How To Maintain A Wood Fence [Guide]
An heirloom wooden table, dresser, or rocking chair can all be restored to look as good as new and ready for the next generation. All it needs is a lick of paint or varnish. But there is very little you can do to restore a wooden fence battered by years of rain and extreme heat. The ravages of weather notwithstanding, wood fences can still last a reasonably long time. With the right care and maintenance, your board-on-board, picket, or split rail fence can endure the adverse effects of weather for up to 15 years, looking as good as only wood fences can. The Importance Of Regular Maintenance For Your Wood Fence How do you extend the life of your wood fence and get maximum value from it? You do so through regular maintenance. Wood is a natural material. Among its qualities is an ability to blend in with most decor styles. As a fencing material, it can be machined into any design you can think of. That and wood’s warm tones give wood fences oodles of character and great popularity among homeowners. Sadly wood isn’t very strong. If exposed to moisture for long periods of time, wood fences will rot rather quickly and not last as long. Insect damage also becomes an issue, especially if the wood used is untreated. Exposing your wood fence to excessive heat and sunlight without the right protection is also just as bad. Direct sunlight will bleach wood of its natural colour. Other effects of weather damage include warping, bowing, and cracking. None of them look good on your fence. So your greatest enemy as far as the upkeep of your wood fence is concerned is the weather. But it isn’t the only one. You also have to mind the effect of normal wear and tear, which can also diminish the look of your fence. While the prospect of a fence that maintains its looks for as long as possible is a great perk for regularly caring for your wood fence, there is another important benefit. A fence with rotted posts, splintered boards, and entire sections that are leaning dangerously to one is a safety risk for your family and passersby. A well-maintained wood fence also does a better job of keeping intruders out and securing your property. It will also ensure your property retains its resale value, guaranteeing you a good price should you ever decide to sell up. We have established that the best way to prolong the life of your wood fence is by following a regular maintenance regime. But what does that maintenance entail? How To Maintain Your Wood Fence Maintaining a wood fence to look its best for long requires dedication. In many ways, it is a labour of love. Here are tips to make your job easier: 1. Clean It For the same effect they have on general appearance, dirt can harbour moisture and insects, two of your wooden fence’s biggest threats. While the fix is obvious, many property owners struggle to keep up with the cleaning when faced with a long fence. There are cleaners specially formulated for wood. If you can, choose one that is not toxic to the environment. Before you start cleaning, though, make sure to remove leaves and other dead plant matter. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the wood cleaner. That said, they mostly work the same way. You apply it over the wood surface. Start from the bottom and work your way up, making sure to reach into the corners and crevices. Use a small brush to get the cleaner into the hard-to-reach areas. After waiting the recommended time, wash the cleaner down with a pressure washer. Be careful with pressure washers, especially if the fence is damaged and weak in some sections. In trying to clean the fence you could damage it or cause injuries if it happens to collapse. Power-washing a wood fence has the effect of stripping it of any stain you may have used to protect it. So make sure to restain it, but wait until the fence has completely dried. 2. Protect It The foundation of any wood fence maintenance regime is by protecting it against weather and insect damage. Without this protection, your fence will neither keep its looks nor last very long. Whether it is soaking rain, deep snow, or blazing sun, the effects of the weather can be mitigated. In terms of rot, the trick is to stop the wood from absorbing moisture. Applying moisture repelling, oil-based wood stain is the best way of doing this. The stain will seal the surface of the wood and stop it from absorbing the moisture that causes it to rot and discolour. If it’s a fresh installation, make sure to stain the fence as soon as you can. If it isn’t a newly installed fence, you will need to clean it before you apply the stain. Apply at least two coats of stain, giving each 12 hours to dry before applying another coat. To apply the seal, either use a brush or spray. Applying an oil-based stain will protect your wood fence from rot caused by moisture. But how do you prevent the sun bleaching caused by excessive sunlight? Applying a stain will help, but choosing one with a UV inhibitor that’s specially formulated to prevent sun bleaching will work best. Stains are also available in a variety of colours, so choose one that matches the wood and the overall property. The best form of protection against insect damage is by using the right wood right at the beginning. Instead of using regular pine wood, choose pressure-treated pine, which is fortified to protect against wood-eating insects. The posts especially are highly susceptible to insects and moisture. So at least use pressure-treated wood for these
8 Undeniable Benefits of Installing a Fence on Your Residential Property
When you buy a home, one of the great investments you can make to your property is installing a fence around it. Homeowners with children and pets know the importance of fencing their properties. You have probably heard that installing a fence around your residential property increases its value, protects your family and offers privacy. This article demonstrates the perks and benefits of installing a fence around your residential property. However, there are a few things you should consider before you install a fence. Install the Fence Where it is Needed the Most As mentioned earlier, a fence offers many benefits to a homeowner. However, it would be best if you elected the fence at the right place to benefit maximally. A good example is when you want to hide a nasty sight, like a rundown property in the background. It is important to elect the fence to ensure it covers this unsightly and unappealing view adjacent to your property. A professional fencing company will assist you in establishing where the fence is required the most. The other thing, when installing a fence around your property, ensure the fence height is appropriate. Do not hide the beauty of your property by electing a tall fence at the front view. Remember, you need a fence to accentuate your property, not to cover it completely. A Fence Distinguishes Your Property from others for Sale Most homeowners aim to increase their properties, which is a great strategy, especially with the competitive Waterloo real estate market. Anything you can do to stand out from the crowd will significantly help you obtain the best value for your property. Most clients consider the security and privacy of a property before purchasing it. Statistics show that home buyers prefer fenced properties to unfenced ones, and they are willing to pay extra dollars as long as the above two factors are considered. The Right Materials Make All the Difference Though you plan to make some extra cash from the sale of your property, you must use quality and durable materials for your fence. Wood and iron fencing materials are known to be more durable and offer tight security to homeowners. Such materials bring more value when your sell your home compared to other fencing materials, like vinyl or chain-link. The fact that fences add value to your property does not imply you construct any fence. You must establish the fence that is best suited for your home and neighborhood. While chain-link fences are pretty popular, they provide little privacy, safety, and security; thus, they will add minimal value to your property when selling it. Yes, a chain-link fence is low-cost and might work in some home settings, but it doesn’t bring the beauty and purpose of other fences. Hire an Expert to Install your Fence Do not be deceived by the simplicity of some fences. Suppose you want to add maximum value to your property through a fence. In that case, you should seek the services of a professional fence installation company with rich experience and expertise to help you make the right decision, choose the best fencing materials, and properly install and maintain your fence. A fence is not a weekend activity and is not recommended as a DIY project. The Benefits of Installing a Fence on Your Residential Property It Offers Safety Electing a fence around your property reduces your insurance contributions. Depending on your insurance carrier, you could pay less by simply constructing a privacy fence around your property. A properly installed fence increases your property’s value and minimizes your monthly insurance contributions. Take a closer look at your neighborhood and tell us what you see. What fences have your neighbors constructed? Which fences have your neighbors built? Are they appealing? Now, take a look at the compounds without fences. Does the thought of trespassing or illegally accessing them come into your mind? If you spend most of your time away from your home, a fence will ensure your home is safe and secure always. Though a privacy fence doesn’t guarantee 100% security from thieves and burglars, it minimizes the possibility of having your home broken into. Fences are indeed great deterrents. Thieves always think twice about climbing a fence; thus, the chances of being robbed are less. It Offers Privacy Privacy fences will allow you to comfortably enjoy family gatherings without peering eyes from neighbors and passersby. Still, if you have a poor relationship with your neighbor, a privacy fence eliminates the need to vacate to another location. If your children like playing in the yard, a privacy fence will restrict them to your compound. There is nothing that scares parents other than imagining their kids running into the middle of the road after a soccer ball – or worse, being kidnapped. A privacy fence also acts as a boundary for your outdoor living space where you and your loved ones can enjoy your own freedom without distractions from intruders. This is especially important in pool parties during summer. It will keep off pool crashers from invading your compound and neighbors who always invite themselves when you fire up the grill at bay. It Protects You from Animals Animals are the most beautiful things on the earth. Who doesn’t love watching a lovely deer or fluffy rabbit? Everyone, except your well-maintained garden. A privacy fence protects your garden from animals by restricting them from invading your yard and causing damages. If you stay near mountains or wooded regions, a privacy fence will protect you and your pets from bears, foxes, and other harmful animals. It Protects You from Harsh Weather Conditions Not only does a fence provide security and privacy, but it can also protect your property from strong winds and storms. If you have an outdoor living space with furniture and decorations, a privacy fence will maintain everything in place and
Good Fences Start With The Right Contractor
When choosing a fence for your suburban property, between looks and security, what do you consider to be most important? At Jay Fencing, we believe you don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal for security, or vice versa. The right fence will offer the exact level of security, aesthetic appeal, privacy, or whatever attribute matters to you. In this regard, the right fence for a given property is a function of many factors. As you will see later, merely selecting a type of fence over another does not mean you will get the right quality fence. The fencing contractor you choose from the many that call Waterloo home is the foundation a good fence is built on. Prioritize the fence qualities that matter to you Your property is not quite complete without a fence. You may have a feeling of being too exposed. The property itself may look plain, devoid of a wow factor. Or, you may be concerned with the lack of privacy. So, considering the above concerns, a fence will look like the perfect solution. And it will be. But you can easily get a fence that, though secure, is as plain as the house and offers little privacy. Chain-link fences fit that description. If privacy and aesthetics aren’t that important to you, perhaps because yours is a commercial property, a chain-link fence will work just fine. As security will likely be important, these fences deliver on that, too. Some fences look as good and last as long as they are well-maintained As a property owner, you may be more concerned with security, looks, and privacy, but as an experienced fence installer, we have learned to appreciate that the durability and maintenance of the fence are just as important. On the projects where we have been contracted to replace broken, corroded, and collapsed fences, a common thread we have picked is the frustration that property owners have with fences that flattered to deceive. We have learned that a fence may not return the expected long use-life, not because of poor quality materials, but because of a lack of maintenance. This is true for wood fences that have to be resealed and vanished regularly. Of course, there are fencing materials, like vinyl that require very little if any maintenance. The right fence does not have to cost a fortune Despite all we know about secure, good-looking fences that offer enough privacy, why do homeowners end up with fences that barely deliver on these qualities? The answer supposedly has to do with the budget. But the budget isn’t entirely the challenge. A chain-link fence can offer acceptable privacy and score just as high on the aesthetic scale. All it takes is some imagination and creativity. For example, you can easily dress up your plain-looking, see-through chain-link fence by planting some flowering vines through it. With keen maintenance, the vines can transform the fence into a head-turner that offers complete privacy. The appearance of wood can work as well as the real thing Wood fences are popular for a reason. They have a natural charm and warmth that is hard to beat. Sustainable and natural, wood is an opaque fencing material that guarantees privacy and security. While wood fences are good-looking, they come with a huge maintenance burden. Without regular maintenance, they will not look as good for long and will rot and fall apart in no time. Hardwoods produce stronger fences, but they come with a suitably prohibitive price tag. If you like the look and privacy quality of wood, perhaps you don’t necessarily have to install a wooden fence. A vinyl fence can give you the look you are after, without the burden of heavy maintenance. It will last many times longer, too. Vinyl manufacturing technology has advanced so much that you can get realistic-looking wood-like vinyl fences in any shade you like. It is indestructible by wood’s archnemeses, termites and rot. Remarkably fire-resistant, vinyl is an install-and-forget fencing material every busy homeowner will love. Admittedly, vinyl costs more than wood. But that’s when you only consider the cost of materials without lifetime care and maintenance costs. When you factor in all the costs and its remarkable durability, vinyl is likely much cheaper than wood and other fencing materials. Why choosing the right fence installer matters in Waterloo A fence is as secure and durable as the quality of its installation. All the hard work of choosing the right fence type and material for your type of property and security needs can be undone by choosing an inexperienced fence installer. Beyond qualifications and professional memberships, choosing a local contractor is acutely important. An experienced local contractor will know Waterloo’s codes and fencing regulations and isn’t going to install a fence that is taller than what is allowed for your area. The City of Waterloo regulates fence installation based on the yard or property type. The fence bylaw places restrictions on fence height depending on whether it is a corner or interior lot. It also lays out specific guidelines for Driveway Visibility Triangle (DVT) and Daylight Visibility Triangle (DLVT). Failure to meet fence bylaw regulations may attract a fine on top of being asked to take the fence down. So choosing an experienced local fencing contractor who is well-versed with local bylaws will help you avoid unnecessary headaches and costs. Choose Jay Fencing for the best fence installation services in Waterloo, ON. It is not enough to look up a fencing contractor online and reading reviews left on their website. To be sure they are as good as they claim to be, it is best to check out, in person, the projects they have done. Looking at a prospective contractor’s work up close helps you decide if the quality of their work fits well with your expectations. Do their fences hold up? What do their former clients have
Do I Need My Neighbour’s Permission Before Fencing My Property?
Fencing in Kitchener: Do I Need My Neighbour’s Permission Before Fencing My Property? When you erect a fence around your residential property in Kitchener, not too often do you envisage a conflict with your neighbors. Your intentions with the fence are often to improve privacy, protect your children and pets, and to keep out unwanted guests. But, as you may discover, fences are a fertile area for disputes between neighbors. Whether it’s you or your neighbor building a fence along an abutting property line, there is a need for some level of cooperation and, to some extent, consultation. There are matters of cost, repair, and maintenance of the fence to consider. In that regard, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is: Do I Need My Neighbor’s Permission Before Erecting a Fence? You do not need your neighbor’s permission to build a fence around your property. But you do need to know where the property line (the line dividing your property from the neighbours) is as if your fence strays into your neighbor’s property, they will have a valid case for encroachment against you. Where the fence sits on the property line, you will need to talk to them first. Moreso if you intend to ask the neighbor to absorb half the cost of the fence. You will need to agree on the cost and type of fence. If the type of fence you desire costs more than a standard, secure fence, above whose cost your neighbor is unwilling to pay, you will have to pay the remainder on your own. In cases where the adjoining landowner refuses to foot their part of the fence’s cost, repair, or reconstruction, the Line Fences Act gives you room to refer the matter to arbitration. The arbitration will determine “what portion of the fence each owner shall construct, reconstruct or repair, and maintain …” If arbitration and lengthy discussions with neighbors are too draining, you could just choose to erect the fence within your side of the property line. You would not need to share costs with your neighbor. Neither will you need their consent. Fence wars can get very ugly and will leave lasting damage on your relations with neighbors. Where you can, avoid them. Are you thinking of erecting a fence around your property in Kitchener? Consider the highly experienced team at Jay Fencing. From chain-link fences to PVC fences and everything in between, we have the expertise to erect fences that will last, while looking as good as a fence can. Talk to us today.