Fence Maintenance Tips for Nashville Homeowners

A fence can fulfill a wide range of purposes for your home. A fully functional fence adds great value to your home, from ensuring security and controlling pets or children to managing hazards and meeting local requirements. However, fences can take a beating throughout the different seasons due to constant exposure to heat and moisture. As your fence is susceptible to Nashville’s seasonal weather conditions, there’s no better way to care for it than ensuring it gets the proper maintenance. Caring for your fence with the appropriate maintenance is like breathing new life into your fence. Whether your fence is already aging or newly constructed, maintaining it in good condition will keep your home looking refreshed from the outside. Regularly inspecting your fence is essential to prevent the inconvenience of dealing with decay and damage. Failing to upkeep your fence may result in costly repairs and safety risks in your property. Learn more from these maintenance tips to care for your fence and let it stand the test of time.

1. Regular cleaning: How to remove dirt, mold, and algae effectively.

Fences are openly exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture and tend to accumulate a good amount of dirt, mold, and algae. Plants and piles of leaves too close to the fence can moisten its parts and contribute to mold and mildew growth. These fences should be cleaned regularly to prevent unwanted build-up. Here are some to-dos to ensure that your fence is thoroughly cleaned:

• Clean the large dirt patches by gently brushing them off before getting your fence wet. Apply an eco-friendly cleaner, then rinse with water. Eco-friendly cleaners and solutions are designed to keep your fence looking beautiful as long as possible without harming the plants and landscaping. For wooden fences, use a brightener to bring back your fence's natural color.

• A pressure washer is one of the most common and fastest ways to clean fences. When you decide to use a pressure washer, set the pressure too high that it would damage the fence coating and material. For safety, test the pressure washer on an inconspicuous spot on your fence to check if the pressure is enough.

• After letting your fence dry, check for damage. Schedule repair or touch-up if necessary. You might also consider adding a new coat of waterproofing to your newly cleaned fence to protect it from direct moisture.

2. Inspecting for damage: Cracks, loose posts, or rot to address promptly.

More than aesthetics, a damaged fence compromises the privacy and safety of homeowners. Regular inspection to proactively check for damages on your fence can help address issues promptly to prevent further damages and costly repairs. Prevention is key in extending the lifespan of your fence and preserving its beauty. The following are the common damages observed on fences:

• Cracks

Temperature changes can cause cracking in your fence material, especially on wooden fences. Immediately sealing cracks helps prevent further damage caused by water seepage and maintains your fence’s beauty.

Fig. 1. Cracks observed on wooden picket fence in a Nashville home

• Loose Posts
  

When fence posts start to loosen and unstable, this can be a safety and structural issue. It is best to consult professionals and reinforce the posts immediately.

Fig. 2. Loose metal fence post in Nashville repaired by Modern Handymen

• Rot
  

Wood rot is primarily caused by moisture brought about by high humidity, poor drainage, and continuous exposure to rain. Inspect your wooden fence for signs of rot, such as discoloration and crumbling.

Fig. 3. Severely damaged wooden fence due to rot and mold, replaced by Modern Handymen

• Rusting

Rusting on metal fences is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. When rust is observed on your fence, remove it immediately to prevent further damage and costlier issues.

• Warping

Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause certain fence materials, such as wood, to twist and bow. Warped planks can be replaced to ensure that your fence remains beautiful.

• Fence Leaning

A fence's leaning can be caused by improper installation, ground movement, or weakened supports. A significantly leaning fence can manifest structural issues and unsafe conditions. To prevent further leaning and collapse, stabilize the soil and reinforce the fence. It is best to consult professionals to inspect the structural integrity of your fence.

• Insect Damage

Insects such as termites can severely damage wooden fences. Some insects, such as ants, create nests, and wood-boring beetles, whose larvae feed on wood fibers and tunnel through wood.

• Damage from Falling Objects

Falling objects such as branches, debris, or even objects that impact a fence can damage it. These falling objects can be brought about by strong winds, storms, or other man-made activities such as sports and construction.

3. Sealing and staining: When and how to apply for weather protection.

Sealing and staining protect your fence from harsh weather conditions and prevent moisture from damaging your fence. These simple tasks can improve your fence’s durability and add years to its life span. Sealing and staining can be done every couple of years for optimal protection. Regularly re-sealing and re-staining your fence can preserve its beauty and durability by preventing rust, discoloration, fungus, mildew, and other unwelcome lifeforms. Before applying protective coatings on your fence, such as sealer and wood stain, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and that observed damages are repaired. Proper sanding should be done to ensure a smooth, coated finish. Using a roller or sprayer, apply the right sealer or stain top down on your fence uniformly to avoid dripping. You can use painter’s tape to cover adjacent surfaces you do not want to include or a drop cloth to catch unwanted drips on your landscape. Allow your sealed or stained fence to dry completely.

4. Avoiding landscaping issues: Keeping plants and sprinklers away from fences.

Moisture is one of the most damaging elements for a fence. Your fence location should be considered in landscaping, as plants that are too close can contribute to prolonged moisture exposure. Watering your plants with sprinklers can also expose your fence to water seepage, which eventually discolors the fence and causes the wood to rot much sooner than it would naturally.

5. Repair vs. Replacement: Signs your fence needs professional attention.

Fence repairs are generally more cost-effective than complete replacement if only minor damages are observed. However, it is better to have a fence replacement when these are the actual scenarios:

• More than 25% of your fence is already damaged.

• The fence is severely damaged due to a vehicular accident or a falling tree.

• Wooden fence is infested with wood-destroying insects, especially termites

• You want to upgrade your fence’s style and increase its curb appeal

Fig. 4. A wooden picket fence upgraded to metal fence by Modern Handymen

Spotting these signs early can help you prevent further damage and costly rework. If you're aware of the early signs of damage, you can get repairs done before replacement is your only option. Regular maintenance makes it easier to identify fence problems that need prompt professional attention. Seeking professional attention promptly is one step in caring for your fence.

Nashville homeowners trust Modern Handymen for expert advice on fence repairs and replacements. From quick fixes to full-scale fence replacement and installation, Modern Handymen ensures that the job is completed on time and with quality. Let us help you maintain or replace your fence—call us today at 615-200-8071.