The sun, rain, snow and wind can really beat up your fence during the varied weather patterns that hit the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. Maintaining your fence, no matter what material it is, can add to its longevity and keep it looking its best.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is durable and has little maintenance, but that does not mean there is not something you can do to keep it nice. First and foremost, is to just survey your fencing when the seasons change. This just takes the amount of time to walk around your yard to make sure that there is not any damage or loose areas. If you have any concerns about what you see, contact us to review any problems. Pay special attention to the fence caps, which can be affected by freezing and thawing and wind.
The main work that needs to be done with PVC or vinyl materials is cleaning the panels consistently. While a rinse with a hose is sufficient, a wipe down with a diluted gentle household cleanser and sponge hands-on should be done at least once a year to help stop staining and growth of plants, such as algae.
Wrought-Iron Fencing
The worry with wrought-iron is rust, so if you stay on top of this, you can enjoy the beauty of your fencing today and in the future. Inspections are very important for this type of material. You should look for loose hardware or footings, cracks, damage and of course, rust. Sanding off areas of rust with a fine wire brush is important to keep it from spreading to other areas.
Cleaning gently is also key to the life of wrought-iron. A small compact brush, such as a toothbrush, can help get into crevices and corners. Protection can help keep rust away. Water repellent or another protective coating such as a car wax can help keep water off the fencing and prevent the weather elements from getting in.
Wood Fencing
Wood can be vulnerable to not only rotting areas but also an insect infestation. A careful inspection is essential for any homeowner with a wood fence. Check for broken or rotting panels, loose nails, general damage, loose posts from soil erosion and overgrowth of plants up to the fencing that may cause moisture to be trapped. Sprinklers should be directed away from wood fencing as the water can cause discoloration. As long as water is beading on the material, then you are good to go. If it starts soaking in, it is time to re-paint, re-stain or re-seal the material.
It May Be Time For Something New
No matter how much work is put into maintenance, time can be the ultimate game-changer. As the years go on, materials can just break down. If you would like to review your options for a new fence, visit our online form to connect with a member of our team at Fence Masters.
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