Maintenance

Fence and Gate Maintenance

Oxford Fencing Services can help with all fence/gate maintenance and repairs. If you'd like us to give you an estimate or just some advice, please do Contact Us

We've put some hints and tips below that will help you extend the life expectancy of your fence and gates:

Maintaining a wooden fence is essentially a battle against the elements. Since modern eco-friendly treatments aren't as effective as the old chemical cocktails, the longevity of your fence can now benefit from some proactive maintenance rather than 'set it and forget it' durability

1. The Annual 'Wobble' Audit
Once a year - preferably before the winter storms - give your fence a physical checkup

The Post Push and Screwdriver Test: Apply firm pressure to each post. If there is significant 'give' at the ground level, there's a good chance that you have a sub-surface rot issue starting. Test how much rot is present by pushing a thin screwdriver into the base of the post just below ground level. If you lose more than 25mm of screwdriver, or the post has a wobble, you might consider installing a concrete repair post - these will add years to your fence!

2. Regular Maintenance
Modern pressure-treated wood is protected from the elements - but definitely benefits from regular maintenance

Clear the Debris: Ensure soil, mulch, or fallen leaves aren't piled up against the bottom of the fence posts and panels. This creates a 'moisture bridge' that encourages fungi to rot your fence posts and panels
Vegetation Control: Trim back ivy, hedges, trees or heavy bushes. Plants can physically pull a fence apart, increase weight, trap moisture, and prevent the wood from drying out after rain
Wash: Use a stiff brush and mild detergent to remove algae and mildew. Avoid high-pressure power washing if possible, as it can open up the wood fibres and soak up more moisture
Paint and Seal: Every 2-3 years, you may consider applying a high-quality, UV-resistant water repellent or an oil-based stain. This helps prevent the wood from checking (splitting) during the summer and soaking up water like a sponge in the winter. There are many products, clear or coloured, that are designed specifically for this purpose

3. Gates

Preserve and Seal: We highly recommend that you apply preservative annually, paying particular attention to joints and areas where water may accumulate and be retained, for example, on ledges and braces. Once the frame and the joinery starts to rot, it's only a question of time before the gate ultimately fails.
Binding: Wood is a natural material and moves with the seasons, swelling in the wet and contracting in the dry. If your gate binds in its frame a little in the winter, you might consider some adjustment in the way it's hung or perhaps shave a small amount off its width - it's a compromise so that it fits well in the heat of the summer or the constant wet of the English winter
Gates: Lubricate (grease) hinges and ensure the gate isn't dragging on the ground (this could be a sign that your gate is having joint issues or that the hanging post has warped a little. Whatever the reason, it's not good for the longevity of the gate or post - you'll need to find the cause and fix it before

The 'Golden Rules' of Fence and Gate Health:

Identify post problems early - fix them whilst you still have an upright fence
Keep it dry, keep it clear - the goal isn't to make wood waterproof - that's impossible. The goal is to ensure that when it does get wet, it has the airflow and drainage necessary to dry out as quickly as possible before rot becomes an issue
Preserve your gate frame - once this rots, the joints will fail and the rest, as they say...