What should you do if you spot signs of rot on your wooden fence? Here a few tips on how to keep that from happening.
Wood fences are an elegant touch to any yard. But enough exposure to the elements will wear a wood fence down. What should you do if you spot signs of rot on your wooden fence? Here a few tips on how to keep that from happening.
Two Types of Rot
There are two types of rot you need to look out for. They are called dry rot and wet rot. Dry rot happens when the oils in the wood wear out. The sunshine and wind of summer can take its toll on your wooden fence. Once these oils are gone, the fence becomes brittle and could break or collapse more easily.
Wet rot probably sounds like a bigger problem than dry rot. Rain accelerates the effect of wet rot on wooden fences, but that isn’t the only cause. Snowfall in the winter and even using the garden hose or the sprinklers too close to your wooden fence can contribute to the growth of wet rot. Some easy ways to tell whether or not wet rot has infested your fence is to see if there is any fungus growing on the wood and if you can’t get rid of a lingering damp smell.
Use Better Wood
You can also reduce the effects of rot by choosing higher-quality wood to use in your fence. Cedar, cypress, oak, and redwood are all good choices.
Add Stain
You should also give your wooden fence a new coat of staining solution. The stain is a sealant that will prevent the wood in your fence from absorbing too much moisture. This becomes even more important on days with torrential rain storms – all of that water has to go somewhere, and it shouldn’t be into your fence.
Keep It Clean
Clean off any moss, mildew, or mold you see on your wood fence. All of these indicate that rot is present or could be about to start growing. You’ll also need to get rid of any bugs or insects that have taken residence in your wood fence.
Get Rid of Rotted Wood
If you see any boards, panels, or posts covered in rot, then you need to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Replace any of the parts you took to get your fence looking as good as new again.
Take Care of All Your Residential Fence Needs with Help from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry and can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that best suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700, drop in, or contact us on our website to learn more about spring and summer fence construction! You can keep up to date with offers and information from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
