Your wood fence exudes rustic, outdoor charm! In the privacy of your backyard, you smile as you take in the sweeping Colorado vistas. A once open and under-utilized yard now hosts parties and cookouts.
The lifespan of a Wood Fence in Colorado
Unfortunately, the harsh elements of Colorado weather and roaming wildlife can batter a poorly maintained fence. You don't want to have to replace your property protection every five years. But as a Colorado homeowner, how can you protect it? And how long can you expect your fence to last? Rest assured! Maintenance and protective coatings for Colorado wood fences are relatively inexpensive.
A well-constructed fence made of wood in Colorado Springs and Denver areas should last approximately fifteen years. However, upkeep and minor repairs may extend a fence's lifespan to twenty years. Here are some tips to ensure the maintenance and protection of your wood fence.
Proper Wood Fence Maintenance
As with all loving relationships, a little fence TLC goes a long way. You wouldn’t want to wait for your car engine to explode to deal with service issues. Similarly, wood fence repairs are more affordable than replacement.
Some fence repairs are DIY, and some require the assistance of a Colorado fence contractor. Ensuring proper fence maintenance can go a long way in protecting your fence and backyard aesthetics.
Small DIY repairs include filling small holes with putty or wood filler. Miniscule cracks are also easy to fix with wood filler. You will still want to refinish or repaint the fence to maintain a uniform color.
More extensive issues such as gaping holes or warped wood require post replacement and should be left to professionals to prevent future upkeep headaches. But, the cost of these repairs is minimal compared to the cost of replacing the fence. Colorado fence contractors encounter broken fence issues often and are well-equipped to help you.
Inspect Your Fence
The first step in proper fence maintenance is simple. Remember to schedule your wood fence inspections on your calendar, and why not make it a fun event? Plan it for the end of a family gathering when you need a fifteen-minute escape. On the first warm day of a Colorado summer, blast some tunes, crack open a beer, and jot down small repair needs to address.
If you periodically inspect your fence wood components, you will spot minor issues before they grow into major problems. After a particularly harsh Colorado winter or a summer, check on the condition of your wood fence. Don’t wait until the fence is destroyed to replace loose lumber or refinish the pickets.
Missing or split posts are easy to spot damage. However, new cracks, swollen wood, or crazed woodpecker attacks are only noticeable upon close inspection. If minor wood fence damage is dealt with immediately, your need for more significant repairs down the road will lessen.
Clean Your Fence
Although this sounds like a daunting task, cleaning your wood fence isn't difficult. A clean fence will keep your property bright and help prevent the cost of quick replacement. And, you only have to put this on your calendar every few years.
Use a pressure washer on the posts to spray away dirt clumps, weeds, mildew, and insects. The compounds used in pressure washers keep bugs away and help prevent water damage. A hose and a simple household cleaning product are the only tools needed for the pickets. While cleaning, if you notice a warping in the wood or a split post, repair these issues right away. Ignoring small issues can prove costly in the future.
Use Protective Coatings
A protective coating completes the appearance of a wood fence. Choose your coating based on style, the type of lumber used in the fence, and the durability of the finish.
In Colorado, protection against the elements is imperative. However, you don't want to compromise the look of your fence. The three most common coatings for fencing made of wood are stain, paint, and waterproofing sealer.
A stain provides a natural look and a durable finish. A solid, opaque stain will hide imperfections in the wood, and maintain a uniform color. Semi-transparent and transparent stains allow the natural wood grain to shine.
Painted wood fences are splashy and full of personality, but more difficult to upkeep. You can use paint to accent the colors of your home's exterior or to coordinate with your artistic flair. Paint requires an oil-based primer followed by exterior latex paint. As time passes, if you choose to change the color of a wood fence or notice significant chips in the paint, you'll need to strip the original coats before repainting.
A waterproofing sealer is a great third option for a wood fence. Colorado homeowners that choose the rustic beauty of cedar or redwood are also choosing woods that are not rot-resistant if untreated. Using a waterproof sealer can stave off natural moisture decay. And adding a UV stabilizer to the sealer will slow down natural discoloration.
Summary
The lifespan of a wood fence in Colorado varies. Wildlife and wild weather, along with normal wear and tear, contribute to the need for inspection and maintenance. Ensuring proper maintenance and using protective coatings will help your fence to last!
Blicks Fencing has proudly served the Front Range of Colorado for over 30 years. We care about your fence and can lend our expertise to all of your fencing projects. We provide fence installation and repair to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Fully licensed, insured and your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Call now for a Denver/Colorado Springs area fence repair quote
Denver/Highlands Ranch (720) 841-2687
Colorado Springs (719) 574-5441
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