News: Palisade Fencing Maintenance Tips For Long Lasting Security
News
Palisade Fencing Maintenance: Tips for Long-lasting Security
Installing a palisade fence around your property is one of the best ways to create a secure perimeter and deter unwanted intruders. The closely spaced vertical boards provide an opaque barrier that maintains privacy while preventing climbing. However, like any external structure, your palisade fencing will require regular inspections and maintenance to keep it looking good and doing its job effectively for years to come. Follow these simple palisade fencing maintenance tips from the experts at Aaron Fencing to get the longest lasting security from your investment:
Inspect Fencing for Damage
At least twice a year, walk the perimeter of your palisade fencing and look for any damaged or deteriorating boards. Palisade boards exposed to the elements can warp, split or crack over time. Replace any damaged boards immediately to eliminate weak points in your perimeter security.
Check Posts for Stability
Palisade fencing is only as secure as its supporting posts. Regularly check that posts remain strongly anchored. Posts sometimes loosen over time due to soil erosion or repeated attacks by intruders attempting to dislodge them. Refasten any loosened posts to restore fence stability.
Re-Tighten Hardware
Strong hardware and fasteners are essential to keeping palisade fencing boarded together and anchored to posts. However, screws, bolts and other fasteners can loosen due to wind vibration, thermal expansion/contraction and simple material wear. Routinely check and tighten any loose hardware throughout the fence.
Remove Debris
Over time, debris can collect around the base of a palisade fence, eventually pushing up against boards and posts. Clear away accumulated leaves, dirt and other debris regularly to prevent buildup pressure on your fence. Keep any vegetation trimmed back from making contact with boards to allow proper airflow.
Re-Stain for Protection
The pressure treated wood used for quality palisade fencing boards will resist rot, decay and insect damage. However, the sun’s UV rays will eventually break down exterior wood finishes, causing discoloration, splintering and splitting. Re-application of exterior stains every 1-2 years provides water repellency and sun protection to maintain attractive wood grain appearance and extend fence lifespan.
Patch Small Holes
Palisade boards can develop small holes due to wind damage, dry rot, animal chewing or attempted intrusions. For small holes up to 15mm in diameter, clean the damaged area and fill using exterior grade wood filler, then sand smooth when dry. Larger damaged areas will require replacing boards.
Seal Board Ends
The end grains of palisade boards absorb more moisture, leading to splitting, warping and rot over time. After cutting boards during installation or replacement, carefully seal all exposed end grains using an exterior grade wood sealer to prevent water infiltration and damage.
Replace Deteriorated Boards
Despite your best maintenance efforts, palisade boards will eventually deteriorate beyond repair from prolonged exposure to the elements. Replace severely damaged boards to maintain an impenetrable perimeter barrier. Use galvanized nails and hardware to install new boards for longest corrosion resistance.
Keep Fence Stable
Palisade fencing serves little security purpose if intruders can push boards aside or dislodge posts. Firmly re-secure any loosened palisade boards or posts after incidents. Installing fencing rails between posts also deters boards being spread apart for intrusion.
With regular inspection and care, quality palisade fencing can maintain its secure perimeter function for decades. Contact the fencing experts at Aaron Fencing if you notice any persistent issues compromising the stability or appearance of your palisade barrier. Investing a little yearly maintenance will keep your fence looking great and deterring unwanted visitors.