The leaves are changing colors, the temperature has cooled down, so that can only mean autumn is finally here. Fall is a beautiful time of year to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, but there is also work to be done during this time of year. Now is the perfect time to perform some maintenance measures to ensure your fence lasts through the harsh Maryland winter. Luckily, we have some fall fence maintenance tips for you.
Inspect Your Fence
One of the first things you need to do is thoroughly inspect your fence for signs of damage. This could include weather-damaged or rotting pickets, boards that need staining, rusting posts and hinges, and making a note of any areas that may be leaning or appear weaker than they were before. If you find a substantial amount of damage, it may be a good idea to contact a professional fencing company to repair your fence before winter.
Clean Up Debris
Your fence maintenance plan should include the cleaning of leaves and debris around the base of the fence. Foliage and trash can hold onto moisture from rainstorms and early snowfall and lead to rot and shifting soil. It is also a good idea to trim back any trees or bushes hanging over your fence. Heavy snowfalls can cause branches to break and fall on your fence, inflicting damage.
Waterproof Your Fence
If you have a wooden fence, you know how dangerous water can be to the integrity of your fence. Autumn is the perfect time to waterproof your fence to prepare it for the winter. Moisture weakens the wood fibers of your fence and promotes mold growth, mildew, and rot. Before winter begins, apply a waterproof stain or sealant to your wood fence. Including this step in your regular maintenance process can lengthen the lifespan of your fence and prevent expensive repairs.
Replace Damaged Posts
If you want your fence to last for years, you need to repair or replace any damaged boards as soon as possible. One cracked board threatens the stability of the entire fence, and rain or wind damage can make the damage worse. Failing to replace cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged boards can result in additional damage and costs later on.
Remove Rust from Your Metal Fence
While the sight of orange leaves is lovely on trees, you do not want to see that same color on your metal fence. Rust is a corrosive material that should be removed from your fence as soon as you find it, especially on gate hinges, posts, and at the base of the fence.
Contact Hercules GSA Today!
Whether you need a commercial or a high-security fence, Hercules Fence GSA can do the job for you. We have been providing professional, quality service since 1955 and work to uphold our reputation every day. We have locations across the Maryland and Washington Metropolitan area and are ready to cater to your fencing needs. Give us a call at (410)-799-1555 or contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for more updates.