How long does a cedar fence last?
When choosing a fencing contractor and the type of fencing that will best meet your needs, cedar fences are a popular choice. Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of cedar fences and everything you need to know about the benefits and ongoing maintenance required to ensure you are making a lasting, economical investment for your home.
Cedar is a very durable wood, and it is resistant to rotting, warping, and splitting, with the proper maintenance. It can last through harsh weather conditions and environmental wear and tear like heavy winds, snow and rain. Fences made of cedar tend to last longer than fences made from other types of wood. It is also known to help with repelling insects from the cedar oils produced that are a natural repellent. The natural cedar oils also help with prevent rotting and fading from sunlight exposure.
How do you make cedar fences last?
A cedar fence can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance; however, there are some important necessary steps to ensure that your cedar fence will last for decades.
1. Yearly Inspections
Checking for rot, loose boards, or other types of damage on a yearly basis is important to catch anything before it damages the integrity of the wood which will dramatically reduce the lifespan of your fencing. A preventive approach is very important to ensuring your cedar fence will last.
2. Cleaning + Applying Sealant Annually
Cedar will naturally weather to a silvery gray color overtime without treatment so it’s very important to apply a sealant annually to maintain its natural beauty and the integrity of the wood to avoid such weathering.
It is important to apply sealant right after the installation of a cedar fence and then once a year after that. Before applying the sealant, you’ll need to first clean the fence with a soft bristle brush that is not abrasive and won’t damage the wood. For cleaning solutions, you can try wood or deck cleaner or dish soap. After cleaning, let the fence fully dry. Then apply a sealant, and voilà – you are done with your yearly maintenance!
3. Pressure Washing
After cleaning the fence with dish soap and a soft brush, you can do some additional pressure washing if your fence is still quite dirty and worn and the brush method doesn’t fully do the trick. Just make sure to be aware of the pressure levels so that you don’t damage the wood. It’s typically recommended to keep the pressure around 1500psi and not standing too close to the cedar while pressure washing.
You can chat with a fencing company like Denver Fence to get additional tips and tricks around maintenance of your cedar fencing. Call us anytime!
4. Refinishing
The last and final maintenance requirement to be aware of is the refinishing of your cedar fence. With Cedar fences, it’s recommended to refinish them at least once every two to three years to ensure that they will last decades. This means that when this time rolls around (every two to three years), it will replace the annual cleaning and sealant only routine.
The refinishing steps are as follows:
Cleaning: You will still clean the cedar fence as usual, as listed above, with a non-abrasive soft bristle brush and a cleaning solution like a deck cleaner or dish soap.
Sanding: The next step is to sand the cedar fence. You could use a power sander but you will want to keep sandpaper handy for corners and spaces that are harder to reach. Be sure to wipe off the excess dust when finished before moving to the next step. You can use a microfiber cloth or a tack cloth for cleaning off excess dust.
Stain or Paint: After that, it’s time to apply a stain or paint and let it dry for up to 48 hours. Oil-based stains can be an ideal choice because they are absorbed into the wood fibers, and it can enhance the natural look and grain patterning. It really depends on your aesthetic preferences though when it comes to your staining or painting decision.
Apply Sealer: Finally, you’ll apply a coat of sealer after your paint or stain is fully dried. While this entire refinishing process may take some time, it will dramatically reduce the risk of mold and mildew developing, avoid deterioration, and ensure that your fence will last as long as possible.
If you need a fencing contractor, fencing company, or even just a fence repair, we would love to help you. Please contact us to further discuss your needs!
