The build-up of dirt and grime can quickly cause long-term damage to a timber fence, so whether you have gone to the expense of having a new wooden fence erected, or have taken the time and trouble to install one yourself, maintaining it will ensure it lasts for years to come.
1 Clean the fence
The easiest way to do this is with a pressure washer. Holding the washer 8-10 inches away from the fence and working across the surface methodically, wash away dirt, grime, stains and algae growth. Pay particular attention to interwoven or overlapping fencing. If you do not have a pressure washer, a bucket containing a solution of dishwashing liquid or bicarbonate of soda in warm water will be just as effective. Apply the solution with a scrubbing brush, loosening the dirt with circular movements. When all the dirt has been dislodged, simply rinse using a hosepipe. Before moving on to the next step, allow the fence to dry out completely.
2 Make any repairs necessary
Timber fencing is prone to splitting and rotting so it is essential to keep on top of repairs. In cases where the damage is beyond repair, the best solution is to replace the individual panel; the advantage of wood panel fencing is that a single panel can be replaced rather than the entire fence!
3 Preserve
Wood, especially when exposed to the elements, can deteriorate but it can be protected with an application of wood preserver. Preservers act like an undercoat on your fence. Applied to clean or new wooden fencing, a wood preserve will stabilise the moisture content of the wood, while protecting it from rot and decay. Wood preserver is available in clear and coloured varieties but is not an all-in-one solution and should be used in conjunction with a stain and varnish or, in the case of a coloured preserver, a varnish. Stains and varnishes will seal in the preserver and protect against the effects of weather and direct contact.
4 Stain
As the name implies, a wood stain will add colour to timber and will also create a waterproof protection against the effects of harsh weather conditions. Choose from a heavy duty, rich, deep colour to protect against wet weather or a semi-transparent stain that will enhance the appearance of the wood, highlighting the texture and grain. New fence panels which have been treated do not require a stain but of course may not offer the colour finish you want. Wood stain should only be applied to a completely dry fence and when dry weather is forecast for two days after application.
5 Protect & seal
Finally, an application of wood varnish will act as a top coat for your fence, and can be applied with or without a wood stain. Varnish will improve resistance to water and moisture and give the fence an attractive sheen, enhancing its overall look and finish and increasing its lifespan. For optimum protection, varnish should be applied every 2-3 years.
Regular fence maintenance will prolong the life of your wooden fencing and at Witham Timber, we have a range of products to suit your needs, including a wide selection of coloured wood treatments and combined wood stain and protectors. If you are unsure as to what you need, our expert team is always happy to advise via phone or email.