Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Tips For Properly Maintaining Your Cedar Wood Fencing

6 April 2021

Hugh Bryant

Cedar is one of the most popular materials for privacy fencing thanks to its beautiful appearance, natural resistance to rotting, and overall longevity. However, in order to continue enjoying the benefits that cedar wood fencing provides, homeowners will need to ensure that their fence is properly maintained. In the absence of proper maintenance, cedar wood fences can take on a grey tone and the planks can begin to split or warp. Thankfully, the simple tips outlined below can help you to keep your fence looking great for many years to come.

Don't Overdo It When Using A Pressure Washer

A pressure washer can do wonders when it comes to removing the grey tones from your cedar wood fencing and restoring its natural beauty. However, using too much pressure can easily damage your fence. This is why it is always best to keep your pressure washer set to a gentle setting and keep your nozzle positioned one or two feet away from the fence's surface. You should also limit pressure washing to once a year in order to minimize the chances of damage. 

Keep Sprinklers Away From Your Fence

Excessive or prolonged exposure to moisture can cause your wood fence to crack or warp. This is why it is so important to ensure your lawn sprinklers are positioned in a way where they do not spray your fence directly. This is especially important if you use an automatic sprinkler system that is set to water your lawn once or twice every day. 

Always Allow Ample Drying Time Before Stain

Just because your cedar wood fence may feel dry to the touch does not mean that the wood is dry all the way to the core. Applying stain when the center of the wood is wet will lock in this moisture and can cause significant damage. This is why it is recommended that you allow several weeks for the wood to dry out completely after being washed before applying any type of stain. 

Reapply Stain Every Few Years

Wood stains not only provide a beautiful finish but also provide vital protection against damaging UV rays and moisture. However, the protection that these stains provide will begin to wear off after a few years. This is why it is recommended that you reapply the stain of your choice every few years. This particular maintenance requirement can be rather labor-intensive so you may wish to consider hiring a professional fencing contractor to do the job for you.

For more information about cedar wood fencing, contact a fence contractor.

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