Article by Holly Garnett
There are many types of fences that require many different types of care, maintenance and different installation procedures. This is of course due to the fact that different fences are made from different materials and have different purposes. Knowing how to care for and maintain your particular fence is an essential part of protecting your investment. Here are a few of the most common fence types and how to care for them.
Wire Fencing
Wire fences are typically used to keep something from getting out. This could be horses, cows or other livestock. As you can imagine wire fencing can become damaged on a regular basis thanks to the antics of your livestock. The good news is that repairs are very easy so long as you have a good pair of pliers, crimping tools and fence sleeves. Simply slide the two ends of the wire through the sleeve, squeeze the wire shut with the crimping tool and you’re done. Alternately you could use the pliers to squeeze the sleeve shut if you want. As with most metal fences always be on the look-out for broken wire, wire that has been bent and stretched to the point that it won’t hold in the livestock and rusted wire, which should be replaced immediately.
Wooden Fences
A wooden fence is practical, aesthetically pleasing and can come in a variety of colours but lacks the durability of metal fences. This means you will have to be extra vigilant in order to keep it in good shape. Routinely check your wooden fence for damage such as peeling, splintering, breakages and holes. You also need to keep an eye out for insect nests and mould as well. Any damage that you noticed should be address immediately. Holes should be filled, splinters should be removed, breaks should be sanded and insect nests removed. Wooden fences should also be painted every two years or so as well.
Chain Link Fences
Despite their durability chain link fences need to be repaired at times just like most other forms of fencing. They can suffer from rust, bent metal and sometimes even the top rails are damaged. The good thing is that chain link fences are constructed so that repairing them isn’t as hard as you’d think.
Damaged rails can be replaced by measuring the sections you need and buying replacement parts at the store. Saggy fences can many times be repaired by tightening the nuts and bolts but in some cases you may need to use a machine known as a “come along” to do it. If the fence fabric is severely damaged and can’t be bent back into shape then it will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Overall it isn’t hard to repair fences in most cases but it can take a bit of know-how and work on your part. If repairing your fence yourself seems like too much of a chore don’t forget that there are knowledgeable contractors that you can hire to do it for you.
Holly is an avid gardener based in the west midlands with skills in many areas including fencing, paving and genuine home services.
Holly is a business consultant who has worked for many companies in her career. She enjoys working outdoors and has a keen interest in garden maintenance including paving, landscaping and fencing in birmingham. For more information, please visit Genuine Home Services, who provide garden maintenance services.
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