Unfortunately, wood rot is inevitable – the Grim Reaper of wooden fencing, but fear not as we’re on hand with some useful tips to help you prolong the time it takes for wood rot to eventually take hold.
Consider rot before buying fencing materials
Before buying and installing your new fence, firstly consider using hard-wearing, rot-resistant materials, such as:
- Cedar
- Juniper
- Redwood
- Cypress
Woods that aren’t as hard-wearing and should be avoided when looking for rot-resistant fencing materials are:
- Pine
- Tamarack
- Douglas Fir
Alternatively, you can even purchase pre-treated wood, which can also protect your fence from wood rot.
Know dry rot from wet rot
It can be difficult to determine which is which, but you must be privy to this information in order to understand exactly what you’re protecting your fence from.
Dry rot – this is generally more widespread in arid climates. Dry rot can strip the wood of its protective oils, thus leaving it vulnerable to weathering and moisture, which will subsequently cause it to rot even more.
Wet rot – this is more common in the UK, and can be caused by moisture coming into regular contact with the wood. Typically, this occurs at the bottom of your fence where the panels are more likely to come into contact with soil.
Stain your fence
Regular staining of your fence can help to keep rot at bay. It’s advised that you stain the wood once a year. To test the overall condition of the stain, spray it slightly with a small amount of water, if the water beads remain on the exterior, then the stain is in good condition, if the water disappears, however, then it’s time to re-stain.
Keep the fence clear of debris
Keeping clutter near or against your fence is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It can cause a build of moisture which will subsequently damage your fence over time. To avoid this problem, move all debris away from the fence and either dispose of it, or move it to another location, preferably not up against or set down upon a wooden surface.
Replace areas that have been affected by rot
If you spot a section of your fence which has been overcome by rot, then take the necessary steps to remove it, this will prevent the rot from spreading. It may be that you’d need a whole new fence panel, but this would be worth it as you wouldn’t have to fork out for a whole new fence around your boundary. The spread of rot would be considerably less likely if you have concrete posts which holds your fence together. If your posts are wooden, however, then it may be worth replacing those with a more durable concrete alternative.
Here at RTC Fencing, we have over 20 years of experience in the fencing industry, supplying and installing high quality fencing for commercial clients across the East Midlands. Our fences are able to provide added security and peace of mind for our clients. For all of your commercial fencing needs, get in touch with a member of our team today – we operate throughout Leicester, Nottingham, Melton Mowbray, Derby and the surrounding area.