There is no doubt that a quality wood fence can add to the curb appeal of any home while also clearly marking the line between properties. However, these fences can also be rather susceptible to damage over the years if they are not properly maintained. This is very important to remember because just as a well kept wood fence can add to your home's beauty, a rotting, moldy wood fence can quickly become quite an eyesore. Thankfully, extending the life of your wood fence and helping to ensure it stays looking its best can be a rather simple task once you know how to properly maintain this natural material. The steps below can help you to accomplish this goal.

What You Will Need:

  • Mild dish soap
  • Bleach
  • Pressure washer
  • Pump sprayer
  • Wood stain or sealant 

Step 1

The first thing you will want to do is to mix a solution of water, dish soap, and bleach inside your pump sprayer. This solution should be rather mild, so just a cap or two of bleach and a few drops of dish soap per each gallon of water will be all you need. Once your cleaning solution has been mixed, simply spray it over the entirety of your wood fence. The purpose of this cleaning solution is to kill any mold or mildew that has begun growing. To ensure the best result, you will want to leave this solution on your fence for about an hour before moving on to the next step. However, this mild cleaning solution will not damage your wood fence, so if it ends up sitting for longer before you are able to get back outside to finish the job, don't worry about it. 

Step 2

Next, you will need to use a pressure washer to remove both your cleaning solution and any dirt or debris that has built up on the fence since the last time you performed this maintenance. When using your pressure washer, remember to keep the nozzle at least a few feet away from the fence and to always keep the nozzle in motion. This will help to ensure that your wood fence does not become damaged by the powerful stream of water. Once you have completed your pressure washing, be sure to let the wood dry entirely before moving on to the final step.

Step 3

Once you are sure that your fence is completely dry, you will need to seal it in order to protect against moisture and UV damage. This can be done using a variety of wood stains or sealants. These products should be applied according to the instructions for the specific product that you have chosen.

In Conclusion

While maintaining your wood fence is a relatively simple task, it is a task that can be a bit time consuming and labor intensive. If you find that you are unable to complete this task or simply do not wish to do the work, be sure to reach out to a local fencing contractor regarding maintenance services. 

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