Is your wood fence a shadow of its former self? A gray, sagging eyesore? Don't think that paying big bucks to replace it is your only option. For a weekend's worth of work, you can restore your fence to something you'll be proud of.
Here are three steps to fixing up that old fence.
Power Wash It
Power washing your fence starts this renewal project off right by exposing the fresh wood underneath that old, faded layer on top. Connect a rented mid-size power washer to your hose, then hold it about 18 inches from the fence and start the engine. A power washer is strong, so be sure to keep the hose tip moving so as not to damage any of the wood. Wear waterproof clothing (it's a wet job!) and use different angles to reach all the crevices. Make more than one pass to get the best results.
Fix It Up
Now it's time to look for places that need repairs. Split or broken pieces can be glued back together by applying waterproof glue and clamps or tape to keep the pieces in place while the glue dries for at least a day. Stainless steel screws can be driven in to tighten boards that have come loose. Drive them in just below the surface of the wood and use a small amount of appropriately-colored caulking to protect the entry point.
And those sagging gates? This is a job for a turnbuckle kit. Available at fencing supply stores, a turnbuckle kit is made up of two brackets to be placed at the upper corner of the hinged side and the lower corner of the opposite (latch) side. Affix cables to each of the brackets and then to the turnbuckle in the middle. By tightening or loosening the turnbuckle, you change the elevation of the gate's open side until it matches up with the fence once again.
You can also contact a fencing company like Harrington & Company if you prefer letting the professionals handle the job.
Give It a Face Lift
Finally, you're ready to stain your wood fence a bright new shade. Use a wood preservative on the posts that protrude form the ground to prevent rot. Using a large roller, first apply a semitransparent stain and sealer to the surface, then brush it into the corners and sides of posts with a paintbrush. You may need brushes of different sizes to reach all the nooks and crannies of the fence.
You should be able to accomplish your refacing project in a few days, including drying time. And once you tackle it, you'll have something you can enjoy and show off for many more years with just a little money spent.
Share19 August 2015
I've found that one of the perks of being a homeowner is the privacy that your own home provides. However, sometimes there can be a lack of privacy if you are in your yard and it is unfenced. When we bought our home, there was not a fence. One night, after the neighbors dog wandered through our barbecue one time too many, I decided that it was time to look up a fence contractor. We soon found a great price on a fence with a fantastic fence contractor. Now we can keep our privacy while still feeling open towards the neighbors.