Ensuring Your New Wood Fence Lasts For Years
A wood fence is not only a practical means of securing your property but can also be an attractive addition to your landscape. Properly securing a wood fence is essential to ensure its longevity and durability. Avoiding common mistakes people make when installing and maintaining wood fences can help you get the best results from this upgrade to your property.
Failing To Check Local Regulations Before Installation
A mistake people often make is not researching local zoning laws and property boundaries before installing a wood fence. Different municipalities may have varying regulations regarding fences' height, materials, and location. Knowing these requirements is necessary to avoid potential fines and disputes with neighbors. Additionally, obtaining the required permits and approvals before beginning the installation process will ensure that your fence complies with local laws.
Neglecting Proper Wood Treatment Before Installation
Another common oversight is neglecting to treat the wood before installing the fence. Pressure-treated wood is an excellent option for increased durability because it has been chemically treated to resist rot and insect damage. Moreover, sealing or painting the wooden fence can provide additional protection against the elements and prolong its lifespan. Properly treated wood will not only look better but will also require less maintenance in the long run.
Inadequate Post Anchoring Methods
The stability of a wood fence largely depends on the strength of its posts. A common mistake is not using concrete footing for post stability. Concrete footings provide a solid base for the fence posts, and this prevents them from shifting or leaning over time. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the proper depth requirements for fence posts based on the height of the fence and the local climate. In colder regions, for example, it is necessary to dig below the frost line to prevent the posts from heaving due to frost.
Ignoring Possible Effects Of Environmental Factors On Your Wood Fence
It is important to consider how wind, rain, and other environmental factors may impact your wood fence over time. For example, a solid wood fence with no gaps between the boards may act as a wind barrier, putting excessive pressure on the fence and causing it to lean or topple. Spacing the boards apart or adding a lattice to allow wind to pass through reduces the strain on the fence.
In addition to the wind, water can also cause significant damage to a wood fence. Ensuring proper drainage away from the fence will help to prevent rotting or warping due to moisture exposure.
Contact a wood fence installation service for more info.
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