The sun is out and there is a hint of warmer temperatures to come. Soon, you will be wanting to venture out to enjoy the great outdoors again. You had your beautiful fence installed by the best Evansville, Indiana fence company, Mr. Fence, and now it’s the perfect time to do some “Spring cleaning” in your yard to get your outdoor area in top shape for Spring!
Here are some great tips on how to perform Spring maintenance on your fence so that you can keep it looking great and get the most out of your investment:
# 1 – Take a Close Look and Inspect Your Fence
The first step on your Spring maintenance list is to take a thorough look at your fence. Take a stroll around the inside and outside of your fence and take note of any areas that may need attention. For example, if you have a wood fence, winter weather can be especially tough on its natural material, so you’ll want to make note of any issues such as damaged boards or posts, any peeling or chipping on the paint, or damaged latches.
This is also a good time to make sure that the fence is still sturdy, including fence boards and posts. Make sure nothing is loose and that your gates still close properly. If you notice any of these issues, that might mean that you may have to do a bit of repair work.
If you have a chain link fence, you might also be looking for rust spots and bent or broken mesh. If you see any deterioration in your chain link fence, these can be addressed and fixed before it gets worse. Performing regular check-ups are going to help you avoid major problems by getting ahead of a small issue before it becomes a big problem.
# 2 – Note Any Fence Repairs Needed
If there are any broken or split boards, signs of rot, or rust areas, make a note of the issue so you can make a plan to get these problems fixed. Individual boards of wood fencing that are cracked or warped can be replaced singly with minimal effort and cost. Rotten posts can be replaced individually, as well. Rusty chain link fences can be cleaned off, scrubbed down, and then sealed with a protective coating.
If your repairs aren’t too extensive, they can be a great do-it-yourself project, but if you are unsure if you can handle this yourself or you have questions about how to go about it, the experts at Mr. Fence can help! Give us a call to get the support you need.
# 3 – Check for Stains or Dirt and Get Scrubbing!
It’s a good idea to routinely check for dirt, mold, mildew, and any stains as this will help to avoid problems before they spread to other parts of your fence. Wood fences are the most susceptible to mold and mildew, but even non-porous metal and vinyl fences can get areas of mildew when there’s a lot of wet weather or flooding.
If the dirt buildup, grime, or mildew on your fence is minimal, rinsing it with a strong spray from the hose may be enough, especially for a vinyl fence or aluminum fence. If there are areas that need a little more effort, using a brush to remove heavy debris like mud or moss before washing with a gentle cleanser will have your fence looking great in no time! Often a pressure washer can do the trick but be sure not to use anything more than 1500-2000 PSI on wood fences, and using an angular tip to fan out the water spray is a good idea. The more frequently you check for any buildup on your fence, the easier it will be to keep it from developing into larger, more stubborn stains later on.
# 4 – Clean Up Your Landscaping Surrounding Your Fence
As Spring approaches, it is also the perfect time to freshen up your landscaping, especially near your fence. Always leave plenty of space between your fence and any bushes or shrubs. This will ensure plenty of airflow which will help lessen the chance of mold and mildew buildup. It’s also a good idea to trim any tree limbs that hang over the fence to avoid future damage if they happen to break and fall on your fence. Taking preemptive measures to clean up the area around your fence will go a long way to avoid potential damage.
# 5 – Protect and Refresh your Fence with Stain or Paint
Wood fences generally need to be restained or repainted every two to three years to keep them protected and looking new. Take a look at your wood fence to evaluate the condition of the surface, the residual of the stain or paint, and if it’s time to recoat your fence. If you’d like to do it yourself, be sure to get more details of the best processes and products to refinish your fence.
Contact Your Local Fence Company
If your fence is beyond routine maintenance, and repairs may not be enough, it might be time to invest in a new fence. If that’s the case, let us help guide you through the process. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would be happy to talk with you or you can use our online estimator tool that can get you a quote in minutes.
Your Favorite Evansville Indiana Fence Company is Here to Help!
Mr. Fence is the leading fence company in the Evansville, Indiana, and tri-state area, and our experts are here to answer your questions about maintaining your fence. Let us show you what great service in Indiana looks like! Give us a call at (812) 425-3550 or reach us on our website today!
