Preparing Your Fence For Spring & Summer

Preparing Your Fence For Sp0ring & Summer

By Malissa Martin

SPRINGTIME MEANS MORE HOMEOWNERS WILL USE THEIR BACKYARDS FOR RELAXING WEEKENDS, BARBEQUES, AND CELEBRATIONS.

In preparation, some clean their deck, plant flowers, and etc., but many forget about their fences. Thirty- year fence expert Allen Koniecki, owner of Fabulous Fences, recommends homeowners do regular upkeep projects on their fences to increase long-evity. He shares his tips for keeping an efficient and maintained fence.

Daily Maintenance

There are several different types of fences, and the maintenance of them depends on the material. “With the wood ones, you can stain it every couple of years to preserve the wood and keep it from rotting. With the iron if you see rust or something like that you have to paint it; maybe hit it with a wire brush and some sand paper. That will keep it from rusting.” Koniecki suggested.

“The vinyl (PVC), you don’t have to worry about that because it’s plastic; unless a tree falls on it. Those are the low-maintenance ones.”

Keeping debris like trees, leaves, and heavy items from leaning on it will ensure a lasting fence, no matter the material. Through the years, homeowners may have to replace rotting wood. “On different stuff like iron it could be a hinge that’s broken, or if a tree falls on it, or some metal and bends it. It’s probably going to have to be cut and replaced.” Koniecki said.

Cleaning & Repairing

KONIECKI SUGGESTS USING A POWER WASH TO CLEAN STAINS ON WOOD FENCES unless the wood is old and deteriorating or it will ruin the fence.

Plastic fences last forever and iron fences can have a lengthy lifespan too if cared for properly with cleaning.

“The iron I’ve seen lasts over 30, 40 years depending on the maintenance. If you maintain the iron – although people do aluminum now instead of iron – you don’t even really have to worry about that deteriorating. With the iron, it rusts. If you see a little rust you have to basically paint it to keep it from rusting.” Koniecki suggested.

No matter what type of fence you have, cleaning it on a regular basis can make it last longer and look beautiful. Plus, making minor repairs now can save homeowners from big repairs later down the line.

Replacing Fence

IF A FENCE IS BEYOND REPAIR AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, selecting the right fence for your home is imperative. Fences come in all types of shapes, sizes and colors. Price is mostly determined by yard size, fence material and installation.

The first step in selecting the correct fence for your home is determining the need. For privacy, many people select the six-foot-tall wood fences because it’s the most afford-able. The privacy fence is also good for dogs too, especially if they can jump high.

The wood fence lasts around 20 to 30 years. “Depending on if you stain it every couple of years, it’ll probably last 50 years.” The chain link fences are usually four-feet-tall and used for division. “The chain links are obviously cheaper. Then you go all the way to iron or aluminum, that gets pretty pricey.”

About Allen Koniecki:

Koniecki is a fence contractor, and owns Fabulous Fences. For 30 years he’s been repairing, replacing and installing new fences. He’s helped many homeowners select the best fences for their needs around Metro Detroit. Contact Koniecki at (248) 979-2670 for new fences or fence repairs.