How to Maintain a Cedar Fence

How to Maintain a Cedar Fence

Although cedar fences are naturally resistant to insects and decay, your fence still requires regular care and maintenance. Do you need some tips on how to maintain a cedar fence? It’s best to inspect your fence seasonally and after major storms or periods of extreme weather. You should also reseal or re-stain your fence every two to three years or as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear. Properly maintaining your fence can protect its beauty, extend its lifespan, and ensure its stability and durability. Here are some additional tips for proper cedar fence maintenance.

Maintaining cedar fence from rotting

Regularly Inspect Your Fence for Signs of Damage

One of the most important parts of cedar fence care is to regularly inspect it. If you catch early warning signs of problems, you can treat them sooner and reduce the risk of major damage. You should inspect your fence seasonally, in the summer, spring, winter, and fall. You should also check it after periods of heavy rain, snow, wind, heat, cold, ice, and humidity. Look for warning signs that you need fence repair or that you need to apply fence stain or sealant, including:

  • Leaning or sagging
  • Loose or missing hardware
  • Broken or missing fence boards
  • Wood rot
  • Moisture beading up on the surface or signs of moisture intrusion
  • Discoloration or fading
  • Stains
  • Peeling paint or stain
  • Signs of pests
  • Holes
  • Splintering wood
  • Warped or curled boards

Clean Your Fence Properly

After inspecting your fence, you should clean it thoroughly. Use a soft brush to remove dirt, debris, and organic matter. Do not use a power washer or abrasive cleaning products or tools. Gently wash with a hose to remove stubborn areas of dirt. Only use cedar fence cleaners and cedar fence treatments that are recommended by your fence installer or the manufacturer of your fence. You can usually just use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to remove stains or debris. If you see signs of mold or mildew, use a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of it.

Stain & Seal Your Fence Every Two or Three Years

You will need to reapply fence stain or sealant every two or three years or if you notice signs of damage or wear and tear. A protective stain or sealant can prevent moisture intrusion, water damage, rot, mold, mildew, sun damage, and pest infestations. Choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand. Apply it evenly with a brush or roller.

Protect Your Fence

There are also several steps you can take to protect your cedar fence and extend its lifespan. Do not allow sprinklers, hoses, or irrigation systems to spray water directly on your fence. Do not use vehicles, equipment, or mowers right next to it. Don’t sit on, lean against, or hang anything heavy from the fence. Protect it from animal and insect activity. Regularly trim weeds, trees, bushes, and other plants so that they don’t grow over or into the structure and damage it.

Address Damage Right Away

If you do notice signs of damage to your fence, you should address them right away. Ignoring them will only give them time to get bigger and more expensive to repair. For major damage, it’s best to hire a professional with experience in cedar fence repair or restoration. If one or more boards are seriously damaged, you should replace them rather than trying to repair them.

Call for Cedar Fence Installation

Dick’s Evergreen Fence and Deck offers professional cedar fence installation throughout the Portland, OR, area. We have 40 years of experience in fencing and decking, and can help you choose the right type of fence for your needs. We exclusively use high-quality cedar that is carefully selected for its beauty and exceptional durability. We also offer cedar decks, pergolas, patio covers, and garden accents. Call us now or contact us online to request an estimate for cedar fencing.