How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Fence

Your fence is asked to stand up to some pretty strenuous conditions. Heavy winds, harsh sun, corrosive salt air and moisture from the ground are all conspiring to bring down your fence—figuratively and literally. However, today’s fencing materials are more innovative than ever and are able to stay strong in the face of day-to-day abuses.

By putting some thought into your fencing choices, you can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your fence and get more life out of it before repairs and replacement are needed.

Moisture and decay resistant posts

Fence posts provide the structural support for your fence, so if their integrity is compromised, the whole fence suffers. Therefore, the type of posts you select have a huge impact on how long your fencing will last. The tragic truth about all types of wood is this: nature is designed to reclaim it. Natural systems begin the process of decay the minute you install your posts in the ground, so if you want to extend the life of your fence, your mission is to do everything possible to counteract this cycle.

Since the fence post makes direct contact with soggy earth, moisture is its number one threat. Instead of rough lumber which absorbs moisture like a sponge, use pressure treated wood fence posts that are intended to have direct contact with soil. Ground contact treated lumber meets ICC building codes for outdoor project use by blocking absorption of moisture from the earth and resisting termite damage and fungal rot.

Another option is to install a metal post made of galvanized steel. Master Halco’s line of PostMaster® fence posts are made from structural steel coated with a heavy galvanized layer, designed to support wooden fences. They allow you to achieve the aesthetic beauty of a wood fence with the strength, support and longevity of galvanized steel.

Create an extra barrier with asphalt emulsion

If you’re using regular wood fence posts or pressure treated lumber, you can add an additional layer of protection between the post and the earth by painting the bottom of each post with asphalt emulsion. Sealing the tips of your posts can extend your fence’s lifespan by years. The asphalt, water, and emulsifying agent combo seals off the pores of the wood to ward off invasive moisture and pests. To use, dip the end of the fence post to slightly above your concrete line to ensure that the area of the wood closest to the ground receives adequate cover.

Check your footings

How you set your posts also has a big impact on how much moisture comes in contact with your fence. To protect your posts from rot, reduce prolonged contact with moisture. Use a galvanized column post bases to keep each post itself up off of the ground. Or, line your post footing hole with gravel or rock to drain water away from the fence post and keep the end of the post from directly resting in the dirt.

Vinyl fencing: long-lasting and low maintenance

To avoid the problems that arise when nature attacks wood, eliminate wood altogether by installing a vinyl fence. Gone are the basic, plastic looking “white picket” vinyl fences of yesteryear. Vinyl fencing has come a long way. Not only does modern vinyl fencing mimic the look of wood, it’s been carefully developed to withstand heavy winds, sun, and moisture, year after year. Not only is vinyl durable, but there are many creative options to build a fence that complements your home’s unique style.

Though vinyl fencing may be a slightly higher initial investment, built-in UV protection means you don’t have to paint or replace the fence as often. ActiveYards has several lines of fencing that feature a wood-like texture, come in variety of colors, and have a high degree of customizability (ex. horizontal, mixed materials, flexible). If you’re looking for a fence that lasts a long time with minimum maintenance, vinyl is a strong contender.

Spruce Up Your Yard with a Horizontal Fence

Invest in hardware intended for outdoor use

Skimping on fencing hardware puts your whole fence at risk for an early demise. The telltale signs of incorrect hardware are rust streaks that appear over time, which means that the hardware is not intended for outdoor use. This is an easily avoidable issue that will help you add years onto the lifespan of your fence. Use galvanized fasteners, coated screws or stainless-steel screws that are intended for outdoor use.

Your fence adds the finishing touch to your property, so don’t take it for granted. Investing in quality materials and remaining vigilant about protection will help you install a fence that is set up to stay strong and look good for years to come.

Is it time to give your fence a facelift? Chat with the experts at your local J&W Lumber and let’s get to work.