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Whether you’re talking homes, cars, or fences, they all need maintenance, and the more committed you are, the less time, effort, and money it’s going to take to keep them in shape. So, while there are certainly seasonal fence tips that will help you keep your fencing looking its best at certain times of the year, there are a number of maintenance tips and procedures that are relevant for all seasons.

Top Tips for Fence Maintenance

The first thing to know is how your fence might deteriorate and what can go wrong. There are some generic issues and others that relate more directly to the type of fence you have installed, particularly the material it is made from.

In general, if you inspect and check the structure regularly, throughout the year, you will pick up possible problems before they become serious. But of course, you need to take action as soon as possible to rectify whatever is wrong. Knowing a post is loose or that paint has begun to bubble or flake is one thing, but unless you fix the post or scrape the bubbles and flakes and repaint, it’s not going to count for anything because it can only get worse.

To identify problems check your fence or fences regularly, not just on the property but also outside. If it’s a boundary fence between your home and a neighbor’s ask him or her to check their side too. Too often “bad” fences make bad neighbors, so get on top of the possibility of problems before they occur. Specifically,

• Look out for paint or sealer that has deteriorated.
• Look out for mold or moisture damage.
• Put weight on posts and poles to ensure they are still standing solid in the ground or on their foundation.
• Check for rust if you have uncoated chainlink or other metal fencing.
• Examine the base of posts and poles to make sure there is no sign of rot.
• Keep an eye out for bolts, screws, and nails that might have come loose.
• Check all latches and locks.

In the interests of long-lasting fences fix what’s broken:

• While spring is a great time to repaint or stain and reseal fences, if you notice this type of deterioration at the beginning of winter, during summer, or even when the trees are losing their leaves in autumn, at very least do some immediate first aid. Scrape the paint or sealer and patch it, or better still, do a total repaint or stain and reseal job. If it’s too cold or wet then you’re excused (maybe)!
• Mold can usually be scrubbed off, but moisture damage should be attended to as quickly as possible. The longer you leave it, the worse it will get and the more it will cost you to remedy. Remove any damaged poles, panels, rails, or pickets and replace them.
• If you push or pull a pole or post and it gives way then you’ve got a problem. If you’re lucky you might be able to reseat it or prop it in some way. But you might have to replace it. If wood is rotten or metal rusted, replacing is the best fence maintenance option.
• Rust can be a huge problem, especially if chainlink has begun to rust. Try spraying or painting with a rust inhibitor to get a bit more life out of the fence. Again, the longer you leave it the worse the problem will become.
• If you spot rot anywhere on fencing you need to replace NOW!
• Any hardware, including latches and locks, needs to be replaced too.

It really isn’t difficult to ensure you have long lasting fences, but it does take regular care and maintenance, most of which is common sense.

If you live in Georgia Fenceworks of Georgia can help you. Call us today for more information or an obligation free quotation.