How to extend the longevity of your wooden fence

Wooden fences are a classic feature of the Canadian landscape, symbolizing privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. From rural farms to suburban backyards, wooden fences have a storied history and continue to be a popular choice for homeowners. This article explores the origins of wooden fences in Canada and offers practical tips on how to protect this valuable investment.

Origins of Wooden Fences in Canada

The tradition of wooden fencing in Canada dates back to the early settlers who arrived from Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. These pioneers brought with them the knowledge and skills of constructing wooden fences, a practice common in their home countries. The abundant forests of North America provided an ample supply of timber, making wood a natural choice for building materials.

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Early Uses and Styles

1. Colonial Fences: The earliest wooden fences in Canada were simple structures designed to keep livestock contained and to mark property boundaries. Split rail fences, made from logs split lengthwise, were common due to their ease of construction and minimal need for tools.
2. Picket Fences: As settlements grew and towns developed, the picket fence became a symbol of the quaint, orderly suburban life. These fences, characterized by evenly spaced vertical boards (pickets), were often painted white and used to enclose gardens and front yards.
3. Post and Rail Fences: In rural areas, post and rail fences were popular for their durability and practicality. These fences, made with horizontal rails inserted into vertical posts, were ideal for large properties and agricultural use.

Modern Wooden Fences

Today, wooden fences in Canada come in a variety of styles, including privacy fences, lattice fences, and shadowbox fences. Modern treatments and finishes allow for greater customization and longevity, making wood a versatile and attractive option for homeowners.

Protecting Your Investment

A wooden fence is not only a functional addition to your property but also a significant investment. Anyone who paid contractors to build a new backyard fence, knows how costly new fence could be, especially if the old broken fence needed to be removed. Therefore proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and preserve its beauty. A wooden fence can last as long as multiple decades if cared for properly. And the best thing about fence maintenance is, it does not cost a lot to do so. Sometimes a simple use of water from your garden hose would do. Here are some tips to protect your wooden fence:

1. Regular Cleaning

• Why: Dirt, mold, and mildew can accumulate on the wood, leading to decay and discoloration.
• How: Clean your fence at least once a year with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Use a soft brush or a pressure washer on a low setting to remove debris.

Newly installed fence does not need to be cleaned for about up to a year due to protective film used to treat the lumber. If for some reason you should have lots of bird poop or bug infestation a.k.a mosquitos or spiders, it is highly recommended to clean your fence as needed. Any contamination staying for longer time on your fence can stain and discolour permanently your newly installed fence.

2. Sealing and Staining

• Why: Exposure to the elements can cause wood to warp, crack, and rot. Sealing and staining provide a protective barrier against moisture and UV rays.
• How: Apply a high-quality wood sealant or stain every two to three years. Choose products with UV inhibitors to prevent sun damage.

How to properly seal or stain your fence:

Newly installed fences do not need to be sealed during the first year to protective wood treatment film. After the first year, it is recommended to wash your fence prior sealing. You can use a regular dish washer soap and water to clean your fence, if your should have any discolouration from algae, moss or Bir poop, you can always use specialized wood cleaners sold in hardware stores. Sealing procedure can be done every year to two years. Simply repeat the process. Should your fence darken after years of good use, cleaning with garden hose will not work any longer, a good pressure washer needs to be utilized. Avoid cheap pressure washer, they don’t work because the amount of water needed to clean the fence efficiently is not given and most of home owners do the mistake by moving the lance to close to the lumber and obvious will happen, the fence will be damaged doe to the enormous pressure. You can rent a 4 gallon per minute washer from your local hardware store or you can always hire a pressure washing professionals.

Staining your fence is definitely not recommended during first two years after the installation. Protective film on new lumber will interfere with stain sticking to it. Even after two years, sealing is a way better solution in Canadian climate. Washing and sealing is a much better solution when protecting your fence. Stains can peel after a while especially when not applied properly. Fences are not prone to peeling as much as horizontal surfaces such as decks, but fences will eventually peel and leave you with marbly look. Staining a fence is usually recommended only if a fence is heavily weathered and cleaning alone will not improve its beauty. The process here is similar to sealing, use pressure washer to clean weathered lumber, leave the lumber to dry for at least 48-72 hours and finally stain can be applied. Be aware that stain can only be applied above 10 degrees Celsius and not warmer than 25 degrees.

3. Repairing Damage

• Why: Small issues, like loose boards or minor cracks, can quickly escalate if not addressed.
• How: Inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage. Replace broken boards and tighten loose nails or screws. Use wood filler for minor cracks and sand the area smooth before sealing.

Wooden fences are prone to damage during harsh winter, debris falling and or during high winds. The quicker the fence is repaired the better. Leaving un-repaired fence will invite bitter damage. Repairs can be small or bigger undergoing where replacing an entire section is a must. It is strongly recommended to hire a fence contractor to do the more extensive repair jobs, simply because drilling the ground can be an dangerous undergoing.

4. Proper Installation

• Why: A poorly installed fence is more susceptible to damage and may not last as long.
• How: Ensure your fence posts are set in concrete to provide a stable foundation. Proper spacing between boards allows for air circulation, reducing the risk of rot.

Installing a new fence should definitely be left to the professionals, not only because the quality and warranty, but rather due to the cost. Professionals have all the tools, equipment and logistics to install a brand new fence as efficient as possible. Buying all the lumber, renting the equipment, buying the tools and investing your time could cost you more than hiring a PRO. Invite 3-4 fence contractors, let them inspect your existing fence or making a survey of your property. Decide not only based on the estimate provided, but rather base your decision on complete impression and reputation of the contractor. A backyard fence is a major investment and choosing wisely can save you a lot of grief.

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5. Pest Control

• Why: Termites and other wood-boring insects can cause significant damage to a wooden fence.
• How: Treat your fence with a wood preservative that repels insects. Keep the area around the fence free of debris and vegetation that can attract pests.

Wooden fences are an enduring element of the Canadian landscape, offering both practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. Understanding their origins and taking proactive steps to maintain them can help protect your investment for years to come. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your wooden fence remains a beautiful and functional part of your property.

It also helps to know that some professional contractors specialize in all of fence aspects, from removal of old and broken fence to new fence installation, to repair, to sealing, staining and pressure washing. One of those companies is Como Maintenance Services. Based in the Greater Toronto Area and serving wider Toronto area. Como Maintenance crew is one of the leading fence maintenance and installation companies in Southern Ontario. Como Maintenance Services will ensure your new fence is installed solid and will meet and exceed current regulations and bylaws. Como Maintenance crew will ensure your fence is properly repaired, seal, stained and cleaned in order to provide the best longevity for your fence.