I own a landscape supply company and have done fairly well over the years. Until recently, security was never an issue, but then, I had two thefts occur. Someone had stolen mulch and gravel from my supplies. I knew that it was time for me to get serious about increasing security to prevent it from happening a third time. I talked with a fencing contractor about what type of fencing would help improve security without taking away from the pleasant appearance of the grounds. My blog will tell you how we accomplished the increased security using a beautiful new fence.
increased security using a beautiful new fence
5 Tips For Maintaining And Caring For Your Plywood Fence
Carter Hopkins
Having a wood privacy fence installed around your property adds rustic beauty, privacy, and security to your home. Plywood fences are one great option, since exterior grade plywood, or composite wood, is easy for your fence contractor to work with, is not prone to cracking, and can be quite durable. Here are five tips for maintaining and caring for your plywood fence:
Make Sure to Choose Exterior Grade Plywood
It is important that your fence contractor uses exterior grade plywood when building your new wood fence. Regular plywood can easily become water damaged and is not as durable as plywood specifically made for outdoor use. Exterior grade plywood is made of a composite of different types of wood glued together using waterproof glue. This feature makes it much more weather-resistant and durable than other types of plywood, or even other forms of wood.
Pay Extra for a Protective Sealant
When hiring your fence contractor, it's a good idea to pay a bit extra for them to apply a protective sealant to the entire plywood fence. A protective sealant will help ensure that your plywood fence isn't easily damaged by the weather, faded or dried out by the sun, or gnawed on by insects and other pests. While it may add a minimal amount to your bill for the fence, this step will pay off by increasing your fence's longevity and making sure it continues to look great for as long as possible.
Protect Your Plywood Fence
Even though your plywood fence has been sealed with a protective sealant, it is still made from wood and therefore vulnerable to damage from time to time. Luckily, most damage to wood fences can actually be prevented by proactively protecting your fence. For example, be sure to place your sprinklers and hoses in a way that doesn't allow them to spray your plywood fence, as getting hit directly with large volumes of water can decrease your fence's lifespan and even lead to rotting wood.
It's also a good idea to keep your trees trimmed so that dead branches don't fall off during storms, potentially damaging your fence, not to mention your roof and other components of your home. Vines and shrubbery should not be allowed to grow on the fence, as this can lead to pests as well as excessive moisture, both of which are very damaging to wood fences.
Periodically Inspect Your Fence
Once a year or so, do a thorough walk around inspection of your fence on both sides. Look for problems such as loose or missing boards, missing nails that need to be replaced, or damage caused by squirrels or insects. If you notice any issues, it's important to have them repaired immediately, preferably by a professional. This will help protect the structural integrity of your fence and prevent the damage from spreading.
Clean Your Fence
Thanks to exposure to the elements, weather, sap from trees, etc. your plywood fence will need to be cleaned from time to time. You can clean your fence by purchasing a fence or deck cleaner made specifically for exterior grade plywood. Simply apply the cleaner, let it soak in for a while, and rinse with cold, clean water. Some homeowners choose to clean their wood fences with a pressure washer, but be sure to double check with your fence contractor first as using too much pressure can actually damage your fence.
Your new plywood fence will make your yard both more private and more attractive. By following these tips, you will ensure that your new plywood fence looks great and continues to function well for many years to come.
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