Fence rot is perhaps the most common problem when it comes to wood fences. Why? Wood and moisture are NOT friends. Rain, humidity, and multitude of other elements can wiggle their way into your beautiful cedar pickets and cause damage just like in the picture above.
BUT this doesn't have to happen to you!
Believe it or not, but there are a lot of ways you can keep your fence safe. For starters, maintenance is key. Something as simple as inspecting your fence on the regular is a great place to start! Keep your eyes on the bottom of your fence. This is where rot is most likely to start. Look for discoloration, soft spots, and fungal growth. While your down there, make sure your plants (and weeds) don't grow too close to the wood. This will improve the air flow and help reduce moisture.
Drainage is also a key factor in increasing the longevity of your fence. Puddles of water are NOT your friend. To avoid pooling, make sure the ground slopes away from the fence. You could consider installing a fancy drainage system, but that's really not necessary unless your entire fence line is drowning after every storm. You also want to avoid buildup. Soil, mulch, leaves etc. have a tendency to collect at the base of your fence. They LOVE to hold onto to water, which inevitably speeds up the rot process.
Now, if you're starting from scratch and installing a brand-new fence, it's worth spending a few extra dollars on kick boards or gravel boards. This is important! Bringing your pickets up off the ground and adding a piece of pressure treated pine at the base will give you the highest layer of protection against rot. Pressure treated wood is made with preservatives that resist rot, decay, and insects. These boards are made specifically for ground contact. They create a barrier between your pickets and the ground, keeping the moisture at bay.
Of course, we can't leave you without one more tip. And that is sealant. This goes for new and older fences. Yearly staining of a high quality, water-repellant finish will keep your fence looking newer, longer.
Look, we're not saying you have to follow these rules, however, doing so can significantly extend the life of your fence. Not to mention, saving you money in the long run.
Ready to protect your fence? Start with these tips today! And if you have any questions, THE BOSS is here to help! We've got a team of fence experts standing by to guide through the entire process from start to finish!