5 Fence Maintenance Tips for Spring

Now that spring is officially here (even if it doesn’t always feel like it), it’s time to give your fence the maintenance it deserves. After months of battling winter weather, some fences may emerge from the cold with damage that property owners should promptly address.

Fences are an investment that can last a decade or more with adequate routine maintenance each year. This article provides a checklist to help you prepare and preserve your fence this season.

Walk the Fence Line and Look for Damage

Before you can repair or mitigate problems during your, you need to identify them. The first step in your fence maintenance routine should involve walking along the fence line and visually inspecting each section.

Look for any signs of damage, including loose or missing boards, leaning posts, and signs of rot or decay if you have a wood fence. Harsh weather and insects may try to wreak havoc, but you can fight back! Pay close attention to areas in contact with the ground or near plants, as these areas are more susceptible to damage. Additionally, check the hardware, such as hinges and latches on gates, to ensure they’re secure and functional.

After performing the eye test, it’s time to get physical. Gauge your fence’s stability by gently pushing on different sections – it should not wobble or lean significantly, even when you apply moderate force. If you notice any issues, promptly address them to prevent further damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace boards or posts, tighten hardware, or reinforce weak sections.

Clean Your Fence

Cleaning a fence is a straightforward process that can do wonders for maintaining its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. The best part is you don’t need any expensive supplies! Grab a bucket, mild detergent, water, and a scrub brush. You can also use a pressure washer, but it isn’t absolutely necessary for regular maintenance. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting to avoid damaging the wood. Regardless of your method, start by getting the fence wet to loosen dirt and accumulated grime. Next, mix the mild detergent with water in the bucket.

When scrubbing your fence, work from the top down. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy buildup, such as near the ground or around gates. For the pressure washer crowd, hold the nozzle at a slight angle and slowly move along the fence – spraying in one place too long could cause damage. After scrubbing, rinse the fence thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue. Finally, allow the fence to dry completely before applying any sealant or stain. Top of Form

Seal or Stain Your Fence

Now that you’ve got a clean fence, we recommend applying a sealant or stain to protect it from the elements as part of regular maintenance. Sealants help prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, which can cause rot and decay.

There are several shades of stains available, which gives you the option to customize your fence to your preferences. Many stains come with UV protection, which prevents wood from fading and drying out in direct sunlight. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results, no matter which brand or type of stain or sealant you choose.

Trim Vegetation

Because mowing along fence lines can be tricky, it’s easy to neglect it. However, property owners should look for excess vegetation beneath or around fence poles and boards. Plant growth can cause structural damage to your fence if left unchecked, but proper maintenance can help.

Trim any bushes, trees, or vines growing near your fence to prevent them from rubbing against it and causing it to lean. In addition, regularly trimming vegetation throughout the spring and summer will help maintain your fence’s integrity and appearance for years to come.

Check and Repair Gates

Last but not least, remember to spend time looking over your fence’s gates. Because most of the action (i.e., opening and closing) happens in these areas, they’re the most vulnerable to wear and tear.

Carefully check for rust or missing pieces in hinges and latches, and evaluate the overall stability of your gates to ensure they’re functioning correctly. It’s well worth the investment, even if you need to repair or replace a gate component. Functional gates are critical for maintaining security, functionality, and convenience.

Contact the Experts at Mills Fence to Discuss Your Project

Whether you want to increase your family’s backyard privacy or protect your business from security vulnerabilities, a quality fence gets the job done. Mills has been serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky customers for decades with long-lasting fences and the most durable wholesale fence materials on the market.

Get in touch with a Mills team member online or by calling our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-0333 or the NKY office at (859)-485-6655 to discuss the details of your project. We’ll help you identify the best type of fence for your goals and ensure installation happens on time and within budget.