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Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s a fact of life that a well-maintained fence can last for decades, adding security and value to your Florida property. But sometimes, in an effort to keep our fences in good shape, we can inadvertently make some common maintenance mistakes that do more harm than good. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way, so I want to walk you through some of the pitfalls to avoid when caring for your fence, especially here in our unique Florida climate.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is neglecting regular inspections. It’s easy to forget about your fence until you notice a major problem, but a quick walk around the perimeter every few months can save you a lot of time and money. Ignoring small issues like a loose screw on a gate hinge or a single cracked picket is a huge mistake. A small issue can quickly become a big, expensive repair, especially when our strong winds and heavy rains come into play. Proactive inspection allows you to spot rot, rust, or loose connections before they compromise the fence’s overall integrity.
Another common error is using the wrong cleaning method or products. While a good cleaning can work wonders on a dirty fence, using too much pressure with a pressure washer, for example, can seriously damage wood fibers or force water into the seams of a vinyl fence, leading to bigger issues down the line. You should always use the lowest effective pressure setting and a wide spray tip. Similarly, using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on vinyl or aluminum can strip protective coatings or cause discoloration. For most fences, a gentle cleaning with a mild soap and water solution is all that’s needed.
Homeowners also often make the mistake of improper landscaping around the fence line. Allowing vines to grow up your fence might look pretty, but it can trap moisture against the material, creating a perfect environment for mold, mildew, and rot, particularly on a wood fence. Similarly, letting bushes and trees grow too close to the fence blocks airflow and can cause physical damage from branches. You should always leave a little space between your fence and your landscaping to allow for proper air circulation and to make inspections easier.
Forgetting to properly protect a wood fence is another major mistake we see all the time. Our Florida sun and rain are relentless. Without a quality stain or sealant, your wood fence will quickly start to gray, crack, and warp. Neglecting to reapply this protective layer every few years is one of the fastest ways to shorten the lifespan of a wood fence. The initial investment in a good sealant is minor compared to the cost of replacing damaged boards or an entire fence.
Lastly, a frequent mistake is ignoring gate issues. A gate that sags, drags, or doesn’t latch properly is not only an annoyance but a security risk. Many people just live with it, but a failing gate can put a lot of stress on the fence posts, causing them to lean or crack over time. Fixing a gate is often as simple as adjusting the hinges or replacing the latch, and it prevents more serious damage to the rest of the fence line.
By avoiding these common mistakes and committing to a little bit of regular, mindful maintenance, you can ensure your fence remains a beautiful and functional part of your property for a long time. If you’re ever in doubt about how to properly maintain your fence or if you spot a problem you’re not sure how to fix, give us a call at Fence Company Near Me. We’re always here to offer advice and professional service.
Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!
