Maintaining and Repairing a Picket Fence

Maintaining and Repairing a Picket Fence

If you have a wholesome picket fence surrounding the outskirts of your home or property, then you’re probably still in love with its aesthetic presence. However, due to he fact that picket fences are made from wood/timber can be problematic when it comes to durability throughout the years.

Timber is prone to deterioration when affected by strong weather and dampness, which is hard to control. Fortunately, if your picket fence is looking weak or deteriorating, you can repair r without needing to completely replace the entire structure. However, there are also instances where your fence is broken or weak in many areas, which may indicate that a new structure will be a better choice.

Protecting The Life Of Your Fence?

If you’re looking at installing a picket fence on your property, or already have one, the idea of prevention is vital. Rather than needing to attend to a fence that’s deteriorating or broken, it would be a lot better to prevent this issue. If you haven’t already thought about adding a stain and sealer to your picket fence, then this should be at the top of the list in terms of priority. With the right sealant added to your fence, you can dramatically decrease the likelihood of rotting.

Most people will already consider and stain sealant due to aesthetics, as the right stain can add beauty to the fence.

Below are a few tips that can assist in picking the right sealant and application:

  • Before applying any sort of stain or sealant, you need to ensure the wood is dry. If the wood isn’t dried out, then it will not properly absorb the application.
  • Existing wood should be properly cleaned to get the best result for your stain
  • Read all sealants and stains carefully before applying them to your fence. You’ll find there are many different types of products on the shelf, even ones that include both stain and sealant properties.
  • Protect your natural surroundings near the fence by utilising tarp or sheets, as plants and grass may die if touched by these products.

Replacing Damaged Pickets:

In some cases, the damage to your fence may be only on one or two pickets, maybe 3, which in most cases can be replaced without taking down the entire structure. All you need to know is what type of timber your picket is made from, or you can source an extra picket that matches your fence. You’ll find that the local hardware store should have a variety of picket types available and may even be able to custom-make ones that fit the current profile of your other ones.

Styles Include: Windsor, Gothic, Oxford, Acorn, and More!

Some Handy Tips:

  • You must safely take off the old picket before anything can be done. Use a claw, screwdriver, and any other tool you have to unhinge the picket from the rest of the structure.
  • Make sure you’re wearing gloves to prevent any damage to your hands, including blisters.
  • Make sure you measure the gap sizes between the current pickets, nd hethe ight in relation to the posts; it’s vital when aligning the new replacement picket.

You should use the assistance of a string line, which is easy to assemble with any type of string!

What if your picket fence is looking a bit worn overall?

Unfortunately, rotting of a picket fence can occur even with the best form of prevention, and many times due to the bottom of the pickets receiving too much moisture over the years. Drastic weather will also contribute to the deterioration of your fence, which is unavoidable. You’ll have to make a personal decision based on the health of your fence, or enlist the assistance of a fencing professional before deciding its fate.

If you do end up at the conclusion that you might need to install a new fence or get professional repairs, you’ll find a local fencing business that may be able to assist. You can contact the team at Fencing Stirling- Mike’s Fencing and Gates, as they can assist with a variety of fencing needs.

Looking after a picket fence, or any timber fence, can be difficult at times. However, you make a regular effort to check its condition and complete some research yo,u may be able to avoid complete replacement or deterioration.