Summer Fence Maintenance Tips
As temperatures soar and humidity rises, it’s a good time to give your fence a once over. Whether a fence is wooden, wrought iron, or chain link, summer can take a toll on it. It’s better to keep a close eye and be proactive, so that you don’t have to make extensive- and expensive- repairs later. What’s more, attending to your fence maintenance during the summer months is a great way to make sure it’s ready to face the winter weather. Walking the whole length of the fence, inspect it for damage, taking care to do these tasks:
- Begin by making sure it’s clean. Often, dirt is tossed up onto the fence by the lawnmower, family pet, or even your children. This can cause a build-up that’s detrimental to the fence, so the first thing to do is to remove it. Check the fence for other elements that could potentially damage it, like mildew, insects, or rot. If you can catch these things early, you can keep them from causing irreversible harm. While you’re at it, pull up any weeds or vines that may be encroaching on your fence and threatening its structural integrity.
- Go a little deeper with your cleaning. You may be able to rinse off dirt and grime with a garden hose, or you might need a pressure washer to get into hard to reach areas, but giving your fence a good cleaning allows you to see potential issues more clearly.
- Take a look above your fence. Do any tree branches hang over it? A summer storm can knock down those limbs, so it’s better to prune them back before they fall and damage the fence. Notice branches over your neighbor’s yard as well, to avoid any potential drama that can be avoided by keeping your trees trimmed.
- Go beyond the obvious to take a closer look. Are there any parts of your fence that seem warped or broken? If your fence is wooden, does it need to be sealed? If it’s wrought iron, do you notice any rust around the welded joints? How are your hinges and latches? Is everything secure? Take the time to examine the entire fence closely, so that you can make any necessary repairs before the damage becomes extensive.
Regular maintenance can extend a fence’s lifespan, but when it’s time to replace your fence you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 832-962-4765.