5 Tips Extend The Life of Your Timber Fence

Timber fences are an attractive and durable choice for homeowners. However, they do require some upkeep to prolong their life

Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners think that installing a fence is a case of ‘set and forget’ – and that’s not true. Are you looking to give your timber fence the treatment it deserves?

Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your timber fence.

1. Inspect regularly

The simplest way to ensure that your timber fencing remains in tip-top condition is to regularly check your fences for signs of damage. Every few months, take a walk along your fence line and be on the lookout for small cracks or splits. You should also try to identify any posts that could potentially be rotting away – keeping an eye out for mildew, loose nails, chipped wood, decay from termite infestation, and peeling paints.

Tree roots and plants that are directly next to or underneath the fence are other issues to look out for, as they can buckle or push your fence posts out of alignment. With this in mind, it’s imperative that prior to construction, you ensure that you aren’t building on top of or near potentially invasive tree roots.

If you have a dog, chances are your furry friend is a habitual digger. To protect your fence from any possible digging damage, bury the bottom of the fence 1 to 2 feet below the surface – this will prevent any possible damage and ensure your pet doesn’t escape!

2. Give it a clean

For the most part, a fence is out of sight and out of mind – which means that homeowners don’t always give their fences as much attention as they perhaps should.

Unsure about how to restore your timber fencing to its former glory? Don’t stress, it’s easy!

You can fix common problems – like mildew stains, dirt and grime build-up – with a quick and easy clean using a high-pressure washer. If you don’t have one, you can hire one or simply use a normal hose and give it a good scrub with a brush or broom.

If you run into any particularly problematic areas, you may need to add some mould remover to the mix. If you can, choose a warm and sunny day to power through your cleaning – which will speed up the drying process.

3. Reseal or paint after cleaning

If you’ve just given your fence a good clean, you should reseal or repaint it to prevent damage. When you clean your fence, the old layers of paint will become soft and weakened – which makes them more vulnerable to dust and dirt build-up. Resealing or painting will not only protect your wooden fencing from future damage, but it will also help to keep your fence looking more aesthetically pleasing.

4. Choose treated timber

Untreated wood can be a major issue for homeowners as untreated timber is vulnerable to rot, splitting and insect infestation. These issues, if not addressed early on, could soon become a costly problem – which is why it’s always best to choose treated or pre-treated options from the beginning.

If your fencing is just too far gone – or you want to update your style – choose treated pine timber for your new look.

5. Consider termite prevention

Termites are always a worry for homeowners, particularly in Australia.

If you live in an area that’s prone to termite infestation, then take action to prevent them from damaging your fencing. The best way to do this is by investing in a chemical barrier – which will cost you less than having to replace the entire fence!

Termites thrive in moist soil. To protect your timber fences, it’s important to keep an eye on how much moisture is penetrating your palings – especially the parts of them that are in or near the ground.