Taking Proper Care of Wooden Fences in Leesburg, VA
Extending the Life of Wooden Fences
Wooden fences in Leesburg, VA, are attractive, durable and affordable. But over time they show their age much more than vinyl, wrought iron, steel or composite materials.
With proper care, they can last 20 years or more. To help you extend the life of wooden fences, here is a look at ways to protect, maintain and repair them.
Hal Co is a reputable fence contractor serving Leesburg, VA residents for over 30 years. We offer:
- Quality design, selection, installation and related services for your wood fence in Leesburg, VA following the highest safety procedures and industry standards.
- In partnership, we will evaluate your fence project requirements and develop a comprehensive installation plan.
- Personalized customer service before, during and after installing your wood fence in Leesburg, VA to minimize your disruption and maximize your comfort.
Buy the Right Wood
The best way to ensure a long life for wooden fences in Leesburg, VA, is by starting with a durable species. Many wooden fences in Leesburg, VA, are made of redwood or cedar. These species are able to withstand rot and decay, compared to other types of wood.
The best posts are made with pressure-treated wood because they go into the ground. They are at the mercy of pests and moisture-damage. The chemical treatment helps them resist different types of bugs and the effects of moisture. You can tell if the posts are pressure-treated by the label or stamp on the wood.
Environmentally conscious consumers have questioned the chemicals used in pressure treating, including arsenic. Experts say smaller, less potent amounts of the chemicals are now applied. The mills have reduced how much they use in response to ecology concerns.
Use a Wood Preservative
Paint on a wood preservative and sealant when you first install the fence. This seals it and reduces rot and water damage that can come from rain, melting snow and ice and also from sprinklers in your yard.
If you want to add color to your fence, buy an exterior stain, which is also labeled as a sealant. If your wood has already been pressure-treated, it doesn’t need a sealant.
You can tell when it is time to reseal the wood by its look. If the water doesn’t bead up on the wood surface but instead soaks in, you know that it is time to add a layer of sealant again. If you live in a rainy climate, you will need to do this more often than if you live in a dry area of the country.
What About Termites?
Also called white ants, termites are pests that can eat chunks out of your fence. They love softwoods like pine, redwood, cedar and fir, the most common species used for wooden fences in Leesburg, VA.
If you find signs of termites, consider hiring a pest service. You can also try to do it yourself by sprinkling borax around the fence area.
Repairing Damage
If you notice signs of splitting or rotting, repair the damage quickly. Replace old panels with new ones. This is one of the big benefits of wood fencing, that you can replace individual sections instead of the entire fence.
Renewing an Old Looking Cedar Fence
You can perk up a saggy, decrepit fence by spending maintenance time on it. Here is a look at how you can renew wooden fences in Leesburg, VA, made with cedar.
Pressure wash. Use a power washer to clean the wood. This gets rid of the surface layer of wood cells that are showing their age. What you expose will look fresher and cleaner. Using a pressure washer on your fence is much like washing your car. Dress appropriately because you will get definitely get wet.
The pressure washers, just like the name says, send a strong stream of water onto the fence. That’s good news for getting rid of grime. But you need to be careful that you don’t erode the wood, which will simply age it even more rapidly.
First, protect the plants by tying them back. When spraying the water, experts recommend that you keep the tip of the pressure washer about 18 inches away from the wood. What you want is to slightly raise up the grain on the smooth wood of the fence, which roughens it up. This makes it easier for the sealer to soak in, making the finish look nicer.
Fix problems. Do you notice split and broken pieces on the fence wood after it has dried for a day? You can fix this with waterproof glue and a clamp or tape.
If nails have pulled loose, replace them with corrosion-resistant screws. If you have a gate that sags, add a turnbuckle support. Talk to the clerks at your home improvement center in Leesburg, VA, for more information.
Just to be safe, apply a coat of wood preservative to all the posts right at ground level. This is where rot first sets in.
Apply a coat of stain. This renews the natural color the wood. Semi-transparent stain allows the natural grain to show. Choose a stain with UV inhibitors. These reduce the bleaching action of the sun’s rays. They also slow down the growth of mildew and fungus. Make sure your fence is dry before you apply the stain.
Trust Experience
Homeowners have been trusting the team here at Hal Co to build wooden fences in Leesburg, VA, for 30 years. The company has a reputation for attractive designs, excellent craftsmanship, and quality materials. Over three decades, we have developed practical expertise with all types of fences, from wood to PVC vinyl, ornamental to chain link, and composite to aluminum.
Here at Hal Co, we take pride in working closely with each client in Leesburg, VA. We make sure we understand exactly what you want in a fence. With our attention to detail, competitive prices and transparent way of doing business, you are assured of getting the best fence for the best price.
Hal Co handles a wide range of outdoor projects, residential and commercial, including:
- PVC vinyl fencing
- Chain link fencing
- Split rail fencing
- Eco-friendly pressure-treated materials
- Cedar fencing
- Ornamental and steel fencing
- Fencing for athletic fields
- Kennel fencing
- Security and safety fencing
- Special events fencing
- Perimeter fencing
- Access control fencing
- Red cedar decks
- Composite decks
- Eco-friendly, pressure treated decks
- Screened porches
- Porticos
- Roofing
Call the experts at Hal Co today for a free, no-obligation estimate for wooden fences in Leesburg, VA.