There’s more to investing in a fence around your residential property in Moseley, Virginia, than simply purchasing one and having it installed. Regular maintenance is crucial in order to preserve your fence’s curb appeal, security, and overall longevity. With both the hot and humid summers and cold winters we experience in Virginia, staying on top of your fence’s maintenance is even more important. Different fencing types will certainly require different care throughout the year, but lucky for you, your friends at Top Rail Fence are here to break it all down for you so that you know exactly what to do to keep your residential fence looking and performing its best throughout the year.
Summer: Protect Against Heat & Humidity
With heat and humidity at a high in the summer, this can be a tough time for your fence. If you have a wood fence, this is when warping and cracking is likely to occur, while vinyl fences are more likely to accrue mold and mildew. With a wood fence, you’ll want to monitor its condition and make sure that any cracks that occur are treated promptly and don’t get out of hand. If you’re the owner of a vinyl fence, it’s important to scrub away any mold and mildew for both cosmetic and performance purposes. In any case, trimming any plants or vines you have around your fence in the summer would also be wise, as overgrown vegetation can trap moisture and create problems for your fence.
Fall: Expecting Temperature Changes
As the temperatures drop from summer into fall, make sure you’re clearing away any debris around your fence as wet conditions can cause wood to rot or lead to mold growth on your vinyl fence. This is also a good time to secure your fence and prep it for low temperatures. In other words, investing in any repairs you may need can help your fence brace for a harsh winter.
Winter: Protect Against Cold Temperature & Moist Conditions
In the winter, you’ll want to make sure you’re removing any snow and ice buildup around your fence, for one. The reason for that is excess weight from that snow and ice can cause sagging or even damage to your fence. But as important as it is to rid your fence of any snow/ice, avoid using harsh de-icers. Rock salt can corrode certain parts of your fence, depending on the material.
Spring: A Great Time to Inspect & Refresh Your Fence
After a harsh winter, the first thing you’ll likely want to do with your residential fence when spring comes around is schedule an inspection. You can look for cracks, loose panels, rust, or warping on your own, but trusting an expert for your inspection can set you up for success in the long run, as you’ll be able to team with those same experts in order to complete any repairs that your fence may require in order to keep looking and performing its best for the rest of the year.
The Team to Call for Year-Round Fence Maintenance Help
The good news for you as a homeowner in Moseley, VA, is that you have our team at Top Rail Fence to count on for your fence maintenance needs. Regular inspections throughout the year can help you stay on top of your fence’s condition, plus any repairs you have us do throughout the year can help you stay ahead of more significant damage in the future. If you’re ready to work with us for a project at your Moseley home, or if you want more tips on year-round fence maintenance, reach out to us today.