What type of fence you have will determine what steps you can take this summer to make sure it can do its job season after season and year after year. Although you may think of winter as the harshest time of year for your fence, that isn’t always the case. Summer’s heat, storms, and insects can all be detrimental to your fence. Luckily, we’ve got some summer fence tips for you!
Visual Inspection
No matter what type of fence you have, you always want to make sure you’re giving it a visual inspection. Especially after any storms during the winter or summer, there is a chance that your fence suffered damage. No matter the time of year, it’s important to repair your fence as quickly as possible before it can become damaged further, or- worst case scenario- collapse. All you have to do is walk along your fence, taking note of any changes such as leaning posts or panels.
Trees, Leaves, and Plants
If there are any trees near your fence, this could spell disaster. High winds and rain can damage your fence all on their own. Unfortunately, they can also damage any trees near your fence. Broken or damaged branches have the potential to fall on your fence. It is best to have any overhanging branches trimmed before the summer even begins.
But it’s not just the trees themselves you need to worry about. Any leaves that fell during the fall or winter have likely built up against your fence. These leaves can trap moisture and be a breading ground for fungus and inspects. If you have a wooden fence, this extra moisture could lead to rot and compromise your fence’s structural integrity. For chain link fences that don’t have the proper finish, this could mean rust.
If you have flower beds or landscaping near your fence and use mulch, make sure you’re leaving a gap between it and your fence. Just like the leaves, mulch can trap excess moisture against your fence. The roots from trees and shrubs planted too close to your fence could also disrupt the footings of your posts.
Protecting the Surface
There are different ways to protect the surface of your fence. If you have a wooden fence, it will need to be painted or stained every few years. To make sure you wooden fence is ready for this application, drop a bead of water onto it. If it is absorbed immediately, this means it is ready to adsorb either your paint or stain. If the water droplet stays on the surface of your fence, then it is not ready.
Most aluminum fences will already come with a protective coating applied to them, to maximize their resistance to weather and moisture. If you have a chain link or other metal fence, there are rust resistant finishes that can be applied to them. This will prolong their life.
Don’t Forget About Gates
Gates are an important part of your fence. Whether you have small gates for pathways or larger ones for your driveway, they all need maintenance from time to time. You can oil or wax the hinges to keep them moving smoothly and reducing any squeaks. Properly maintained hinges will also last longer because there is less friction and wear and tear on them when they are well oiled.
Call the Professionals!
If summer rolls around and you find that your fence isn’t in optimal condition, it may be time to call in the professionals. They will be able to properly assess any damage your fence may have received during the winter and the best way to go about fixing it. You can request a quote from Clarksville Fencing today!
