Want to prolong the life of your fence?

Today we will talk about some things you as a homeowner or property manager can do to prolong the life of your fence. Fences are not cheap. Some common failures you may encounter are warping, pickets splitting/falling off, rails bowing/sagging, wood rot, posts leaning/lifting and gate alignment issues. One common problem here in central Texas is deterioration from sun exposure. This seems unavoidable but with a good staining/sealing schedule you can continue to enjoy your privacy for decades. Another big problem here is pests. Do you have a full cedar fence? The oils found in cedar are naturally pest resistant. Most builder grade fences are made with pine or fir. These materials are far less pest resistant and need to be treated yearly to avoid rot and warpage. Consider upgrading to full cedar today. To further prevent pests and wood rot ensure you are edging around fence lines keeping grass and weeds from touching your fence. Most fences here in DFW are constructed using galvanized steel posts. Most cities require this per code. Posts can be saved if they are plumb and in good condition. Ensure all posts have caps, as trapped water can rot posts from the inside causing premature failure. If you have an irrigation system using it on a regular schedule during the dry months can prevent posts from shifting, reducing stress on all fence and gate components. With just a few simple things to look out for, and some regular maintenance your fence can last a lifetime.