A wood fence around your property has a beautiful, classic look. However, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking great. If you had a Houma, LA wood fence installed a while ago and it’s now time to perform some maintenance, the experts at Houma Fence Company are here to offer you five tips that will keep your fence in tip-top shape!

# 1 – Regularly Inspect Your Fence

The first thing you want to do to maintain your Houma, LA wood fence is to regularly take a walk along your fence line. As you walk, take a close look at both sides of your fence and note any issues that you may find. Winter weather can be quite tough on a wood fence. Damage can occur through strong winds, rain, and snow, so inspecting your fence in the spring is a good idea, as you can check for damaged boards or posts; peeling, chipping, or damaged paint; or damaged hardware. 

 

Use this time to make sure that the fence boards aren’t loose and the posts are still firmly in the ground. Take a moment to gently shake them to ensure that they are still secure and strong. You will also want to check your gates and latches to make sure everything is functioning correctly.

 

Checking these things on a regular basis will prevent minor issues from becoming major items of repair. 

# 2 – Note Any Fence Repairs Needed

As you check your fence, be sure to take note of any broken or split boards as well as signs of damage such as rot or pest damage. Taking care of these problems quickly will keep your fence in good shape for much longer. Replacing individual boards or posts that have cracked, warped, or rotted is an easy job with minimal cost. 

 

If you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, fixing small repairs can be a cost-effective and rewarding experience. However, if the repairs are extensive or just beyond your confidence level, call Houma Fence Company! We are experts in Houma residential fence installation and repair and are just a phone call away. We are always ready and happy to help.  

# 3 – Remove Stains or Dirt from your Wood Fence

Wood fences are the most susceptible to grime and mildew buildup. That being the case, your wood fence should be checked regularly and promptly dealt with.  Taking care of these issues quickly, especially when it comes to mold and mildew, will keep them from spreading to other parts of your fence and becoming a more difficult problem. 

 

Simply spraying your fence with a hose should remove any light dirt, grime, or mildew. However, for areas that have heavy debris like moss or mud, you should use a brush with a gentle cleanser to restore your fence to its original state. Using a pressure washer is also an effective way to remove buildup, but be sure not to use anything higher than 1500-2000 PSI on wood fences. Additionally, an angular tip should be used to fan out the water spray. It’s easier to take care of these stains when they are small and manageable, so frequently check your fence and immediately clean any spots you may find. 

# 4 – Clean Up Surrounding Landscaping 

To freshen up the overall look of your yard, spruce up the landscaping around your fence. When planting new shrubs and bushes or trimming existing ones, remember to leave adequate space between them and your fence so that the airflow is good, decreasing the chance of mold and mildew growth. Additionally, you will want to pay close attention to any overhanging tree limbs or damaged branches and trim them to prevent the possibility of them falling on and breaking your fence. 

# 5 – Protect Your Fence With Quality Stain 

Carefully evaluate the condition of your fence’s stain. Typically, your fence will need to be restained every two to three years. If needed, be sure to recoat your fence to protect it and keep it looking new. Staining your fence can be an affordable and easy DIY project, but be sure to contact Houma Fence Company for the best procedures and products to refinish your fence. 

Your Locally Owned Houma, LA Fence Company is Here to Help!

If you perform all of these suggestions but find that your fence is needing more than routine maintenance or it is beyond repair, our friendly team of experts is here to help advise you on the options for a new fence. Check out the online quote tool on our website and get a quick and thorough preliminary quote. If you would like to consider options other than wood, you can see those on our vinyl fence, aluminum fence, and chain link fence pages.   

Houma Fence Company has many options for your new Houma residential fence! We are here to answer all of your questions and help you through the process from start to finish! For professional service that sets us apart, give us a call at (985) 612-7870 or contact us online today!