Fence rot can affect the strength and durability of your fence, as well as its aesthetic appeal.
If you have a wooden fence on your property, it is important to maintain it properly. Wood can be a very affordable and appealing material; however, fence rot may occur if a wooden fence is improperly cared for. It can affect the strength and durability of your fence, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, you can do a few things to prevent rotting fences and keep your fence looking beautiful. Let’s go over some of the causes of fence rot and how to keep it at bay.
What is Fence Rot?
Fence rot is prevalent in wooden fences and can be caused by exposure to the elements. It causes the wood to deteriorate and, if left untreated, can cause the fence to collapse completely. There are two types of rot: dry rot and wet rot.
Wet rot occurs when there is excess moisture on the wood. Because the ground is often very moist, wet rot will most commonly occur at the bottom of the fence or on the posts. Wet rot may be accompanied by fungal growth, and you may notice a musty smell as well.
On the other hand, dry rot happens when your fence is constantly exposed to harsh, dry, and sunny conditions. This dries out the wood to the point where it may break or crumble into pieces.
How to Prevent Fence Rot
Although fence rot is very common, there are some ways that you can prevent it from damaging your fence. If you are planning to install a new wooden fence, consider using wood that can stand up to harsh environments. Wood species such as cedar, juniper, and redwood are great at standing up against moisture.
Regularly staining your fence is also an excellent method to keep rot at bay. It is recommended to stain your wooden fence at least once a year. However, you may need to stain your fence more or less frequently based on several environmental factors. These factors can include the average temperature in your area, the soil surrounding your fence, and average rainfall.
Lastly, it is important to clean your fence and remove any debris to keep it in good condition. Damp leaves, grasses, and plants are all types of debris that can enter your fence through small cracks and crevices. And it is when dirt and soil enters these cracks that rot begins to form. Inspect your fence regularly to check for rot or any other damage.
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.
