Fences are important investments that protect properties, provide privacy, and enhance curb appeal. Like any exterior structure, fences require periodic maintenance to maximize their lifespan and performance. The damp climate and seasonal variations in the UK make fences vulnerable to issues like mold, algae growth, warping, rust, and more. Neglecting maintenance can lead to more rapid deterioration, costly repairs, and even full replacements.
Fencing contractors who handle installation are also the best resource for ongoing fence maintenance. Their expertise allows them to properly inspect fences, identify potential problems, and address them through cleaning, repairs, protective treatments, and replacements when needed. Investing in regular professional maintenance pays dividends through better durability, aesthetics, security, and cost savings over the long run.
The Need for Fence Maintenance
Regular fence maintenance enhances durability and prevents deterioration from consistent moisture and exposure. It also maintains an attractive appearance and optimal function.
Factors like rain, wind, pollution, sunlight, and seasonal shifts from cold winters to warmer summers subject exterior fences to significant wear and tear.
Neglected fences may warp, fade, accumulate mold and algae, suffer pest infestation or rotting, and eventually fail to provide security and privacy.
Key Reasons Fences Need Maintenance
Moisture and Seasonal Shifts
Wet weather combined with sunlight and fluctuating temperatures damage coatings and material integrity over time.
Wear from Wind and Pollutants
Strong winds gradually undermine structural stability, while pollution creates surface stains.
Pest Infestations
Termites, carpenter ants, and wood borers are attracted to untreated wooden fences and can severely compromise their strength.
UV Damage from the Sun
Sunlight fades color and weakens vinyl and wood fencing materials, causing brittleness, cracks, and warping over time.
Accumulation of Dirt, Mold, and Algae
Fences accumulate debris, while moisture enables mold, algae, and other buildup that retains moisture and accelerates deterioration.
Types of Fences Requiring Maintenance
All exterior fences need occasional inspection and maintenance, but some require more care than others based on their materials and structural properties.
Wooden Fences
Vulnerabilities:
- Rot, cracking, splitting, warping
- Pest infestations from termites/ants
- Fading and discoloration
Maintenance Needs:
- Regular staining/sealing
- Damage repairs
- Treatment for pests
- Replacing rotten boards
Metal Fences
Vulnerabilities:
- Rust
- Corrosion
- Dents and damage
Maintenance Needs:
- Rust/corrosion prevention
- Touch up painting
- Damage repair
- Treatment for algae or mold
Vinyl Fences
Vulnerabilities:
- Fading color
- Accumulated dirt/stains
- Brittleness and cracking
Maintenance Needs:
- Regular cleaning
- Monitoring for damage
- Replacing damaged parts
Services Fencing Contractors Offer for Maintenance
Hiring the fencing company that did the original installation for maintenance makes sense since they understand the specific products used and how to properly service them over time. Typical contractor maintenance services include:
Inspections
- Check fences for issues like pest infestation, mold growth, stability, levelness, and early signs of rot or damage.
- Perform thorough periodic assessments, usually annually at minimum.
- Make recommendations for any repair or deterioration prevention needs.
Repairs
- Reinforce posts, fasteners, and gates.
- Mend small gaps or holes in fencing.
- Replace damaged or rotten boards, pickets, rails, and posts.
Cleaning
- Pressure wash or scrub fences to remove dirt, mud, mold, algae, and built up debris.
- Cleaning enhances appearance and protects surfaces.
Protective Treatment and Coating
- Apply specialized protective stains, seals, or paints tailored for the fencing material.
- Added coatings protect from moisture, pests, UV rays, and other deterioration factors.
- Reapplication done on manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
How Often Fences Need Maintenance
Maintenance frequency depends on several factors:
Fencing Materials
- Wood requires the most frequent maintenance with sealing/staining every 2-3 years. Annual inspections help detect pest/rot issues early.
- Vinyl is more durable but still needs periodic cleaning every 1-2 years, plus checks for cracks/damage.
- Metal fences should be painted/sealed every 3-5 years, plus annual rust and stability inspections.
Climate Conditions
- Wet, humid, coastal, or markedly seasonal climates accelerate wear and tear. Fences in these areas need more frequent maintenance than arid inland climates.
- Coastal fences also need vigilance to prevent corrosion from sea salt.
Installation Quality
- Fences poorly installed without proper structural reinforcement require repairs and compromise durability.
- Properly installed high-quality fences last significantly longer between major maintenance needs.
Fence Purpose
- Decorative fences demand upkeep to maintain aesthetics.
- Boundary fences around pools or playgrounds need safety-focused vigilance.
In general, a yearly inspection plus cleaning every 1-3 years extends lifespan. Staining, sealing and minor repairs should be done as needed based on fence material and condition.
Cost Factors and Considerations
- Preventative maintenance is far more affordable than replacing an entire fence, saving 75% or more depending on project specifics.
- Fence repairs incurred early on cost significantly less in terms of both money and material wastage rather than delaying until cumulative damage necessitates full sections being rebuilt or replaced.
- Vinyl and metal fences have lower maintenance costs overall compared to wood fencing, although wood offers a classic aesthetic when properly maintained.
- Higher quality wood fencing construction may justify its higher yet indispensable maintenance requirements for those desiring its distinctive properties.
Variables Impacting Maintenance Costs:
- Fence height and total length
- Access complexity
- Material costs in the region
- Extent of damage or deterioration
Bottom Line: Diligent maintenance earns back the investment exponentially in lifespan value and asset protection over years of useful service. Replacing an entire fence costs roughly five times as much as cumulative periodic maintenance expenses accrued over 20 years.
DIY vs Professional Maintenance
Homeowners debating whether to DIY or hire a pro for fence maintenance should consider several factors:
Benefits of DIY Maintenance
- Saves on labor costs
- Provides control over the timing
Downsides of DIY
- Special equipment like pressure washers often required
- More time intensive
- Subpar results from lack of experience risks long-term damage
- Greater injury liability
Benefits of Professional Maintenance
- Specialized expertise and efficiency
- Right equipment for all fence types
- Better cleaning and treatment results
- Identifies issues early before they escalate
Considerations for Professionals
- Higher cost than DIY although very worthwhile long-term investment
- Scheduling and access coordination
In summary, professionals take the burden off homeowners and use proper methods less likely to cause inadvertent damage. The small additional cost brings commensurate upside in preserving each fence’s lifespan, safety, and aesthetics.
Signs a Fence Needs Maintenance
Homeowners observing any of the following indicators should consider contacting a professional for a more thorough assessment:
- Visibly damaged, loose, cracked or splintered boards
- Mold, algae, heavy dirt or noticeable fading
- Leaning, detached or loose posts/poles at any point
- Breached perimeter or holes allowing animals/pests through
- Gates sagging or failing to fully close
- Exposed, frayed or loose wires on chain link fences
Failure to address the above increases chances of irreversible deterioration, injury hazards, pest infiltration and security risks. Early intervention pays off.
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