Wood Fence Care in Northwest Arkansas
Everything ages and deteriorates over time. It is just a part of life and that includes wood fences. The good news is that your wood fence can last much longer with proper care and maintenance. That said, there is work to be done, and right now is the best time to prep your wood fences for the fall and winter seasons. Although we don’t usually see very much snow in winter here in Northwest Arkansas, rain can be just as tough on a wooden fence.
We believe in home maintenance at Bella Vista Contractors and that includes caring for things outside like your wood deck and/or fence. In order to get your fence ready for the fall and winter seasons, here are our tips for getting your wood fence prepared for getting your fence prepped for fall and then winter.
Step 1: Inspect Your Fence Before You Replace It
Inspect your fence now to ensure that it is in good condition. If there are any signs of damage that have occurred since last spring, repair those first before tackling the rest of your fence. A very dry season, as we had over this past summer, can also create a lot of wear for wood fences. Some fences may have taken a beating from the high temperatures and drought.
It is the right time to check that everything is still strong and secure. Make sure that nothing is wobbling or loose. Check that your gates are closing properly and that there are no problems anywhere with your wood fence. If any of these issues arise, you may have to do a bit of repair work before you prepare your wood fence.
What are the main signs of damage to check?
- Signs of rot (boards dropping, flaking, missing out on areas).
- Loose or wobbly posts (a strong gust of winter wind might bring these down simpler than you might think).
- Gate closing and locking correctly (a rusty latch is certainly worth changing, especially if you have kids or pets)
Minor damage to the fence can be repaired, or a single board replaced, if the damage is too heavy, it is most likely worth simply replacing the whole fence.
Step 2: Washing Your Wood Fence
If you are happy with the condition of your fence, you should clean it before applying any discoloration or preservatives. If you don’t, the paint may become irregular.
Start by brushing the fence down with a stiff-bristled broom. This is the most convenient method to remove loose dirt and debris, however, will not necessarily work for moss and lichen. You might need some type of eliminating spray for these, but be careful when you apply it since it’s strong things.
At this phase, it’s likewise worth raking up any dead leaves that might be around the fence and clearing any plants growing up or near it. These will just get in the way while you’re attempting to paint, and likewise, make damage and rot most likely.
Dead leaves collect water, which is your fence’s primary enemy.
If you are looking to clean your wooden fence, you should know that it is important to use a brush and maybe a little water. This will help to remove most of the dirt.
If you choose to do this to your wooden fence, ensure it’s totally dry before you proceed to the next stage. A wooden fence needs to be dry prior to you applying paint, as moisture can end up being trapped in the wood, which causes it to rot.
Step 3: Preserving your wooden fence
If you have a clean and safe fence, you can continue to treat it. Which product you use is down to you, as each has its merits and uses.
A good idea is to make sure that the fence is completely finished and sealed before the winter season starts. This way, you won’t have to worry about it getting wet. The weatherproofing will prevent the fence from getting damaged and you will save yourself a lot of hassle.
Apply one coat all over the fence, wait for it to dry, and then sprinkle a bit of water on it. If it beads up and runs off then you are water resistant. If not, you may have to apply a second coat of stain. You may need to apply a second coat in order to increase the water resistance.
Some final ideas
If you have taken care of your fence throughout the year, then getting your wood fence ready for the fall and winter season isn’t that difficult, Here are some final tips for maintaining and extending the life of your wood fence, and keeping it nice and protected until next spring.
- Use a good quality preservative for your wooden fence. It might be a bit more expensive, but you wind up conserving cash by not having to reapply it as frequently.
- Make sure your wooden fence is completely dry prior to painting. Preferably, leave it at least a week after the last rain before beginning.
Preparing your fence for the fall and winter is usually not a huge task.