Preparing Your Fence for the Thaw

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Preparing Your Fence for the Thaw

Spring is coming. Will warmer temperatures push your fencing to its limits?

After a long, cold winter, things are about to get nice outside, and it’s understandable that you just want to enjoy it. As a fence owner, however, you’ll find it much easier to make the most of the season if you take better care of your property. Like your home and yard, your fence deserves special springtime attention if it’s to keep doing its job.

Routine Wooden Fence Maintenance
Many homeowners love natural cedar and spruce for their resistance to rotting and infestation. Washing these installations can help them retain their rich coloration by eliminating mildew and dirt. Spring is a good time for a cleaning because the moisture that tends to condense on surfaces in colder temperatures may have contributed to the proliferation of algae or stains.

Re-coating wooden fences is another critical item to add to your spring to-do list. Sealants heighten the natural integrity of substances like wood so that they last longer. Although you may not be too worried about insect infestations, resealing a fence can also help it survive moisture and avoid getting damaged by growing vegetation.

Universal Fence Care
The fact that your fencing is aluminum or vinyl doesn’t make it impervious to Mother Nature. These installations may not require as much care, but it’s still wise to inspect them thoroughly and perform fence repair jobs as necessary.

Even the most solidly built fences aren’t immune to storm conditions, so check everything visually to ensure that it’s still straight. If your region experienced lots of snowfall, the massive weight of all that ice could have pushed your fence out of proper alignment. The ground freezing might also have shifted the concrete. Taking the time to verify that things are still squared up can save you a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on major repairs later.
Be Thorough
Don’t limit your inspection to the most visible sections of your fence. Be diligent about checking out the places where the vertical posts sink into the ground. Are the concrete piles visible? Do you see lots of erosion? These warning signs may be indicative of worse problems to come, so consult with a professional as soon as you notice them.

Making gate adjustments is a commonly overlooked maintenance task. Now is the perfect time to re-level your gate so that it doesn’t squeak or stick mid-swing. You’ll also find it helpful to lubricate the hinges, ensure that the latch works smoothly and tighten the screws.

Quality fencing can protect your property, but you need to take care of it in return. To get started, talk to a Hastie Fence expert about your options.