Fall weather is the favorite of many people. Children’s cheeks turn pink in the cold air. Trees put on a brief but fiery display. People make the most of long, dark evenings by sipping hot beverages by the fireplace.
Even seasonal chores such as preparing your yard for winter have a pleasant, familiar feel. As you tidy the garden, don’t forget to give its perimeter a little love. A fence is a frame. A well-maintained border makes what lies within look better.
Autumn is a good time to inspect a fence and make needed repairs before winter weather comes blowing in. Here’s are how to take care of fall fence maintenance:
Cleaning Your Fence
Clean your wood or vinyl fence when it’s dirty. About once or twice a year is usually enough. Chain link fences rarely need cleaning. Hose off the wire when it needs sprucing up. Read more about cleaning a vinyl fence or a wood fence.
Sometimes morning glories, ivy or other vines use a fence as a makeshift trellis. Climbing vines look charming, but they can be hard on a structure. Remove plants and trim shrubs or trees. Greenery contributes moisture around a fence and can deposit dirt or debris.
Inspect and Repair
Take a close look at your fence and make a note of damage. Check for loose boards, holes, rusted latches and wobbly posts. On chain link mesh, inspect for rust and damage.
If you’re handy, make repairs yourself and contact Pacific Fencing for materials. If you prefer a professional to work on your fence, we’d be happy to help out.
Wood tends to need more repairs and maintenance than either vinyl or chain link. If a fence is rotting, it may be time for a new one. Look for signs of rotting or other types of damage. Here’s what to check:
- Loose, cracked or missing boards
- Leaning or damaged posts
- Sagging or crooked gates
- Rusted gate latches and fasteners
Prepare Your Fence for Winter
You should apply a waterproof sealer to your wood fence about once a year. In the Pacific Northwest, seal your fence in fall, ahead of winter rains. Even if you have a naturally rot-resistant cedar fence, you should use a sealant to prolong the life of the boards.
Not sure if your fence needs resealing? Check by splashing water on one of the boards. If the water beads, the waterproofing is still working. If the wood absorbs the water, the fence will look temporarily dark.
Vinyl fences are waterproof. You’ll never need to apply a sealer. Galvanized wire, the type we use in our chain link mesh, resists rust and doesn’t need to be sealed against moisture. We also offer vinyl coated wire and other types of finishes.
Don’t Let Debris Accumulate
Keep piles of leaves, pine needles, compost and firewood away from the fence. Organic material collects moisture and may promote mildew and rot. Vinyl won’t rot, but it may turn green if organic matter isn’t cleaned off.
Pacific Fence & Wire is your fencing specialists. Contact us today for fence repair or installation in Portland, Oregon.
