Old fences can be a major eye-sore—but that doesn’t mean they can’t do their job! Old fences, while still functional, can accumulate dirt, rot, and damage that make their age evident. Without regular maintenance, prolonged exposure to the elements can quickly age wooden, vinyl, and metal fences alike. Wood rots, vinyl collects dirt, and metal rusts; while each type of fencing has its own weakness, they can all be refreshed in similar ways.
Luckily, our expert installers at Gainesville Fencing Company have some tips on the most cost-effective ways to refresh the look of an older fence without shelling out money for a complete fence demolition and installation project.
Despite its appearance, your old fence may be surprisingly structurally sound, especially if it was made from high-quality materials. If your fence isn’t falling apart at the touch, a good pressure wash is a surefire way to remove years of dirt, grime, and algae from your fence. You can rent a pressure washer for this purpose from most local home improvement stores.
If your fence is too fragile to withstand a pressure washing treatment, a manual chemical clean is a good way to remove stubborn dirt and stains from your fence. A homemade mixture of bleach and water, along with a coarse scrubbing brush, is often sufficient to thoroughly clean all kinds of fencing. For tougher stains, commercial cleaning products that target rust, mildew, and mold should be able to finish off the job.
Investing in some minor cosmetic and structural repairs is a good way to get your old fence looking new again. Replacing individual panels that are particularly rotted, rusted, or unstable is a cost-effective way to stabilize and improve the appearance of your fence. The same can be said for hardware, such as gate mechanisms, nails, or screws. If your fence is in overall good condition, but is struggling in a few spots structurally, adding extra support posts is a good way to prolong the lifespan of your fence.
Our Gainesville fence company offers affordable fence repair services that can make refreshing your old fence easier than ever! Contact us to learn more about our fencing services today!
A fresh coat of paint is a great option for concealing any dirt, stains, or damage that power washing and repairs couldn’t completely eliminate. Depending on the state of your fence, it may be easier to cover stains with a darker colored paint. Regardless, ensure that you use a high-quality, oil-based outdoor paint to prevent the color from chipping or fading over time.
If you prefer a more natural look, refresh your wooden fence with a new stain. To prepare, clean your fence thoroughly, let it dry completely, and select an oil-based stain that is most appropriate for the type of wood your fence is made of. Staining will not only make your fence look newer, but it will also serve as a protective coating, preventing moisture, dirt, and grime from returning into the nooks and crannies of your fence.
Gainesville Fencing Company offers premier fence repair services that can help you bring life back into your old fencing in the North Central Florida area. To learn more about our residential and commercial fence installation and repair services, contact us today!