Fences beautify and protect, but no matter how maintenance-free a fencing material may be, it will still require some type of regular maintenance. The type of fencing material an individual has will dictate the amount of upkeep it will require and should be explored before opting for a specific material.

No matter what type of fencing an individual selects, there will be certain maintenance tasks that need to be completed, even if it’s only a weekly inspection of the hardware used to make connections. Other types of material will simply need to be washed down with a hose or pressure washer. Individuals should assess the time, effort and expense they’re willing to expend before they buy.

Wood

Fences constructed of wood will weather and become old-looking. They’ll need to be painted or stained – and applying a primer is recommended before painting. Depending on weather conditions, they may need attention every year to keep them looking good.

Wood fencing is also prone to depredations by insects and an application of an insecticide may be required to surroundings. Wood absorbs moisture, making it susceptible to cracking, rot, mold and mildew. The hardware used to join fencing will also need to be checked regularly to ensure it isn’t rusted or pulled out of the wood.

PVC/Vinyl

Five times stronger than wood, PVC/vinyl fencing requires little in the way of maintenance, withstands strong winds, and adverse weather conditions. It’s earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification and only needs to be washed down with a high-pressure hose.

Aluminum

Aluminum is typically treated with a powder coating for protection against oxidation and rust. It doesn’t require painting or staining. It will need to be wiped down periodically to remove dirt and debris.

SimTek®

The material requires the least amount of maintenance of any fencing on the market. The most it needs is a power washing to keep it looking attractive and to remove everything from dirt to graffiti.

The good news for owners of steel or wrought iron fencing that’s become rusty and unsightly is that the fence can be restored. It will require preparation, primer and elbow grease – or an electric tool to make the job easier and faster. Never attempt to simply paint over a metal fence. The results will look terrible and the paint will flake.

Metal fencing is typically treated with a specialized coating to prevent rusting, but even the best professionally-installed fence has a finite lifespan. If you have an aluminum fence, you won’t see it rust, but it will corrode over time. Metal fencing in South Florida is required to withstand stresses that other locations don’t, primary of which is salt from ocean spray and being drenched in ocean water during hurricanes.

Fence Restoration

Restoring your fence if it’s showing signs of rust will aid in prolonging its longevity and maintaining it’s beauty and effectiveness. You can prep the fence and do the work yourself, but it can be a time-consuming task, depending on the method you choose. The alternative is to hire a company that has the tools, technology and experience to do the work.

Before undertaking the project yourself, perform an inspection of the fence to determine the extent of the damage. The fence may simply be showing surface rust and can be restored. If the rust is extensive and has penetrated the surface, it may be a better idea to replace rather than restore.

If you’re performing the work yourself, it’s essential that you remove as much rust as possible. You can remove it manually using a sandblaster, grinder or a liquid rust remover. All the methods are effective, it just depends on how much time you want to invest.

When the fence is free of rust, all that’s left to do is apply a coat of primer and a new coat of anti-rust paint in the color of your choice. You can use a roller paintbrush to apply the primer and paint.

There comes a time when every home or business owner contemplates the repair or replacement of their existing fence. It may be that it’s already costing a considerable amount for upkeep or you may just want a change. Each situation is different and the following tips may help you make a decision.

Wooden Fences

A wood fence can be a lot of work and even a little bit of neglect can result in big problems. The fencing requires regular maintenance and even wolmanized wood has its limitations. If you’re tired of regularly checking the fence’s hardware, you have boards that are warped, falling down, or have fallen prey to insects, it’s time to replace the fence.

If the fence was installed for privacy or to contain children and pets, a damaged fence is a safety hazard. If an entire section falls, it can seriously injure someone. It leaves the property open to invasion by trespassers, while opening an escape route for kids and pets.

PVC Fencing

The many styles of PVC fencing has made it popular for a wide array of uses. They’re generally long lasting, but even PVC fences can need to be replaced. If the original fence was installed with lower quality vinyl, it can be damaged by UV rays and become brittle. If holes were drilled, they can split. If the repairs to a PVC fence entails anything more than patching a hole or very small crack, it’s a good idea to have it replaced.

Metal Fencing

If any part of your metal fence is damaged or rusted, contact a fencing professional as soon as possible. Metal fencing that’s been damaged is an eyesore and poses a danger for injury to people and pets. Children can easily exit and trespassers and wildlife can enter. A professional can tell you if repair or replacement is the better option.

Updating

Sometimes an older fence just doesn’t serve its intended purpose, you want a change, or you’re looking for a more stylish solution. A company specializing in multiple types of fencing can assist you with more modern materials and options.

A fence can serve a variety of purposes, from privacy and security to safety and curb appeal. Individuals have a variety of materials from which to choose that will complement their landscape, but even low-maintenance fences will need some care to prolong their lifespan.

Most modern fences require very little care to maintain their appearance. Some materials can last for 20 years or more and are eco-friendly. They’re highly-durable, but chemicals to control weed growth and insect pests in the surrounding landscape can result in staining.