Whether you have just purchased a new home with a new fence or have recently had a new fence installed on your property, maintaining it is essential to your property’s appearance and value. The best way to get your money’s worth out of your investment is regular maintenance.
This may seem as though your property’s workload has suddenly increased despite your fence being brand new. But proper maintenance will save you quite a bit of money later on when your fence is still in great shape, and you don’t need to replace it.
The cleaning and maintenance of a fence will vary depending on the material it is made of. If you are wondering how best to care for your new fence, here are some of our best maintenance tips to keep it in fantastic condition.
Examine Your Fence Often
Even if a fence is new, you will need to get in the habit of checking loose nails, boards, damaged posts, or panels. Check for pest damage, especially from termites in the case of wood fencing. If pests are an issue, contact a professional to treat your fence. Maintenance is easier and more effective if issues are caught early on.
Necessary Equipment
Regardless of what material your new fence is made of, you’ll need proper maintenance equipment. Choose appropriate products for your fencing material. Avoid corrosive products.
Garden hose or power washer
Mild detergent or mildew cleaning solution
Brushes, rollers, or sponges
Protective sheets or cloths
Stain, wax, or sealant depending on the fencing
Protect Your Yard, Garden, and Neighbor
Remove any lawn furniture, flowerpots, etc. from the vicinity of the fence. Whether you use a power washer or chemical products, you will want protection for your lawn, plant, and flowers. Position plastic cloth or sheets around the fenced area before beginning your maintenance work. Do the same on the other side of fencing to avoid disputes with your neighbor over property damage.
Aluminum Fencing
Aluminum fences have increased in popularity for those homeowners that prefer metal. Aluminum can be designed to mimic wrought iron yet is a low-maintenance material. Many come with a polyester finish for protection. This kind of finish also facilitates its upkeep.
Aluminum fencing can be easily and quickly cleaned using your garden hose. If it begins to accumulate dirt, wash it down with water. Prepare a mild dish soap and water solution and sponge, particularly for filthy spots. Rinse thoroughly after soaping with water.
Iron or Steel Fencing
Iron fences often come with several layers of protective coatings to reduce the risk of rusting regardless of the weather.
To protect an iron fence, it is recommended that a coat of wax be applied at regular intervals to protect the fence from potential rusting.
If you live in a climate with lots of moisture, including rain, snow, or high humidity, the application of a sealant can save you a lot of hassle due to climate conditions.
When your iron fence gets dirty, clean it using water and mild detergent.
If you notice that rust has formed, use steel wool or sandpaper to rub and remove it. Apply a rust converter product, and then repaint it as necessary.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing has significantly increased in popularity because it is a low-maintenance material. Vinyl comes in numerous styles and colors to choose from, and it is more resistant to damage than other options. It will not rot, warp, splinter, or crack as wooden fences can, and it will not rust as iron or steel might. Hence vinyl fences require very little upkeep.
To properly care for vinyl fences, use a specifically formulated vinyl cleaner annually. Apply the product using a stiff-bristled brush. When completed, rinse the fence with a garden hose.
Wood Fences
Wooden fences can be exceptionally beautiful, coming in a variety of woods and stains. They are adaptable to many architectural styles and landscaping designs. But wood, more than other fencing materials, requires a bit more care when it comes to maintenance. When installing a wooden fence, you must request the application of a stain that protects the wood from rain or excessive sun exposure. Proper wood fencing maintenance requires:
Cleaning the fencing annually. Use a cleaning solution formulated for mildew to scrub your fence with a long-handled brush. Rinse the solution off with your garden hose or power washer after scrubbing.
Allow the wood to dry out completely.
Apply a wood stain only after the wood has dried. Wood stain is protective of wood by design. Other products like simple paint may not offer the same degree of protection.
Brick Fences
Brick fences require little to no maintenance, however, they can benefit from a sealant every so often. The frequency will depend on the climate.
Clean and Apply Product as Needed
How often you clean your fence and apply a stain, sealant, or wax is a personal choice often dictated by the climate. It is recommended, particularly in the case of a wooden fence, that the protective stain should be applied every two years, while some people may choose to wait longer. You will need to evaluate the appearance of your fence. In climates where there is significant rainfall or harsh sun exposure, protective products may wear faster and stains fade more rapidly.
Well-maintained fences can last for upward of ten years before you need to replace them. Caring for your fence, regardless of the material it is made of, will not only ensure its appearance but safeguard your economic investment so that you get the most value for your money.