Maintenance Checklist for Wood Fences

Building a wood fence in Tampa, FL has a lot of advantages. Not only does it give your home a definitive border but it can keep your family and pets safe, enhances curb appeal, and provides privacy and security. However, for your fence to do all of these things, it does need to be maintained regularly. What follows is a brief checklist to make sure you’re caring for your fence properly so it can continue to provide all of these and more benefits for years to come.

Buy Pressure Treated Material

Most new wood fences are made of cedarwood or redwood. These two species of wood are more resistant to rot and decay than other types, but still need to be maintained. Regardless of the type of material you choose, make sure that the wood is pressure-treated so that the posts that go into the ground will be less susceptible to moisture and insect damage. You’ll pay slightly more for pressure-treated lumber, but the cost will be more than worth it in the end.

Wear and Tear Is Normal

Bear in mind that your wood fence should last 10 to 15 years, even though in the first year or so after installation you may notice wood warping or splitting. This is perfectly normal, and even though the fence may naturally lean over the years, it should be good for at least 10 years. When you notice it leaning, you can go and make sure the posts are securely in the ground.

Use Wood Preservatives

Use a wood preservative to seal your fence once a year. Like wax on a car, wood preservative just protects your fence from the sprinklers or from weather elements. These protective sealants are sold at most home improvement stores and are pretty inexpensive. Many homeowners choose to stain their fences to match the color of their home or the surrounding landscape.

Keep It as Dry as Possible

Remember that with a wood fence, the less weight you’re putting on the fence, the better. If you have bushes or vines next to your fence, these plants will help keep the fence moist, which will make it more susceptible to rotting. It may not seem like a big deal to have the sprinklers in your yard spraying your fence but this will slowly wear away the stain and allow your fence to rot faster.

A wood fence in Tampa, FL, can add a lot of value to your property as long as you are maintaining it properly. Without routine care and maintenance, your wood fence can actually make your property less valuable. The above checklist can help you make sure your fence stays looking great many years into the future.