Maintaining & Extending The Life of Your Wooden Fence
Many homes on Daniel Island have wooden privacy or picket fences. These fences typically last about 15 years, but with proper maintenance you can extend the life of your wooden fence to 20 years or more. The Daniel Island CC&Rs (governing documents) and Daniel Island ARB Guidelines state that each owner shall maintain their fence in a manner consistent with the Community-Wide Standard and the Daniel Island ARB Design Guidelines.
In the lowcountry of South Carolina, treated lumber is used primarily for wooden fences because it helps in resisting decay and rot. There are other types of lumber available that can be used as well.
Fence posts should always be pressure-treated because they come into contact with the ground. The exposure to moisture and insects will cause the wood to rot faster if it is not pressure-treated.
The pickets, or vertical boards of the fence, do not need to be pressure-treated because they are above the ground, but pressure treated lumber is highly recommended.
When installing a new fence or repairing or replacing an existing fence, the quality of the wood is important. Higher quality wood is dried out more and will reduce the cure time before painting. Less expensive wood may be “green” or wet and takes longer to dry out before painting. The time for this process can be anywhere for 3 to 6 months. This period allows time for the wood and chemicals used for pressure treating the wood to dry out. If the fence is not dry, you will end up sealing moisture in, which can lead to rot and decay. Pressure-treated wood is protected from fungal decay and termites, but it is still subject to swelling, shrinking, cracking, and warping, so it is important to perform some basic maintenance on your fence every two or three years.
Inspect and Repair Each Year
Once a year, take a walk around your yard and inspect your fence for signs of damage or rot. Replace broken boards, hammer in loose nails, or tighten screws. Check each section of the fence to make sure it is securely attached to the next one. If any sections of the fence are leaning, make sure the posts are seated firmly in the ground. You may need to replace the posts if they are in poor condition. Check the hinges and locks on your gates to make sure they are secure and lined up properly. You can lubricate them with automotive grease if needed.
If you find any splits, cracks, or chips in the wood, use a waterproof wood glue to seal the damage. This will prevent moisture from causing further deterioration.
Pressure-treated lumber is not completely resistant to water intrusion, so any steps you take to minimize its exposure to moisture will help prolong the life of the wood. Adjust sprinkler heads to minimize contact with the fence. Trim back bushes and vines so that they do not hang on the fence adding weight and holding on to moisture.
Make sure the area around the fence has proper drainage so that water does not pool around the posts. The soil at the base of each post should be firmly packed and have a slight slope away from the fence.
Clean Every 2 – 3 Years
Every two to three years, clean the wood to remove dirt, moss, mildew, and graying. Then, recoat with a UV inhibiting, water-repellent coating. After making repairs, scrape off any moss or loose, peeling paint until you can see new wood, and clean the fence with a pressure washer. In some situations, sanding may be needed. If you notice mold on the fence, you can mix a solution of 20% bleach to 80% mild detergent and spray it on the fence an hour before washing it. This will help kill any mold spores and help prevent them from growing back.
Reseal or Paint After Cleaning
Paint or stain should be reapplied every 3 – 5 years, if not sooner. Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering, and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant. You can use a brush or a power sprayer with a tip that is made for stain, which is thinner than paint. The quality of paint is important and of course the better paint offers a longer protection period.
If you wish to make any modifications to the style of your fence as well as repainting your fence, these modifications must be approved by the DI ARB before beginning the work. Please click the links below to view the Modification Application Form and Exterior Colors and Materials Review Form to submit for changes.
- https://dicommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DI-ARB-Modification-Application-2019-REVISIONS.pdf
- https://dicommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/New-Construction-Exterior-Color-and-Materials-Review-Form-2017.pdf
Some simple maintenance will extend the life of your fence, making your yard more attractive and saving you money in the long term.
