How Do You Maintain A Wooden Fence?

Wooden fences are used to create privacy, protect small children and animals from leaving the yard, create a boundary to your property, improve security, or simply beautify your property. They are typically easy to install and easy to maintain. However, a neglected wooden fence can be subject to algae, mildew, or mold growth, which can lead to rotting. Keeping your wooden fence clean will extend its life and make your yard look great, too.

How Do You Clean A Wooden Fence?

Use a broom or a soft brush to sweep away cobwebs, dust, and other visible debris from the fence. Pay attention to any cracks or crevasses where insects may hide. Look for and remove any webs, cocoons, nests, or insect debris.

Then you are going to want to pressure wash your fence to remove stains, mildew, mold, or algae.

How Hard Is It To Maintain A Wooden Fence?

Maintaining a wooden fence is not difficult, but it isn’t totally carefree either. How much work is involved depends on the type of wood your fence is made from and whether it has been weather sealed. An old picket fence may be a great yard sale find to create a rustic backdrop for your flowers, but it may be more challenging to maintain, especially if it is made from raw wood, as algae and mold are more likely to affect raw or old wood.

Fence posts and individual boards may need replacing as your fence ages.

How Long Does A Wooden Fence Last?

The life of your wooden fence depends on the type of wood it is made from and the stress from the environment. Fences made from redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated pine often last for 20 years. Wood treated to resist termites and other insects last longer than fences made from raw wood.

How Can You Extend The Life Of A Wooden Fence?

You can extend the life of your wooden fence by staining or weather-sealing it, cleaning it regularly, and checking for insect damage frequently. Using a pressure washing service a couple of times a year will help prevent algae and mold growth and inhibit insect damage.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Wooden Fence?

To keep your wooden fence clean and in good condition, hire a professional pressure washing service a couple of times a year or more if needed. 

When Should You Hire A Professional To Power Wash Your Wooden Fence?

Professional cleaners like Squeegee Squad have the experience and expertise to attack difficult stains besides the standard mold and algae. While doing it yourself is typically fine for removing small spots from algae and mildew, a professional cleaner can do the job efficiently with the tools, equipment, and knowledge to get the job done. If your fence has more severe or stubborn stains, like rust or residue from the environment, Squeegee Squad has you covered!

Maintaining and washing your wooden fence will extend its life and keep it looking good, too. While you can wash it with the hose whenever it needs a quick cleaning, pressuring washing it a couple of times a year will keep it looking its best and extend its life, too.