A beautifully constructed fence not only enhances your own home’s beauty and curb appeal but also serves as the first line of defense of your home.
However, over time fences can deteriorate due to harsh weather conditions, pests, and inadequate maintenance.
To keep your fence standing strong for years to come, it is crucial to understand the best practices related to extending its lifespan. In this blog post, you’ll find out how to make your fence last longer!
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right material is crucial in ensuring your fence lasts longer. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and pests while vinyl fences do not require painting or deteriorate like wooden fences.
- Regular maintenance such as cleaning and resealing ensures that your fence remains protected from outdoor elements and extends its lifespan significantly.
- Proper installation techniques such as using quality materials, ensuring proper spacing between posts, reinforcing with crossbeams or metal posts and allowing for proper drainage can help prevent damage caused by weather conditions over time.
- Adding protective edging through solutions like rot boards helps protect against moisture buildup at the bottom of your fence while providing an easy-to-replace layer if needed – leading to a long-lasting beautiful fence without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Factors Affecting Fence Durability
The durability of a fence can be affected by various factors. Let’s look into them and see which one you can influence or not.
Type Of Material
One of the primary factors that contribute to the durability and longevity of a fence is the type of material used in its construction. Homeowners have various options when it comes to selecting materials, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.
- For instance, wooden fences are a popular choice due to their natural beauty and affordability; however, they can be susceptible to damage from pests, rotting, and weathering.
- Vinyl fences do not decay or deteriorate as wooden fences might over time, making them an excellent option for those seeking a longer lifespan with minimal upkeep efforts.
- Metal fences made of aluminum or wrought iron are more expensive, but their lifespan, durability, and strength makes the investment worthwhile.
It’s important for homeowners to carefully consider the climate they live in along with personal preferences for aesthetics and maintenance before choosing the most suitable fencing material.
Exposure To Weather And Elements
Exposure to weather and elements plays a significant role in determining the lifespan of your fence. Environmental factors such as rain, wind, sunlight, snow, and temperature fluctuations all affect the durability and overall appearance of your fencing material over time.
Some solutions to slow down wear and tear from the elements include using non-organic fencing materials, like metal and vinyl, or constantly treating your wood fence.
Protective coatings such as stains and sealants will enhance their resistance against outdoor elements. Combine this with regular inspections, and you can prolong the lifespan of your fence by several years!
Quality Of Installation And Maintenance
A critical factor in ensuring your fence lasts longer is the quality of installation and ongoing maintenance. When skilled professionals install a fence, it lays the foundation for increased durability and longevity.
For example, here at Burgess Construction, we take great pride in offering our clients some of the best fences they’ll find in Snohomish County. We focus on quality throughout your project, so you can enjoy a long-lasting fence.
Regular resealing and restaining also maintain water resistance while preventing rot and decay from taking hold.
Tips For Extending Your Fence's Lifespan
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your fence, applying protective coatings such as sealants or stains, selecting the right material for your specific needs, using proper installation techniques, and installing protective edging can all help extend the lifespan of your fence.
Regular Cleaning And Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to extending the lifespan of your fence. Here are some tips for keeping your fence in great condition:
- Inspect your fence regularly to identify any damage or areas that need repair.
- Remove debris and dirt from your fence using a soft - bristled brush or pressure washer on a low setting.
- Scrub the fence with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove mold, mildew, and other stains.
- Apply a protective coating such as waterproofing sealant or wood preservative to prevent moisture damage and rotting.
- Trim any overgrown plants or vines around your fence to reduce moisture buildup and minimize potential damage.
- Check for loose nails or screws and tighten them as needed to prevent panels from coming apart.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your fence lasts longer and stays in good shape for years to come. Regular cleaning and maintenance will not only protect your investment but also enhance the appearance of your outdoor space.
Applying Protective Coatings
- Clean the fence thoroughly before applying any protective coating to ensure it adheres properly.
- Choose a coating that is suitable for the type of material your fence is made from.
- Apply the coating evenly using a brush or roller, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and number of coats needed.
- Consider using a clear coating if you want to maintain the natural look of your wooden fence, or choose a colored coating if you want to change its appearance.
- Regularly inspect and touch up any areas that show signs of wear or damage to keep your fence well-protected.
Choosing The Right Material
Picking the right material for your fence can play a crucial role in ensuring its longevity. Cedar and redwood are popular choices due to their natural resistance to rot, decay, and pests.
Vinyl fences are also durable as they don’t deteriorate or require painting like wood fences do. If you opt for a wooden fence, pressure-treated lumber can help increase its lifespan by making it more resilient to harsh weather conditions.
However, keep in mind that treated wood contains chemicals that could be harmful if ingested or come into contact with skin.
For the wet environment we’re constantly seeing in Washington State, our best recommendation are metal and vinyl fences. However, many of our customers love cedar and its affordable price.
Proper Installation Techniques
- Choose the right installation method: Some fences require a post hole that is dug deeper than others, so it is important to know what type of installation method your fence requires.
- Use quality materials: Use high-quality fencing materials such as cedar wood or vinyl, which are more durable and long-lasting than other materials.
- Ensure proper spacing: Make sure that each post is spaced evenly apart and set at the correct depth for optimal support.
- Use metal posts: Using metal posts instead of wooden ones provides additional support and reduces the likelihood of rotting.
- Reinforce with crossbeams: Installing crossbeams between fence posts provides additional strength and stability to your fence.
- Add a rot board: Adding a rot board, which is a piece of pressure-treated wood placed at the bottom of the fence, can help prevent damage caused by insects and moisture.
- Allow for drainage: Proper drainage ensures that water doesn't accumulate beneath your fence, which can lead to rotting over time.
Installing Protective Edging
Another way to prevent wood rot and extend your fence’s lifespan is by installing protective edging. Edging forms a barrier between the ground and your wood fence top, preventing soil from coming into contact with the wood and causing it to rot.
Concrete edging is an affordable option that provides excellent protection against moisture damage. It also adds stability to your fence posts, making them less susceptible to shifting or leaning over time.
No matter what material you choose, be sure to install the edging at least two inches above ground level. This will create enough space for water drainage and prevent any trapped moisture from accumulating under the fence boards.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here’s what you should avoid if you want a fence that’ll last for many years:
Using Low-Quality Materials
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when installing a fence is using low-quality materials. Using pressure-treated wood, for example, is likely to result in a shorter fence lifespan and cost you more money in repairs or replacement down the line.
Many types of woods are susceptible to rotting, warping, and other damage caused by weather and pests, so be sure to contact a professional before you begin your project.
Investing in higher quality materials like cedar, metal, vinyl, will make any fence last longer and remain beautiful for a longer time.
Neglecting Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance is one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to preserving their fence.
Sealing, staining, or painting your fence should be done every 2 – 3 years to ensure maximum longevity and avoid issues like rotting, warping, and weakening of the material. Try implementing a yearly inspection schedule that includes cleaning and repairs as needed.
Not Reinforcing The Fence
Reinforcing your fence means adding extra support structures such as bracing, metal posts, and rot boards. These added supports help distribute the weight of the fence evenly and prevent it from leaning or collapsing over time.
For example, a wooden fence with weak posts may not be able to withstand strong winds or heavy rainfall. Some metal posts or brackets will help your structure withstand even harsher environments than the weather in Washington State.
Conclusion
The right maintenance and care is sure to prolong the life of your deck.
Regular cleaning and resealing every 2 – 3 years are crucial for wooden fences, but if you’d rather get rid of maintenance once and for all, choose a quality vinyl of metal fence.
Reinforcing your fence is also a great method to make your fence last longer.
If you want to ensure your fence will last for a long time, work with a top-tier contractor and let them work their magic! At Burgess Construction, our priorities remain you, your loved ones, and your needs.
Get a quality fence installation that’ll keep your property safe and secure for many years to come! Request a free quote or call us at (425) 791-5281!