It’s exciting to see your new fence up and functioning as you imagined. It looks great, and you’re ecstatic to enjoy the appeal and use of your seemingly new yard. If you have pets, they can now enjoy the yard without you worrying about them scurrying away. Children can be allowed to play freely without fear or anxiety of neighborhood pets or people getting too close. Many new fence owners tend to forget something, though: Fence maintenance. Depending on your type of fence, your maintenance responsibilities may be less or more than the next person. Your local fence company in Fort Collins, JJ Fencing & Decks explains whose responsibility it is to maintain your fence, some general tips, and what to expect. Read on to learn more!
Types of fencing and maintenance for each
Wood
It’s important to clean, stain, and seal your wood fence from time-to-time to keep it looking good and standing strong. Harmful UV rays and other weather elements can affect the wood negatively.
To keep from harming your wood, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t use a pressure washer rated higher than 2700 PSI.
- Use a wide angle with pressure washer tip.
- Keep washer tip at least 12” away from wood while cleaning.
- Do not hold water pressure on one spot for more than a few seconds.
Remember to stain or seal your wood fence according to manufacturer’s instructions to keep it looking great for years to come.
Wrought iron
Most think an iron fence is low maintenance. For the most part, this assumption is true. However, unlike wood, iron fencing is rust prone. If the paint or the sealant on the fence chips or fades, the iron beneath can oxidize, causing issues over time.
It’s important to inspect your iron fence regularly to make sure rust has not set in or is not spreading. You can clean your iron fence with warm water and dish soap. Remember, if you wash away prior sealant or paint chips, you need to reseal the given area or repaint so the natural elements do not cause more harm.
Vinyl
This is one of the more low maintenance options when it comes to residential fencing. A common occurrence for vinyl material is staining, whether grass, dirt, or grime. As long as you keep tabs on your fence, you can catch any minor stain issues before they become major issues.
You can clean your fence or remove the stains simply by using warm water and dish soap or warm water and vinegar.
Chain link
The lowest maintenance option of all fencing, chain link is typically found in industrial parks, around commercial buildings, or as a sectioned yard portion for a pet. A major concern with chain link is the structural integrity. Do the nails and connection points still hold strong? Does the fence itself still stand against minor pressure?
You may want to regularly check for rust spots on the chain link or the posts that hold the fence in place. Although rust on chain link tends to take a long time to form, it’s advisable to clean and treat it before it becomes a problem.
Your fence a unique material?
If you have a fence made of a combination of the materials above or something entirely different, give JJ Fencing & Decks a call to ask any questions you may have. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own fence maintenance, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s imperative to maintain your backyard enclosure so it serves you for years to come.
Want to find the right fencing company in Fort Collins for your new project? JJ Fencing & Decks has been serving Northern Colorado for over a decade. Give them a call or send a message online today!