How Often Should You Stain or Paint Your Fence?

Your Ottawa home’s wooden fence provides you with a variety of benefits, such as privacy and security, but it also adds to its overall appearance and aesthetic. As such, maintaining your fence and preventing serious wear can prevent a costly replacement. At the Handyman Connection, your source for fence installation in Ottawa, our knowledgeable fence technicians are ready to help you spot a few signs that your fence is ready for a painting or staining upgrade. 

1. Faded or Peeling Paint 

Depending on the type of wood, most painted or stained fences require a new coat every three years or so. There are a few factors that might affect how often maintenance is required, such as: 

• Placement facing the sun 
• Effects of weather on the painted surface 
• The strength of the paint or stain 

Once the stain or paint starts to peel or fade, chances are it is no longer protecting the wood. Calling in our paint and stain technicians for fence repair services and painting can restore your fence’s appearance and prolong its life. From choosing a stain to identifying any potential problems, our experienced handymen will keep you in the loop and well informed from start to finish. 

2. Noticeable Rot 

Not all fencing wood is the same, and certain types tend to wear or rot quicker than others. Generally, softer woods tend to wear quicker, such as pine and redwood. You may notice areas of mould or mildew in rotted areas, and in this case, it is wise to replace any mouldy sections. Our technicians can replace rotting boards and recommend a hardy paint or stain so your softwood fence lasts longer. 

Many types of softwood are also vulnerable to insect activity and carpenter ants, termites and certain types of burrowing bees can cause considerable damage. If you notice any type of insect activity on any section of your fence, the boards there may need replacing before our technicians can stain or paint. 

3. Ground-Level Damage 

Fence posts set into the ground or that have any contact there are more prone to moisture damage. Having these posts treated with a water-resistant stain or paint can protect them and increase their overall life span. You can ask our technicians about what type of coverage to choose, as they have experience with fence installation in Ottawa and can help you select a brand or style that can protect the fence posts from premature wear. 

Groundwater and locations on your property that are prone to standing water can have a detrimental effect on your fencing, so you may want to monitor an issue like this at least once a season. If your fence posts or boards begin to lean, this may point to underground rotting of the posts. Our technicians can help you decide which posts or boards may need replacing before they treat new ones with the right stain or paint. 

4. Uneven Wear and Fading 

Some portions of your fence may fade or wear faster depending on their location and what type of paint or stain was used when the fence was first installed. If your fence catches much of the heat of the day, that section may fade faster than others. 

Asking our technicians about fade-resistant stains and paints can help a new coat last longer and increase the overall life of your wooden fence. When properly cared for, most fences of this type can last more than 10 years before requiring any serious repair. 

Maintaining your Ottawa home’s fencing can be a challenge, especially when you run into problems that require more than a simple toolkit or a bucket of paint. For a an estimate, contact us today for fence installation in Ottawa, along with professional paint and stain services that can enhance the appearance and value of your home.