Tips to Freshen up Your Fence This Summer

2020-06-30

It's summer, and you'll find yourself spending more time in the garden. You may begin to spot elements that look a little worse for wear after a hard winter and a wet spring. If your garden fence is looking a little worn out, there are a few simple ways you can make your fence look fresh again, right in time for the height of summer.

 

Washing goes a long way

Before you do anything too drastic to your fence, it might just need a good clean. A pressure washer is a fantastic bit of kit, but you'll only really need this if you're cleaning the fence after a few years of mould growth and general wear and tear.

Make sure you don't put the pressure up too high otherwise you might damage the fence. Alternatively, if you're big on fence maintenance and have kept it clean over the years, a simple wipe down with some water is all you'll need. It's a good idea to mix the water with a ½ cup of vinegar as this will break down a lot of the grime on your fence.

 

Check your fence for damage

After giving your fence a preliminary wash, check your fence for other damage. There could be some small areas of rot that need cleaning or other general repairs that won't take too long. Structural damage, such as weak panels or a shift in the foundations of the fence aren't disastrous but should be looked into right away.

Generally, fences have a life expectancy of around 20 years for pine and spruce. With proper treatment, regular cleaning and painting, your fence should maintain a fresh look.

 

Paint Your Fence

Painting your fence is probably the easiest way to breathe a new lease of life into your garden. You can use ordinary outdoor paint for your fence, although there are specific types of paint that are used for different wood compositions of fences and sheds.

Really, a fence should be treated every two or three years with a paint or stain. This protects the fence against the elements and enhances its appearance. Put down some groundsheets or covers to protect your garden and plants against the paint, and you're ready to go.

 

Replacing Individual Panels

If there is structural damage to your fence, it might not require an entire rebuild or refit. If an individual panel is split or damaged, it's quite simple to order a matching piece and fit it yourself. It's wise to handle any damage on your fence as soon as you notice it - splitting can become a major issue when extra pressure is added to other areas of the fence.

 

Buying a new fence

If your old fence is beyond repair, lacks character or doesn't deliver the privacy you need, Garden Gates direct provides a huge range of garden fencing options, including metal, wooden and picket fencing. We have grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers, offering top quality products at competitive prices, combined with excellent customer service and fast nationwide delivery.