Spring is the perfect time to thoroughly clean and prep your home for the impending Summertime. While it may not be something you really think about, fence maintenance is an important part of this. Maintaining gates and fences keeps them looking great and extends their lifespan significantly. Following these tips on fence maintenance can help you ensure your fence is healthy this Spring and into the future!
- Remove damaged tree limbs that may have fallen from wind or freezes. These could fall and break the fence easily. Regardless of the type of fence you have, the weight of branches and limbs is a risk to its integrity. Keep an eye on any trees that are within falling distance and be sure to trim back branches with potential for damage in the future.
- Prune nearby greenery to allow space for it to grow properly. Clear the fence of debris such as twigs, acorns and leaves because they can also cause unwanted issues if left unattended. Doing this seasonally can help ensure the health of your fence.
- Do a thorough inspection of the fence once or twice a year. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify any problems such as rust, broken pieces, rot, weaknesses, chips, scratches and nicks. When you’re able to catch problems early, you can fix them before they become big issues and it costs more to repair or replace.
- Wash and condition your fence once or twice a year. A simple gentle cleanser applied with a soft cloth easily removes dust, debris and bugs from the fence and keeps it protected from the elements. If your spots are a bit more stubborn, a soft-bristled brush works well. For chain link fences, they can be sprayed off with a pressure washer or simple hose. If you have a vinyl fence, a magic eraser helps with getting off tougher spots. With ornamental fences, you’ll need a gel car wash wax applied following the cleaning to ensure protection from fading, UV rays and rust.
- When dealing with a chain link or ornamental fence, keep an eye out for rust spots and take care of them ASAP to avoid any further damage. Rusting is a sign that the bare metal has been exposed to moisture and air, but can be sanded down easily with sandpaper then painted over for protection. There may be incidences where the rusting is too far gone, and you may need to replace the piece completely.
- If you find broken pieces or damaged hardware, you can order replacements or find something compatible for your fence. Being proactive will help keep your fence in proper condition for warmer months while also minimizing stress. If you find your issues are a bit more complex than you’re prepared for, you can give a professional company like HNL Construction a call and we’ll come out and take care of the problem quickly. This way, you can be sure the problem is resolved correctly!