Wood fences have long been one of the most popular ways to increase privacy in a yard and improve aesthetics. Having the fence installed professionally is crucial to making sure it’s structurally sound. You’ll also want to have the fence professionally maintained at least once every two to three years to prevent rot and insect damage.
Checking the Stability of Each Fence Post
The stability of the entire fence greatly depends on the condition of the posts. But over time, the posts can become loose or start to lean to one side because of shifting soil and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Even strong winds can knock them out of their alignment. The technician performing maintenance will look for posts that need realignment or extra bracing to keep them in place. This task is essential to making sure the rails and pickets don’t become loose.
Tightening Loose Screws, Bolts, and Fasteners
As time goes by, wood will absorb moisture and contract as it dries. The constant expansion and contraction may loosen bolts, nails, brackets, and fasteners, causing the fence to become unstable. The technician will check each and every one of these components to ensure they are tight and holding the fence together. If any of the fasteners have rust on them or appear to be stripped, they’ll get replaced.
Replacing Materials Affected by Wood Rot
Rails, pickets, and posts tend to be some of the first parts of a wood fence that develop rot. This happens because moisture gets trapped inside the wood for extended periods of time, especially if you have a sprinkler system installed that regularly sprays the fence. The last thing you want to do when this happens is wait for the affected areas to completely fall apart. This will end up leaving you with openings that allow pets to escape the yard or wildlife to enter your gardens and landscaping. A technician will replace the components affected by wood rot before they lead to more extensive repairs.
Cleaning Mold and Algae Buildup
If you live in an area with a lot of rain or humidity, the fence is very likely to develop mold and algae buildup. This not only takes away from its aesthetics but can also impact its structural integrity. The parts that tend to get affected the most are those that are in shaded areas because they don’t receive enough direct sunlight to dry out completely after rainfall. Fortunately, technicians have specialized cleaning solutions to remove the accumulation before it deteriorates the wood.
How often to have your wood fence professionally serviced all depends on your local weather conditions, the age of the fence, and the extent of insect damage. As fences get older, they tend to need more service and cleaning. When you need wood fence services in Johnson City, TN, contact Bear Roots Fence Company.
