A wooden fence is a classic and inexpensive fencing choice
A wooden fence is a classic and inexpensive fencing choice. Wood fences often have a bad rep for being more susceptible to environmental elements. But all wood fences need is a little care and maintenance to keep them brand new looking. Rot affects the appearance and longevity of a fence, but there are ways to tackle it. Here are five ways to prevent wooden fence rot.
Understand What Kind of Rot Puts Your Wooden Fence At Risk
Two types of rot affect wooden fences: wet and dry rot. Wet rot occurs when moisture often comes into contact with the wood and usually happens at the base where posts meet the ground underneath them. If you notice cracking and softening of your wooden fence, wet rot is most likely the culprit. Wet rot is also identifiable by a moldy smell.
Dry rot occurs when a fence is susceptible to dry, harsh weather conditions. Excessive heat can dry out your fence and remove its protective oils. If your fence begins to crumble right into your hands and you smell a moldy smell (just like with wet rot), this is a clear indication of dry rot.
Be Selective About the Material You Pick
Wood has pressure-treated options that can better withstand the elements. Also, for durability, cedar is often a popular choice. The truth is that when you break things down, all materials have their pros and cons. If you choose a wooden fence, you save regarding upfront costs, but you have to consider the maintenance and upkeep. Materials such as aluminum and steel are low-maintenance, saving you money longterm, but the upfront costs are more expensive. It all depends on what sense to you. Either way, you’ll have a beautiful fence if you hire us.
Remember to Stain Your Wooden Fence
If you regularly stain your fence, it can help keep rot at bay. Stain it at least once a year. Environmental factors can impact if you stain your fence more or less frequently than this. You should consider the temperature, the amount of rainfall, and the type of soil that houses your fence. A useful way to detect if staining needs to happen is by spraying your fence with water. If the water beads, no staining is necessary. If the water absorbs into the material, a fresh stain most likely needs t to happen.
Two Other Tips
- Keep your fence debris-free
- Replace rot-infected areas (as well as calling us to replace your fence altogether)
For Your Fence Installation Needs
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right fence for your home, visit us online. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841 or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.