A good fence does more than define property lines—it adds privacy, protects pets and kids, and boosts curb appeal. But like anything outdoors, fences take a beating from the elements. Without regular maintenance, even a well-built fence can wear out faster than it should.
At Stand Strong Fencing of Lake Norman, we believe a little maintenance goes a long way. Whether your fence is brand new or a few years old, here are the best practices to keep it strong, clean, and looking sharp for the long haul.
1. Start with the Right Material
First things first: pressure-treated wood is one of the most popular choices for fencing, and for good reason. It’s affordable, durable, and resistant to rot and insects. But pressure-treated doesn’t mean maintenance-free. It still needs care—just less frequently than untreated wood.
If you’re not sure what type of wood your fence is made from, give us a call. Knowing your material helps guide your maintenance plan.
2. When to Waterproof, Seal, or Stain a Fence
One of the biggest questions we get is: “When should I stain or seal my fence?” Here’s a breakdown:
- Pressure-treated wood needs time to dry out after installation. Don’t seal or stain it immediately. Wait about 3–6 months, depending on weather. If you sprinkle water on the boards and it soaks in rather than beads up, it’s ready.
- Best time of year to seal or stain? Spring or early fall. You want a dry stretch of weather, with mild temperatures (ideally between 50°F and 80°F) and low humidity. Avoid sealing in the middle of summer when it’s scorching or during winter when it's too cold for proper curing.
- Sealing vs. staining:
- Sealer is clear and helps repel water.
- Stain adds color and UV protection. A semi-transparent stain is great for showing wood grain while adding defense against sun and rain.
You can also find combination stain-sealers for double protection.
3. How Often Should You Reapply?
- For most wood fences, reapply stain or sealer every 2–3 years.
- Inspect your fence annually—if the color is fading, wood looks dry, or water stops beading on the surface, it’s time to recoat.
- Areas with direct sun exposure may need more frequent attention than shaded sections.
4. General Fence Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance doesn’t take much time, but it pays off in a big way. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Inspect Annually
Walk the fence line at least once a year. Look for:
- Loose or damaged boards
- Wobbly posts
- Rusting hardware
- Signs of insect damage or rot
Catch issues early, and you’ll avoid costly repairs later.
✅ Keep It Clean
Dirt, mildew, and algae can shorten the life of your fence. Clean it every spring with a gentle pressure wash or scrub it with a mixture of:
- 1 part bleach
- 2 parts water
- A few drops of dish soap
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse well. Just be careful not to use too much pressure—too much force can damage the wood.
✅ Keep Plants Off the Fence
Avoid letting vines, shrubs, or trees grow directly on or too close to the fence. They trap moisture and promote rot. Keep vegetation trimmed back and mulch pulled away from the base.
✅ Refasten and Replace Hardware
Check nails, screws, and hinges. Tighten anything loose, replace rusted pieces, and lubricate gate hardware to keep everything working smoothly.
5. Bonus Pro Tips from the Pros
- Don’t let sprinklers hit your fence: Constant water exposure = faster rot. Adjust your irrigation heads so they don’t soak the boards daily.
- Use post caps: These inexpensive additions help prevent water from pooling on top of your posts and extend their life.
- Consider a UV-blocking stain: If your fence gets full sun, a stain with UV inhibitors can prevent graying and warping over time.
- Elevate the bottom of the fence: Fences should have a small gap between the bottom rail and the ground to prevent water damage and mold growth.
6. Repair or Replace? How to Know—and When Insurance Can Help
Even with regular upkeep, fences don’t last forever. So when something goes wrong—whether it’s storm damage, wood rot, or just years of wear—you’ll eventually face the question: Do I repair it, or replace the whole thing?
Here’s how to decide:
✅ When to Repair
- Only a few boards or pickets are damaged
- Posts are still solid and stable
- The structure is mostly intact
- You’re trying to stretch a few more years out of it before a full replacement
Repairs make sense when the damage is isolated and the rest of the fence is in good shape. We can often replace individual boards or rails and match the look closely.
🚫 When to Replace
- Posts are rotting, leaning, or loose in the ground
- More than 25–30% of the fence is damaged
- The wood is warping, splitting, or sagging in multiple areas
- Your fence is 15+ years old and showing its age
In these cases, repairing might cost more in the long run. Replacing gives you a fresh start, better curb appeal, and peace of mind.
Can Homeowners Insurance Cover Fence Damage or replacement?
Yes—in many cases, your homeowners insurance may cover part or all of the cost to repair or replace your fence, depending on the cause of the damage.
Here’s when it typically applies:
- Storm or wind damage (like a tree falling on your fence)
- Vehicle impact (a car backs into it)
- Vandalism or other sudden accidents
Here’s when it usually won’t:
- General wear and tear
- Age-related deterioration
- Damage caused by poor maintenance.
If you're not sure, we recommend:
- Taking photos of the damage
- Checking your policy or calling your insurance agent
- Getting a written quote from a professional fencing contractor (like us)
We can work directly with your insurance company, provide documentation, and even help you figure out if it makes sense to file a claim or handle it out of pocket.
Need an Honest Opinion? We’ll Tell You Straight.
At Stand Strong Fencing of Lake Norman, we’re here to give you the truth. If a few repairs will get the job done, we’ll tell you. If it’s time for a full replacement, we’ll show you why. And if your insurance might cover it, we’ll help you take the right steps.
Final Thoughts
A fence is a big investment—protect it. Regular cleaning, sealing, and quick fixes can add years to its life and save you money in the long run.
At Stand Strong Fencing of Lake Norman, we not only install fences built to last—we’re here to help you take care of them. We’ve got you.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a fence check-up or get a quote on replacement services.