7 Maintenance Tips for Wood Fencing From Your Local Fence Company

Caring for your wood fence not only extends its lifespan but also enhances the beauty and value of your property. Regular care is crucial to protect your investment with your local fence company and ensure your fence remains an attractive feature of your home. With the right knowledge and tools, you can tackle both routine upkeep and unexpected issues efficiently. Let this comprehensive guide lead you to a fence that remains sturdy and pleasing for years to come.

1. Cleaning With the Right Tools and Materials

Effective cleaning of a wood fence built by a local fence company involves several essential tools and materials. A garden hose or pressure washer is fundamental to removing surface dirt and grime. However, caution must be exercised with pressure washers to avoid damaging the wood fibers. A soft-bristled brush helps in scrubbing areas with stains or mildew. Cleaning solutions specific to wood, such as oxygen-based bleach, are often recommended over harsh chemicals.

Protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, is vital for personal safety during cleaning. A deck or fence cleaner can be useful in breaking down tough algae and mold stains. Always follow the guidelines of your local fence company to ensure effective results without causing damage. Tarps or plastic sheeting can protect nearby plants during washing. Preparing your workspace and equipment helps streamline the cleaning process, making it both efficient and thorough.

2. Cleaning Procedures Without Causing Damage

Proper cleaning procedures are crucial for maintaining your fence without inducing damage. Begin by soaking the fence with water to loosen dirt; this prevents abrasive scrubbing from harming the wood. When using a pressure washer, employ a fan tip and maintain a safe distance to avoid gouging the wood surface. Utilizing an eco-friendly cleaning solution can further protect both your fence and the surrounding environment.

It's advisable to perform a patch test of cleaning solutions on less visible areas, ensuring no discoloration or damage occurs. Cleaning in sections enables thorough and controlled application of water and solutions. It's also important to use gentle, circular motions with brushes to maintain the wood's grain without scratching. Rinsing from the top down aids in removing all residues. Careful attention to these procedures avoids needless deterioration of your fencing.

Adhering to these guidelines allows for effective cleaning, preserving both the look and structure of your wood fence. Regular monitoring and maintenance encourage prompt responses to new issues, like stains or mildew. Strategies such as these contribute to minimizing major restorations in the future. With diligence, keeping your fence clean provides not only visual pleasure but also structural integrity. Consistency in these practices saves time, effort, and expense over the fence's lifetime, meaning your investment in your local fence company will last for years.

3. Removing Mildew and Mold

Mildew and mold present both aesthetic and structural challenges to wood fences. Proactive removal inhibits their spread and damage, maintaining your fencing's integrity. Mildew usually appears as small black or white patches, while mold can be darker and more embedded. To tackle these issues, a mixture of water with vinegar or baking soda is effective as a natural remedy. For tougher stains, consider specific mold removers formulated for wood surfaces.

Safety precautions, such as wearing masks and gloves, prevent exposure to potentially harmful spores during cleaning. Employing a brush to scrub in gentle circular motions assists in lifting mold and mildew stains without damaging the wood. Ensure thorough rinsing to eliminate any cleaning solution residues that might attract dirt. Repeating this process regularly ensures surface protection and aesthetic preservation. Sustainable cleaning practices like these keep the environment and the fence in optimal condition.

4. Cleaning at Different Seasons: Do's and Don'ts

Seasonal changes dictate differing cleaning approaches for wood fences. In spring, focus on removing accumulated winter debris and preparing for the growth season. Mild weather during spring and fall is ideal for thorough cleaning, allowing the wood to dry adequately. Avoid pressure washing in temperatures below freezing, as water can freeze within wood cracks. Summer's heat accelerates drying, so use water sparingly during cleaning processes.

During autumn, leaf removal helps prevent moisture retention and mold growth. As winter approaches, a mild cleaning removes fall residue, setting the stage for winter weatherproofing. Harsh winter conditions necessitate reduced cleaning intensity to avoid freezing water damage. Yearly understanding of these seasonal impacts enhances maintenance effectiveness and minimizes potential damage.

The timing of cleaning and maintenance tasks is essential for maintaining the fence's integrity. Understanding climate patterns and how they impact wood extends the lifespan of your fencing. According to This Old House, a wood fence should be inspected for damage and rot every 12 months, emphasizing the importance of a regular maintenance schedule. Aligning cleaning tasks with seasonal conditions maximizes their benefit and ensures optimal fence performance. Consistent seasonal care helps avoid costly repairs and extends the structure's lifetime.

5. Choosing the Right Sealant or Stain

The selection of the correct sealant or stain is paramount in preserving wood fencing. Sealants primarily protect against moisture absorption, preventing rot and decay. Conversely, stains provide both color and protection, enhancing the natural grain while offering UV resistance. When choosing, consider the climate and the specific requirements of the wood type. Oil-based sealants are renowned for deep penetration, providing a robust barrier against moisture.

Water-based stains offer potential as an eco-friendly alternative, boasting low VOCs and faster drying times. Transparent sealants retain wood's natural beauty, while semi-transparent and solid stains offer varying degrees of coverage and pigmentation. Evaluate how often you'll be willing to reapply the product; some sealants require annual touch-ups, while others can last multiple years. Some products even combine stain and sealant, simplifying the maintenance process. Selecting appropriate products ensures both longevity and visual harmony with the landscape.

6. Applying for Even Coverage

Achieving even coverage while applying sealants or stains is a skillful task that ensures complete protection and uniform appearance. Begin with a clean, dry surface to allow products to adhere effectively. Work on sections that are manageable, ensuring consistent application throughout. Using a brush, roller, or sprayer, apply in the direction of the wood grain to avoid streaks or blotches. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying additional layers.

Pay particular attention to the fence's edges and seams, which are often more susceptible to water infiltration. Efforts should be made to avoid applying these products under direct sunlight or strong wind, as it can cause uneven drying and patchy finishes. Consider testing on a small section to confirm the desired color and finish before proceeding with the entire fence. Protective gear is essential to avoid skin contact and inhalation of chemicals. Proper techniques ensure an even, professional-grade finish, optimizing the sealant's effectiveness.

7. Resealing on Schedule

Understanding the appropriate frequency for resealing or staining is vital to maintaining a fence's durability and aesthetics. Typically, seals and stains should be reapplied every two to three years, but this depends on factors like climate, sun exposure, and product type. Windswept areas or regions with harsh sunlight might require more frequent applications. Some high-quality stains combine UV blockers with deeper penetration, extending the interval between applications. Periodic inspections help identify when resealing is necessary before visible degradation occurs.



Caring for your wood fence is an ongoing process that pays dividends in durability, appearance, and property value. By following proper cleaning techniques, addressing mildew and mold promptly, adjusting maintenance by season, and selecting the right sealants or stains, you create a fence that remains both strong and visually appealing. For more helpful tips from a local fence company, reach out to Precision Fencing, LLC today!