The rising prices of lumber and labor make fences a big investment. While they remain a great way to spruce up your curb appeal or enclose areas, they do not last forever.
If you are going to be shelling out a lot of cash for new fencing, it is important to make sure your fence lasts. Luckily for you, there are many ways to keep your fence looking as good as new.
This article will discuss a few of the most compelling reasons to keep up with your fence maintenance. What you will discover is that protecting your fence is also about protecting you, and many of these steps will not only add to the life of your fence, but will increase the value of your home and keep your family safe.
Five Reasons Why Keeping Your Fence Clean Matters
1) Insects Cause Damage
Bugs can really do a number on wooden fences, and getting rid of them is key to protecting any fence you own. When critters get inside wooden fencing, they eat away at the material and cause deterioration and damage.
There are a few things you can do to help remove the presence of bugs and other critters; you should always be monitoring your fence and planning for its next power wash. This will help prevent your fence from being eaten by creepy crawlers.
2) Sun Damage Adds Up
Everyone knows how much damage the sun’s harsh rays can do to your skin, but did you know that sun damage can also affect your fence? The UV rays emitted by the sun can attack the surface of wooden fencing, causing them to lighten and remove stains.
To avoid this type of damage, well-planned upkeep is required. This typically includes power washing the surface and then applying a UV-resistant spray to the fence. The difference these types of precautions can make is immense and can really help keep your fence looking brand new for as long as possible.
3) Negative Health Impacts and Safety Issues
By keeping your fence clean, you can actually improve your health. Substances like mold and mildew often grow on unkempt fences, and they can cause diseases and other health problems if they are not properly treated.
Power washing can also help dislodge mold, mildew, and other harmful growths before they can harm you or your fence. This process can also help you to determine if the fence is safe, as deteriorating fencing can easily cause splitters or could break off on top of someone, or underneath them if they’re climbing over it. Ouch.
4) Damage Affects Value
By enclosing a yard or adding privacy and security with fencing, you can greatly add to the value of your home. This means fencing could turn out to be more of an investment than a cost. That being said, a chipped and faded fence will be less desirable to homeowners or appraisers looking at your home.
To help ensure that your fence is a strong long-term investment for your home, it is critical that you keep up with all upkeep and always monitor the condition of your fence, so you know when it is due for its next washing.
5) Wood Rot Is Real
Wood rot is a type of fungal decay that occurs when wooden structures are exposed to excessive moisture and a lack of air circulation. This can lead to the wooden fences becoming structurally weak and can eventually cause them to crumble or collapse entirely.
As the wood rot progresses, it can cause the wood to change color and become discolored and brittle, making your fence look worn and outdated. This type of damage is difficult to repair and could lead you to have to replace an entire fence. But a watchful eye and well-scheduled cleanings can help prevent wood rot before it becomes a problem.
Keep Your Fence in Tip Top Shape
When it comes to outdoor upkeep, power washing continues to be one of the most effective methods for keeping your outdoor spaces looking good. The most obvious benefit of power washing is restoring the look and quality of wood surfaces.
As time passes, your fencing will start to lose its luster, but by harnessing the power of pressure washing, you can have your fence looking as good as new. This process can also help increase your fence’s life span by removing other buildups that deteriorate from fence quality.
Pressure washing is not always easy, so do not be nervous about consulting experts. The team at Hydro Clean is trained on exactly how to treat various types of fencing and will have it look brand new in no time. If you want to learn more about our services, check out our website and our article on 7 Winter Landscaping Tips for Asheville Homeowners, or reach out to us. We’d be glad to keep your fence in tip top shape.