it is stained, the stain will apply unevenly and cause discoloration. Dirt and mold left on the fence can also damage the structural integrity of the wood, which can severely shorten its lifespan. Power wash the fence using only water and wait for it to dry completely before applying the stain. You can also hire a professional to power wash it for you if you don’t feel comfortable tackling the project on your own.

Choose the Right Stain

Using the right stain to treat your fence is also incredibly important. Try to find a stain that is made for the type of wood used in your fence. You should also consider the kind of weather the stain is designed to protect against and the type of weather you often experience. If the stain isn’t durable enough to handle the weather conditions in your area, the wood underneath can rot much faster and cause irreversible damage to your fence.

Leave Space Between Plants and the Fence

If plants are located too close to the fence, they can harm the fence and result in a much shorter lifespan. Roots of trees and bushes can cause the fence posts’ foundation to deteriorate. This will make them much more likely to become loose, fall over, and break. Plants can also grow through the fence, splitting the wood planks and damaging the fence. When placing new greenery, plant them at least two feet away from the base of the fence. Regularly prune the branches of plants that are close to the fence.

Wash Frequently

Even when you do not need to re-stain the fence, you should wash it regularly. This is one of the best ways to keep your fence looking great following wood fence installation in Orlando, FL. This simple chore can help to prevent mold and dirt from accumulating on the fence. If left on the fence, it can quickly lead to staining and rotting.