Fence Maintenance Guide: Seasonal Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs

Your property’s fence might not speak, but if it could, it would probably say something like, “Hey, can you show me some love here?” No matter what you have – a chain link, ornamental iron, or ranch fencing, your fences work hard all year-round. 

Yup, they do not have feelings, but they definitely need that extra care for maximum security and protection around your property.

So, it’s only fair we give them some seasonal fence care. After all, having a well-maintained, visually appealing, and functional fence around your home can – 

• Increase your home’s curb appeal.
• Improve your privacy and safety.
• Add to your property value over time.

But if you’re worried about the hassle of fence maintenance, then don’t stress anymore! We’re here to help you with easy and simple tips that can keep your fence standing tall and looking sharp all year round.

How Should You Take Care of Your Fence in Spring?

When winter finally lets up, your fence could probably use a little attention. All that snow, wind, and moisture can leave behind damage you might not notice right away, so spring is the perfect time to check in and fix things up.

This is what you need to do to protect your fence in the spring –

• Look for Damage: See if there are any signs of rot, rust, loose nails, warping, or leaning. Also, don’t forget to pay some extra attention to posts near the moist areas as they might be prone to mold damage.
• Wash Your Fence: You need to clean your fence properly with water and mild soap. Plus, you can use a pressure washer to avoid damage if you have a wooden fence.
• Trim Nearby Vegetation: If you have plants or vines that have grown over the fence, you need to cut them back. Otherwise, it can hold moisture and damage your wooden fence quickly.
• Seal or Stain: Make sure to reseal or restain your fence to protect it from upcoming UV rays and moisture. Also, don’t seal your fence right away if it rained that morning, as it can cause extra damage to your fence!

Easy Ways To Take Care of Your Fence in Summer

Summer might feel like a break, but your fence doesn’t get one. Between the heat and all the backyard action, it takes more wear than you’d expect. That’s why summer is the right time to give it a little love and spot minor issues before they turn into big repairs.

You can follow these tips to ensure your fence is ready for the season –

• Check for Damage: See if you can spot fading, drying, or cracking of some parts of your wooden or vinyl fences. The extreme heat can weaken the surface and cause early wear in your fence.
• Adjust Sprinklers: Ensure that your sprinklers aren’t soaking your fence every day because too much water can damage the fence material and also cause mildew over time.
• Look for Pests: Check for ants, bees, termites, or wasps that might be hiding in your fence. If you find any of these, call for professional help to stop the infestation early on.
• Tighten Hardware: The hot weather can make the metal parts of your fence expand and shift. So, you need to check and tighten any loose hinges, bolts, or latches, so that everything stays sturdy and works like it should.

How to Maintain Your Fence in the Fall Season?

Before winter comes, you need to make sure your fence is prepared for the cold temperatures. Plus, it will be easier for you to work outside in the fall season (than winter) and take the necessary steps to protect your fence.

Make sure you follow these fence maintenance tips – 

• Clean the Area: Always keep the area near your fence clean – free from debris, leaves, branches, and dead plants. These can trap the moisture and rot your wooden fence.
• Check Fence Posts: Make sure your fence posts are still standing strong. If any feel loose, it’s best to fix them before the ground freezes.
• Touch-Up Paint or Stain: If your fence looks faded or worn, fall is a good time to repaint or restain it. This adds a fresh layer of protection before the winter season.
• Oil the Hinges: You need to oil the metal parts and use another lubricant on gate hinges and latches to help them work smoothly during winter.

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How to Protect Your Fence in Winter?

Winter can be quite tough on your fence, as the freezing temperatures can cause the fence material to crack or become brittle. And if moisture enters the fence through small gaps, it can cause warping or loss of the posts and hardware over time.

So, make sure you’re protecting the fence by –

• Looking for Cracks or Splits: You need to stay cautious of cracks or splits that can appear on your fence due to the extremely cold temperatures. If you find even a minor crack, repair it before it turns into a big issue. 
• Checking After Rains/Storms: Winter winds, rains, and storms can loosen posts or cause the fence to lean. So, you need to look for anything that’s shifted after such weather.
• Avoid Heavy Fence Decorations: While lights and other decorative items look great on your fence, make sure they aren’t too heavy for your fence, as too much weight can strain it (especially during winters when materials are less flexible).

Which Type Of Fence Is Good For Your Region?

Region	Weather	Best Fence Type	Why it Works
Reno	Cold winters, dry summers, windy days	Vinyl / Chain Link / Ranch Fencing	Year-round protection Vinyl can resist moisture and heatChain link and ranch fences are sturdy
Winnemucca	Hot, dry summers and cold winters	Ornamental Iron / Vinyl / Split Rail	Can handle heat without warping Split rail is good for windy, rural areas
Carson City	Snow in winter, sunny summers, and some storms	Ranch Fencing / Wood / Vinyl	Ranch fences are a great option for snowy areas.Vinyl and sealed wood can resist moisture
Sparks	Frequent weather changes, extreme heat, and winter frost	Vinyl / Chain Link / Custom Iron	Good for all kinds of weatherIron can add strength Vinyl is good at resisting moistureChain-link is quite low-maintenance

If you’re confused about which fence type will be best for your property, you can count on a reputable fencing contractor for help! 

Looking to Upgrade Your Fence? Call Our Experts Now!

Answers To Your Most Asked Questions

• Which Fence Is Long-lasting?

If you buy a chain-link fence that has a galvanized finish, it will last you longer because it won’t rust easily. Plus, these types of fences are low-maintenance!

• What is the Best Fence for Rural Property?

Having a ranch fence or split rail fencing is the best option for you if you have a rural property. These fence materials are durable, low-maintenance, and a good option if you want to keep your views open in the yard.

• What’s the Easiest Type of Fence to Maintain Year-Round?

Vinyl fences will be the easiest for you to maintain all year round. They won’t warp, rust, or rot easily, and you can clean them with just mild soap and water.

Takeaway

When you start maintaining the fence, it’ll keep your property appealing to buyers, keep you safe, and even protect your privacy. You can follow different tips and tricks to ensure your fence is working and looking fine, be it summer, winter, fall, or spring. 

Make sure you always look for damage and repair the fence right away if you find any wear or tear. Also, choose the right fence type for your local climate to ensure your fence stays strong for years! If you need help, you can rely on a trusted fencing company for expert advice.

Fences Built Right by Folks You Can Trust – Only at Artistic Fence Co.

For all your fence-related troubles, we are your one-stop shop! At Artistic Fence Co., we have the top fencing contractors who can help you with residential and commercial fencing projects. We’ll do it all – install, repair, and provide you with all types of fencing service in Reno, Winnemucca, Carson City & Sparks. 

We’re a family-owned company with 62+ years of experience in the fencing industry. So, you can trust us to do a good job every time without any worries. We’ll also provide you with the best quality materials at all times!

So, give us a call today at 775-786-6002 ( Reno) / 775-882-4665 ( Carson City) / 775-623-6676 (Winnemucca).