Wooden fences, pergolas, decks, benches, and privacy panels can make your yard look beautiful, but if you don’t maintain them, they’ll go from eye-catching to eye-sore. Don’t let the weather turn your yard into a rundown mess.
Take these 7 quick and easy steps that will keep your yard wood looking beautiful for years to come.
1. Clean Your Fences and Wooden Structures Regularly
Dirt, debris, mildew, and mould will NOT improve your curb appeal. Instead, clean your fence or other wooden structure regularly to preserve the appearance, prevent decay, avoid staining, maintain safety, and extend lifespan.
How to Clean Your Wooden Fence?
- Remove loose dirt and debris from the area.
- Use a hose to spray your wooden structure down.
- Mix wood cleaner or a mild detergent with warm water and apply with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse with the garden hose and let dry, avoiding direct sunlight if possible.
2. Protect Your Fence with a Proper Seal
“I like your decrepit old fence,” said no one ever. To avoid this, seal your wooden fence, pergola, gazebo, or bench with a proper sealant in order to prevent UV damage, mould, and mildew. Not only will it look better, but it’ll also be easier to clean. It’s all about maximizing your outdoor space and boosting your home’s value!
What Type of Wood Sealant Should I Use?
The type of sealant you should use depends on the type of wood you have, as well as your aesthetic preferences. Clear, semi-transparent, and solid sealers provide varying degrees of transparency. Oil sealers provide top-notch water protection, while water-based sealers dry quickly, with less odour.
How Often Should I Seal My Wood Fence?
Fences and other wooden structures should be re-sealed every 1 to 3 years, depending on the harshness of the climate and the type of wood. Inspect your wood periodically for fading, water absorption, or diminished water repellency.
3. Inspect Your Fence Regularly for Good Maintenance
How can you tell if your fence and wood structures are holding up? Go look!
The old eyeball test will help you discover signs of pests, water damage, loose or damaged fasteners, gate functionality, general wear and tear, and other signs of trouble. This simple step will let you know if it’s time for some fence repair (or maybe a new fence).
4. Trim Vegetation Away from the Fence to Prevent Damage
Plant life goes a long way toward sprucing up your fence, but it can be bad news for homeowners looking to maintain their fences and gazebos. Branches or roots can cause direct damage to wood. They can also create moisture-trapping environments and attract pests, neither of which is good!
Beat that overgrowth back with some yard maintenance and give your wood a healthy buffer zone. Not only will your deck or fence look better, but it will also be easier to get to.
5. Avoid Water Pooling Near Your Fence or Other Wooden Structures
Water is the provider of life! It also rots wood, attracts pests, leads to mould and mildew, and generally makes your wood structure ugly and unsafe. It’s impossible to avoid completely, but its impacts can be mitigated. Prevent it from pooling in the surrounding area.
Ensure your landscaping has proper grading that leads to water draining away from your home and yard structures. French drains, dry wells, swales, and berms can help. Gravel and porous asphalt can too. And, of course, clean your gutters and downspouts, pointing them away from anything you want to keep dry.
6. Protect Your Wood from the Sun
Too much sun will do a number on your fences, decks, pergolas, and other wood installations. Leave your wood unprotected if you want it to fade, discolour, dry, crack, degrade, warp, twist, or buckle.
Alas, there is hope! Sealants or stains can be applied that provide UV inhibitors and prevent this sun-based carnage. Don’t give your fence a sunburn, protect it with a quality product.
7. Prevent Pest Infestations and Protect Your Fence
Termites, ants, rodents, and other pests are under the false impression that your fence belongs to them. Convince them otherwise with a solid anti-pest strategy.
Use treated or naturally resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood, to make their lives more difficult. Seal cracks and openings with caulk or sealant. Remove nearby food sources, and keep the surrounding area free from debris and vegetation. Wash and dry regularly.
Make your yard uninviting for pests and reap the long-term rewards (and no, we’re not talking about nosey neighbours, you’re on your own there).
Getting Started
At Davel Construction, we believe that your home is your castle and that it should be maintained and beautified properly, both inside and out. In these summer months, we love spending time with friends and family in a well-maintained yard. We know that our customers feel the same way, which is why they trust us with their landscaping and renovation projects.
To get started, call Davel Construction for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your ideas and maybe even provide a few of our own. We’ll even show you what the finished results would look like, using our unique 3D design process. Take your yard to the next level by contacting Davel Construction today.
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