A wood fence is a beautiful way to provide safety and privacy to your property. However, the same elements that make a wood fence beautiful are those that make it susceptible to rotting. Fortunately, with some simple maintenance, your wood fence can maintain its beauty for years to come.
Wet and Dry Rot
As they’re exposed to the full range of natural elements, wood fences in Rockville, MD, are susceptible to two types of rot: wet rot and dry rot. Wet rot occurs when portions of the fence are constantly exposed to moisture. This most often occurs around the base of the fence in yards that aren’t properly drained. Dry rot occurs from simple sun exposure as the heat and light dry out the wood’s natural oils over time, making it dry and brittle.
The best way to protect your wood fence in Rockville, MD, is to stain it with a high-quality stain once a year. By keeping a coat of stain on the wood, you provide a layer of defense that slows down the effects of the natural forces. The main way stains protect your wood fence is by preventing moisture from penetrating the microscopic gaps between the wood fibers. Thus, if you put some water on a portion of your fence and it doesn’t bead up, it’s time to add some stain.
Keep Plants Away
Plants that grow too close to your wood fence can cause issues with rot as well. Since the plants can cause the fence to retain moisture longer than it would if the fence was exposed to the sun, plants near your fence can quickly lead to wet rot. If it’s an ornamental plant causing the issue, try to transplant the specimen to a more central location. If it’s weeds that are causing your problem, a simple weed killer should do the trick.