End-of-Summer Fence Maintenance

School days, pumpkin spice, bonfires and cool breezes – fall is near, which means Old Man Winter isn’t too far behind. As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, it’s important to take care of any wear and tear your fence may have taken during the summer months, and prepare for the cold ahead.
First, inspect your fence.
While wood fencing is gorgeous, it undoubtedly shows more damage than vinyl. Take a good look at your wood fence for signs of rotting from a wet summer. Check your fence posts for any wobblers, make sure your gate latches properly, and look for any loose, warped or curving boards. If you do find any issues, be sure to take care of them before heavy snowfall to avoid expensive damage. While metal and vinyl fences are pretty sturdy against the changing seasons, you should still check for any summer damage.
Next, protect your fence.
Consider applying a waterproofing sealer to your wood fence for added protection from the elements. Although it is not a necessity for cedar fences, applying a sealant can be beneficial to any wood fence to help avoid splintering, cracking and warping. To update the look of an older fence, first power wash to resurface the wood, then apply a stain. Once the stain is dry, follow with your sealer. Also, keep leaves, sticks and snow away from the bottom of your fence. When debris builds up at the base, it can hold moisture in, eventually leading to rot and a falling fence. Signs of this include splitting, swelling and discoloration for a wood fence.
If needed, replace your fence.
If you don’t think your fence will sustain the cooler months, fall is a great time for fence installation. Since it’s generally a slower season for fence companies, you will receive faster service than can be provided in the summer months. Contact Murphy Fence Company at (609) 886-1635 for more information and to request an estimate. Browse Murphy Fence’s selection at www.murphyfence.com, or visit the showroom conveniently located at 507 Seashore Rd. in Cape May.