Now that spring is officially in Maryland, it’s time to prioritize fence maintenance.
Now that spring is officially in Maryland, it’s time to prioritize fence maintenance. After months of combating winter weather, some fences might emerge from the cold with damage that property owners should quickly address. Fences are an investment that might last a decade or more and are regularly maintained yearly. Learn how to prepare and preserve your fence this spring.
Inspect Your Fence for Any Damage
Before you can reduce or repair problems during your inspection, you must identify them. The first step in your fence maintenance routine should involve walking around your fence and visually inspecting each section. Also, seek any signs of damage, including missing boards, signs of rot or decay, or leaning posts if you have a wooden fence. Insects and harsh weather might attempt to wreak havoc, but you can fight back. So, check the hardware, like latches or hinges on gates, to ensure they are functional and secure.
After a visual inspection, it’s time to get physical. Test your fence’s stability by gently pushing on various sections – it should not lean or wobble significantly, even when you apply moderate force. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might need to replace posts or boards, reinforce weak sections, or tighten hardware.
Clean Your Fence
Cleaning your fence is an essential part of your fence maintenance routine. The best part is you don’t need costly supplies! Grab a bucket, water, mild detergent, and a scrub brush. You may also use a pressure washer, but it’s optional for regular maintenance. Despite your method, start by wetting your fence to loosen the dirt and accumulated grime. Next, mix water with a mild detergent in the bucket. Remember to work from the top down when scrubbing your fence.
Seal or Stain Your Fence
After cleaning your fence, apply a sealant or stain to protect it from the elements. Sealants help prevent moisture from penetrating the wooden fence, which may cause rot and decay. There are also many shades of stains available, allowing you to personalize your fence to your preferences. Fortunately, many stains include UV protection, which prevents wood from fading and drying out in direct sunlight.
Trim Vegetation
Since mowing along fence lines can be tricky, it’s simple to neglect it. However, property owners must look for excess vegetation below or around fence poles and boards. If left unchecked, plant growth can damage your fence’s structure. But proper fence maintenance can help.
Inspect and Repair Gates
Remember to inspect your fence’s gates. Since most of the action happens in those areas, they are susceptible to wear and tear. Also, check for missing pieces or rust in latches and hinges. Lastly, evaluate the stability of your gates to ensure they are functioning correctly. Functional gates are crucial for maintaining security, convenience, and functionality.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs!
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you are excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well-equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr
