How To Maintain Your Timber Fence – A Complete Guide

Above and beyond their role as property boundaries, timber fences provide privacy, security and enhance the curb appeal of your home. However, just like any other structure, timber fences require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition and to maximise their potential lifespan.

Our division over at PRO Fencing have put together a complete guide detailing the key steps to timber fence maintenance, so that you can avoid expensive repairs or premature replacement costs. Take a read to find out more.

Effectively maintaining your timber fence will extend its life span.

Step one: assess the condition of your timber fence

Before you start any maintenance, it’s important to assess the current condition of your fence. So, step one, look for loose or rotten boards/posts, rusted or broken hardware, or any other issues that may compromise its integrity. This evaluation will help you identify the specific areas that require attention and plan your maintenance according to it’s specific needs.

Step two: clean the fence

When pressure washing your fence, continually move your pressure washer along the fence to ensure you do not cause any unnecessary damage.

Once you’ve conducted a thorough assessment of your timber fence, you’ll need to start by giving it a deep clean to give you a blank canvas to work from. To effectively remove dirt and mould from the surface, you can apply a wood or fence cleaner to the fence, then rinse with a pressure washer to ensure the final result is an ultra clean fence. However, it’s important to continually move the pressure washer across the wood, as focussing the pressure on one place can cause damage.

Top tip: to ensure you do not damage grass and plants you may need to lay down plastic sheets. You should also move any plant pots or garden furniture out of the way before you begin.

Step three: let the wood dry out

As you’ll have given your fence a good soaking, you’ll have to let the wood dry for at least 24 hours before you work on the fence any further, although ideally up to 48 hours. This is to ensure that any further maintenance work you carry out on the timber fence effectively adheres to the surface, providing a durable, long lasting result.

Step four: repair any damaged sections

Once the fence is clean and dry, inspect it for any damaged sections that need repair. You can use a waterproof wood glue to fix any minor splits or cracks, ensuring they do not worsen over time. It’s a good idea to check for and tighten loose boards by tightening loose screws or replacing them with stainless steel screws to keep your timber fence in tip-top shape. You can also replace broken or rotten boards and reinforce any significantly damaged posts with a concrete spur. Repairing damaged sections promptly will help prevent further deterioration and ensure the fence remains stable for many years to come.

Step five: apply protective coatings

To preserve the beauty of a timber fence, you should apply protective coatings.

While we all love the natural charm of a timber fence, you may need to give it a little extra maintenance in order to extend its life, this is where protective coatings come into play. You can apply wood preservative to fence posts to prevent rotting, and to protect your timber fence from moisture, UV rays, and pests, it’s advisable to apply a sealant or wood stain. This will preserve the wood’s strength, help prevent rotting and improve the fence’s resilience against the harsh outdoor elements.

Step six: inspect your fence regularly

So, you’ve done the hard work of restoring your timber fence back to full health, now you’ll need to maintain it! Regular inspections are vital to identify any issues early on and address them swiftly. Therefore, we suggest frequently walking along the fence line, checking for loose boards, sagging sections, or signs of wear and tear. Next, inspect the hardware, such as hinges and latches, to ensure they function correctly. You can prevent problems from escalating and save on expensive repairs in the future by catching them early.

Step seven: ensure you have proper drainage

Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water-related damage to timber fence posts. Ensuring that water does not pool around the base of these posts helps prevent rot and maintains their structural integrity. This can be achieved by grading the area around the fence to direct water away, installing drainage systems, using well-draining soil or gravel at the base, as well as ensuring posts are set in concrete with a sloping top to divert water. Then, of course, regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to address any further drainage issues promptly and protect the longevity of the fence.

Do you have cleft rail fencing surrounding your property? Check out our recent blog post for more information: A Guide to Cleft Rail Fencing.

Step eight: control vegetation

Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to focus on vegetation around your timber fence. Overgrown plants and shrubs can exert pressure on a fence, causing damage over time. Ensure there is sufficient space between plants and the fence by trimming back any vegetation. Dependent on your garden and vegetation, in the autumn you may need to clear away fallen leaves and debris that could trap moisture and promote rot to keep your timber fence in pristine condition.

Fence supply and installation in West Sussex and beyond

If you follow these simple steps, you will ensure that your fence remains in optimal condition and prolong its life, ensuring maximum return on investment of your timber fence. However, should you find significant damage, it is recommended you seek professional advice to restore your timber fences efficiently and effectively.

Here at PRO Fencing, we can supply or supply and fit new fencing and gates for you – simply contact us at enquiries@profencing.co.uk or call 01252 726391.