Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to give your wooden fence the attention it deserves. After enduring winter’s cold and spring’s rains, your fence might be showing signs that it needs some TLC.
A well-maintained fence not only makes your property look great but also provides the security and privacy you need at home. That’s why we’re bringing you five key repairs that will give your wooden fence new life this summer.
Most Essential 5 Wood Fence Repairs to Consider in Summer
1. Repairing Warped And Cracked Boards
You’ve probably noticed how boards can warp, crack, or split as they expand and contract when temperatures rise and fall.
For small cracks, you might get by with some wood putty and a bit of sanding before refinishing. If your fence has boards with serious warping or large cracks, you’ll need to replace them completely to keep your fence strong and looking good.
Use fasteners made of stainless steel or galvanized steel that won’t rust when you put up those new boards. It’s a small detail, but it can really extend how long your repairs last and keep your fence looking great for many summers to come.
2. Reinforcing loose or leaning posts
Think of your fence posts as the backbone of the entire structure. If you notice your fence wobbling or leaning when you give it a gentle push, it’s time to address those posts before things get worse.
For posts that have simply loosened over time, you could stabilize them by tamping some additional soil around the base and adding quick-setting concrete to reinforce them. If you have seriously leaning posts, you’ll probably need to remove and reinstall them—digging out the old post, pouring a new concrete base, and properly setting the replacement.
Give particular consideration to gate posts and corner posts, as they are subject to a greater amount of stress and weight than other types of posts. Adding diagonal braces to these critical points provides additional support for your fence and helps prevent future leaning problems.
3. Restoring Protective Finishes
Renewing your fence’s protective layer might be the most impactful maintenance task to extend its life and make it look great again.
Start by giving your fence a good cleaning to remove dirt, mildew, and any failing finish. A simple mixture of mild soap and water applied with a soft brush works well for most cleaning needs. If the stains or mildew are terrible, you might need a special wood cleaner.
Once clean and dry, apply a quality wood preservative, stain, or sealer that offers UV protection. Products that repel water and resist UV rays give you the best defense against harsh summer conditions.
4. Fixing Gate Alignment And Hardware Issues
Check if your gate swings freely and closes properly. If it’s dragging on the ground or doesn’t align with the latch, adjust the hinges or add a support wheel at the bottom to bear some of its weight. Replace any rusty or failing hinges or hardware with quality, weather-resistant alternatives that will stand up to the elements.
For gates that have sagged over time, consider adding a diagonal tension cable or brace running from the top hinge side to the bottom latch side. This simple addition can dramatically improve your gate’s alignment and prevent future sagging.
5. Eliminating Ground Contact And Vegetation Issues
Try to create a small gap between the bottom of your fence boards and the ground—about two inches is ideal—to prevent direct soil contact and allow air to circulate. If your fence design doesn’t allow for this gap, consider adding a gravel drainage strip along the fence line to minimize moisture wicking into the wood.
Keep plants trimmed back from your fence on both sides. Also, remove any vines growing on the fence, as they trap moisture and give insects easy access to your fence. Regular trimming throughout summer prevents plants from establishing on or against your fence, significantly reducing moisture-related problems and extending the life of your wooden structure.
By addressing these five wood fence repairs in this summer, you’ll make your fence look better and significantly extend its lifespan. A well-maintained wooden fence continues to enhance your property’s value and provide the privacy and security you want for many summers to come.
