Is there anything Jacksonville, FL, property owners can do to extend the lifespan of their wood fencing?
It's a valid question, considering that, per the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), wooden fencing lasts only ten years on average in Florida. The state's unique environmental and coastal conditions (salty and humid air, heat, and sun) can significantly impact wooden materials.
The good news is that the answer is yes. Several strategies can help keep wooden fences in top condition for many years and make them last longer. Top Fence LLC has shared five wood fence care tips in this guide, so please read on.
Regular, thorough inspections are among the most effective wood fence longevity techniques. The goal is to spot any issue affecting the barrier's integrity and shortening its life. Their ideal frequency is at least once or twice a year.
By determining whether these problems exist, Jacksonville, FL, home and commercial building owners can immediately take the necessary steps to address and prevent them from worsening.
Wooden fences can crack or split due to unnecessary and uncontrolled moisture. It's helpful to be familiar with some crucial terms to understand how this happens.
MC is a unit of measurement for the amount of water in a piece of wood relative to the wood itself. As a Virginia Tech FAQ explains, wood's MC is between 70% and 120% when initially harvested. Lumber companies then use drying techniques to reduce the MC to 19% or less.
Per the same Virginia Tech FAQ, FSP is the point at which a piece of wood has an MC of 28%. FSP is a vital measure because wood's properties change below this point. For instance, wood shrinks below the FSP.
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and gives off moisture. As mentioned above, wood shrinks below the FSP but can expand again when it "takes on" moisture. It then contracts once more when it dries and lets out the moisture it absorbs.
All that expansion and contraction can stress the wood, leading to cracks and splits.
Trees, branches, and other heavy objects can place significant weight and impact on wooden fences. So can climbing over it.
Regardless of the culprit, external forces can break wooden posts and panels.
High-quality, well-maintained fences, whether wood, vinyl, or metal, can help increase property value. However, they can also cause the exact opposite when they fall into disrepair, such as when their paint begins to chip or peel.
Chipped or peeling paint isn't just an aesthetic issue; it can also contribute to the cracking or splintering of wood fences. Moisture can enter and exit through these exposed areas.
Wood-damaging pests are also significant fencing concerns, as these critters love to eat or nest in wood. According to the University of Florida, the state is home to at least nine wood-damaging pests, from beetles to termites and carpenter bees.
Also, as the same Virginia Tech FAQ cited above noted, wood with an MC under 20% won't support mold, mildew, fungi, or decay. So, continued and unwanted exposure to and absorption of moisture can raise wooden fencing's MC, making it prone to decay.
Preserving fence durability can be simpler if property owners opt for professional fencing installation over DIY. Working with a highly reputable and experienced Jacksonville fence company allows them to:
So, by choosing a top-rated Jacksonville fencing contractor, property owners can minimize the likelihood of frequent repairs and premature replacement.
Working with professionals for fence maintenance allows Jacksonville property owners to:
Thanks to maintenance experts, Jacksonville property owners can keep their fences looking good for many years without doing the hard work themselves.
Proper sealing and treatment are among the most effective strategies for protecting wooden fences against Jacksonville's unique environmental conditions. One primary way to do this is to apply the correct sealant.
Wood sealants are substances that act as protective barriers against moisture. With proper and professional application, they can provide the following benefits:
Highly reputable fence contractors in Jacksonville can assist property owners in selecting and applying the correct wood sealant.
Paint can also help protect wood by acting as an extra layer to keep moisture out. It also works well with sealants. However, property owners should remember that paints cover wood's beautiful graining.
For those considering getting their wooden fence painted, their best bet is to consult a reputable, experienced fence company about the most suitable paint options. For example, the pros may suggest using a product that repels moisture and protects against Jacksonville's salty air.
Wood fencing, especially in coastal areas like Jacksonville, FL, won't last long without proper maintenance. For this reason, property owners should have their wood fences professionally installed, regularly inspected, maintained, sealed, or painted.
For property owners searching for a reputable and experienced fence contractor in Jacksonville, look no further than Top Fence LLC. As a leading fencing company, Top Fence LLC has hundreds of 4 and 5-star Google reviews and delivers superb installation services backed by warranties.
Contact Top Fence LLC today to request a free quote or schedule an initial installation walk-through!
