It’s more than just about making it look nice!
A wood fence is a wood fence. It stands there for at least a decade, protecting your property from trespassers, marking your boundaries, and perhaps providing privacy. You might see old fences around your neighborhood looking charming with their gray, weathered look. They might even be crusted with lichen. Is cleaning a wood fence worth it?
Why Clean a Wood Fence?
Before explaining why it would be a good idea to clean a wood fence, it is good to mention that there are certainly times when you might prefer to not clean the fence. If you love the look of a silvery, gray, worn-out fence, then it is a good idea to let it weather on its own or clean it less frequently at the very least.
The problem is that your wood fence will likely not last as long as a fence that is regularly inspected, cleaned, stained, and repaired. When you have to replace parts of your wood fence, such as a picket or two, the new boards will be a distinctly different color from the rest of the fence.
That might just be a detail for people who really care about their home’s curb appeal, but there is an even more important reason why cleaning a wood fence is worth it. We come back to the original point. Your wood fence is likely to deteriorate faster, experiencing splinters, cracks, and shrinkage as time goes on. What’s more, it could suffer from mold, mildew, and insect damage, causing it to rot before its time.
The simple solution is to keep it clean and stained. Instead of letting the fence rot away, cleaning off the dirt, scrubbing off the mold, and protecting it from further damage every few years will keep it in great condition and help you save money.
How to Clean a Wood Fence
Pressure Washing
You can rent or purchase a pressure washer. Use the correct pressure or spray nozzle to clean the fence effectively without damaging it.
Scrubbing
Use a stiff-bristled brush and a detergent like warm, soapy water or a white vinegar solution to remove stains, mold, and mildew.
Sanding and Staining
Sand down any splinters or rough spots before applying a stain. This stain can be clear, opaque, or solid.
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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