How to Protect a Wood Fence?

If you have a wood fence around your front or back yard, you would probably like to do what you can to help the fence last longer. Since wood is a natural substance, it will eventually wear out after it has been exposed to the elements for several years. There are some things you can do to extend the life of your wood fence.

Protective Coatings

Home improvement stores sell clear and colored protective coatings for wood. These coatings help repel water and keep the wood from being damaged by constant exposure to the sun. You can choose a clear coat so that the fence’s natural color shines through, or you can choose a darker stain that will create a more custom look for your fence. If you would rather have a color that is not common to wood, you can use outdoor paint to create a protective coating for your wood fence.

Avoid Watering the Fence

Many people who have wood fences also have manicured lawns that need to be watered on a daily basis. When you set up your lawn sprinkler, be careful that it does not always spray the fence in the same place every day. When a wood fence is watered daily with the lawn, it develops a discolored area where the water strikes it every day. Constant exposure to water will break the wood down faster, as well. If the fence is being watered on the lower section every day but not watered near the top, the slats can become warped and break more easily.

Replace Breaks Right Away

When you see that part of the fence is beginning to warp or pull away from the fencepost, repair the break as soon as you can. Fences are created so that all of the slats distribute the pressure evenly. When one section begins to warp or break, it can cause other sections to warp and break as well. If you make sure to replace any problems as soon as you notice them, your fence will remain in good working condition much longer. If you do not address a problem early enough you may find yourself replacing the whole fence instead of one section.