Wooden fences add a great amount of curb appeal to any home.  Their sturdy appearance may give the impression they will last indefinitely, a long life is not assured without proper maintenance.  Here are some tips for extending the life of your fence.

Wherever possible, keep soil out of contact with the wood.  An outdoor fence will be exposed to some amount of soil. However, you should plan your landscaping so that it does not involve piling gardening soil or mulch up against your fence.  The parts of the fence exposed to the soil will soak up much more water without having access to the drying effects of the sun. Worse, the soil may contain termites that will be more than happy to burrow in and start destroying the wood.  For these very same reasons, you should keep plants and dead leaves away from your fence as well.  Essentially, play it safe and lean nothing against the fence if you can help it.

Adjust your sprinklers so that you are not watering the fence.  Not only do you want to avoid exposing the fence to unnecessary moisture, but your water may contain chemicals, such as chlorine, that will change the color of your wood.

In addition to these tips, it is important to have your fence power washed and sealed/stained approximately once every four years.  The power washing (along with the use of an environmentally safe cleaner) is critical for removing dirt, debris, mold, and mildew that has settled into the cracks of the wood over time.  By sealing and staining the wood after power washing, you are giving it a layer of protection and a preservative against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as preventing water absorption.

Remember, proper maintenance can double the life of your wooden fence.  The professionals at Bright Services are ready to assist you with any questions regarding your wood fencing needs.  Call us at 215-357-3058 or email us at info@brightservicesgroup.com.