Give Your Fence A Facelift
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A good fence is like a good pair of glasses - if it’s doing its job, you don’t have to think about it being there. Unfortunately, the colder months of the year can put quite a strain on the average residential property. Rains and wind will easily leave your fence looking sad come summer. It’s always a good idea to be practising fence maintenance to prolong the lifespan of the material and now’s the time to get into the habit of it. Depending on the type of fence you have on your property, this may be an annual chore or a task only worth delving into once in the fence’s lifespan.
You have a wooden fence…
Wooden fences, despite being gorgeous and versatile, are prone to damage, especially from the weather. Firstly, inspect the fence for rot and replace any missing nails. Pickets which have rotted beyond repair should also be replaced. Check the leaning curve of each segment of the fence. Cleaning, either with a soap and water solution or a store-bought product, should remove any mildew. You can also hire a pressure washer, especially if it’s been a while since your last clean. Rise the whole fence after washing to check for any problem areas. Even if you don’t want to repaint, use caulk to seal up the joints between the fence and its supportive posts. Painting or staining is best done with a brush and roller.
You have a corrugated iron fence…
Corrugated iron fences - most of which are actually galvanised steel - are hardy and require minimal maintenance over their long lifespan. You can check for loose bolts and latches and top up with some water-resistant paint. For small areas of rust, it’s possible to lightly sand the material back to a better texture before painting over to conceal it. If the fence has wooden posts, these should be cleaned and sealed to protect from water damage and mould. If the fence is embedded into soil or thick vegetation, it is important to trim this down and clear the build-up away; this accumulation causes moisture to be trapped against the sheet and will accelerate the decay of the fence. The main factor in the corrosion of a corrugated iron fence is simply the drying cycle of rainfall and sunlight.
You have a brick fence…
Like any outdoor bricks, the main issue with maintaining a brick fence is controlling the proliferation of mildew and moss. Use a bleach solution and a scrubber to thoroughly scour the length of the fence. Steer clear of wire brushes, since their bristles may damage the colour of the bricks. Another issue in rainy months is the optimistic and adventurous growth of creepers and climbing plants - these should be pruned to the roots. A pressure washing, conducted by a professional contractor, may be a good option if you’ve never had your fence properly serviced.
You have a brushwood fence…
Brushwood fences have natural termite resistance because of their high oil and salt content and generally don’t require any kind of regular maintenance. You can purchase preservative products from fencing installation specialists formulated to further deter pests, as well as having antifungal and fire retardant properties. An important distinction to make is whether you have a conventional brushwood fence or a brushwood panel fence, since the latter is far less likely to be damaged by weather and moisture conditions. Conventional fences may require the attention of a professional if they are sagging in places indicating the internal frame is not supportive enough or has been damaged.
You have a concrete fence…
Most concrete fences will also feature sections of wrought iron or wooden panelling, which need to be separately maintained. The poured concrete, however, is coated with a moisture-resistant sealant on installation and is very low maintenance. A simple brush with soap and water to get rid of dust and soil build up will suffice.
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