Everyone knows that the exterior of their building is often the first impression that a new customer or client gets about their company. Too often overlooked, your fence can play a huge role in this impression – for better or for worse. When is the last time you took a good look at your fence? When was the last time you did anything to maintain or enliven it? While there are many materials used to build fences – wrought iron, PVC, wood, etc. – we are going to focus on some maintenance tips for the most common type of fencing: wooden.
Many factors play into the aging and eventual demise of a wooden fence, especially in areas with intense heat and humidity like Florida. With these conditions, it is always better to be proactive than reactive. When you first have a fence installed, it is important to seal it or paint it, which will help extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. If you are already past this period and are dealing with a fence on the downward slope of its life cycle, don’t call it a loss just yet. There are still a few tricks you can try.
If you don’t mind a little physical activity, you may want to consider sanding your fence down. It’ll remove the moldy wood and create a fresh surface you can seal, stain, or paint. You can always hand sand your fence with 400 grit paper, but that would take forever and you would be miserable the entire time. You really want to bring power tools into the equation, like an orbital sander. This will greatly reduce the time and effort spent on the project.
Sealer, stain, and paint come in many variants to suit diverse projects. You should consult with a local expert who can help you determine the best fit for your fence, taking your environment into consideration. If you need help getting started on your project, contact MaintenX and see how they can guide you along.
