There are many types of fences, and each fence requires different methods to maintain them. At Butte Fence, we have several different types of fences to choose from. From the stone Meridian fence to the picket fence, if you want it, we can install it. Putting up a Meridian fence isn’t a one-and-done type deal, though. You have to keep in mind that some fences will require a lot more upkeep than others. To help you weigh the pros and cons, we’ll go over what fences we do, why they’re a good choice, and how to maintain them. Whether you already have the fence, want to replace an old fence, or install a new fence, we at Butte Fence have you covered.
Why Do You Need To Maintain Your Fence?
As a homeowner, you understand the importance of maintaining your home. You regularly mow your lawn, trim your hedges, and powerwash your siding. But what about your fence? Your Meridian fence is an important part of your home, too. Not only does it add curb appeal, but it also adds value to your property. A fence is a big investment for your home. It provides security and privacy and can even increase your property value. But like any other investment, it needs to be properly cared for in order to keep it looking its best.
Compared to other home improvement projects, maintaining your Meridian fence is relatively easy and inexpensive. A little bit of elbow grease (or hiring a professional) goes a long way. Whether you need to sand down some rough edges or replace a few boards, taking care of small repairs on an annual basis will extend the life of your fence and save you money in the long run.
Inspect Your Fence Regularly
It’s important to inspect your fence regularly, looking for signs of wear and tear. Whether you have a wood, vinyl, or aluminumMeridian fence, it’s important to check for rotting boards, chipped paint, rotted wood, loose nails or screws, loose posts, and other damage. By catching these problems early with preventative maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. In addition, regular inspections will help you extend the life of your fence.
Clean Your Fence Regularly
One of the most important aspects of fence care is cleaning. You don’t need to scrub it with soap and water every week, but you should remove any dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate on your Meridian fence over time, making it look dull and faded. In addition, these materials can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. To keep your fence looking its best, be sure to clean it on a regular basis. You can use a pressure washer or a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. For tougher stains, you may need to use a cleaner specifically designed for fences. Regular cleaning will help to extend the life of your Meridian fence and keep it looking like new.
Repair Damaged Sections Promptly
A fence is only as strong as its weakest link, nail, or post, so it’s important to repair any damage promptly. Otherwise, you could be giving criminals an easy way to enter your property or your dog could get out. The most common type of damage is from weathering, which can cause the wood to rot or the metal to corrode. High winds can also snap pickets or posts, and falling trees can crush sections of the Meridian fence. Fortunately, most types of damage can be repaired relatively easily. Replacement pickets and posts are available at most hardware stores, and many companies offer repair services for all types of fences. By taking care of your Meridian fence, you can help keep your home safe and secure.
If you do find any damage while inspecting your Meridian fence, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. Left unchecked, small problems can quickly turn into big ones. And once rot or termites set in, they can cause irreparable damage that will require you to replace your entire fence.
Every fence is different, though. While one Meridian fence might need monthly care, another might need yearly care. It all depends on the type of fence you have. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the different types of fences we offer and how to maintain them.
Vinyl Meridian Fence
First and foremost, our vinyl fence. If you want privacy, durability, and low maintenance, this Meridian fence is your best option. Because it’s vinyl, it won’t warp or fade in the sunlight, so you won’t have to worry about sealing it or repainting it as often as you would other fences.
Maintaining A Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences usually just need to be hosed down from top to bottom until any dirt or grime falls off. In some instances, you may have to put some elbow grease into cleaning your vinyl Meridian fence. If pollen or some other stain won’t remove itself after the water hose, you may need to scrub with soap and water. Or if algae or other bacterial growth is forming on your fence, you may have to scrub with water and bleach or vinegar and water if you want to be more environmentally cautious. If there’s a large area with algae and it’s too much work for your arm, you may want to use a power washer to clean the area. Just make sure the cleaning liquid will kill any bacteria that may be clinging to your vinyl fence.
Ornamental Iron Fence
If you’re looking for a Meridian fence with more character, an ornamental iron fence is a great option. Ornamental iron fences come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits the look you’re going for. Because they’re made of metal, they won’t warp or fade and are very durable. They’re also environmentally friendly. They can keep out trespassers because they’re nearly impossible to scale and break into.
Maintaining An Ornamental Iron Fence
Ornamental iron fences will also need to be hosed down, but you may have to do a little more scrubbing than with a vinyl Meridian fence. If there’s any rust forming on the fence, you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible. Rust can cause the metal to weaken and then eventually break. To remove rust, you can use a wire brush or a power washer. If the rust is really bad, you may need to sand it down with sandpaper until the rust is gone and then repaint the area.
An ornamental iron Meridian fence will need painting every few years, but they’re also easy to fix and repair. If a section gets damaged or bent out of shape, it’s easy to remove that section and replace it with a new section. And because it’s metal, it’s environmentally friendly because it can be recycled and repurposed.
An ornamental iron fence can last centuries if maintained correctly.
Wood Fence
Wooden fences are probably the most common and abundant Meridian fence for most homeowners. They’re easy to install and relatively inexpensive. But they do require a little more maintenance than other types of fences. Depending on where you live is a factor to consider if you plan to install a wooden Meridian fence or repair your current fence. The type of wood used may be better or worse in the climate you live in, and that will reflect how often you need to maintain your wood fence.
Maintaining A Wooden Fence
Wooden fences are susceptible to rotting, warping, and termites. The best type of wood to use for termite repellant is cedar. It may be more expensive, but it has a natural insect repellent. No wood is waterproof, so you will have to treat the wood to a water-resistant solution to keep the wood from warping in the rain or splintering in the sun. To keep the wood in its natural, beautiful color, treat it with UV protection every other year.
Concrete Stone Fence
At Butte Fence, we offer two types of stone fences. The first is our SimTek™ fence. The SimTek™ fence has patented realistic granite and wood textures. It has high impact resistance and can absorb sounds, so you can peacefully enjoy your backyard without disturbances. The second type of stone Meridian fence we offer is our RhinoRock concrete wall. RhinoRock is also patented. It’s a more affordable concrete wall due to the way it’s poured. It makes the concrete 90% lighter than other concrete walls, so it’s easier to ship and install.
Maintaining A Concrete Wall
Concrete doesn’t mean indestructible. Concrete is a very porous material. Over time, water will seep into the concrete and cause it to deteriorate from the inside out. The best way to protect your concrete Meridian fence is to have it sealed every few years. A topical sealer covers the top layer of your concrete and will keep the water from seeping in and causing damage. You also want to clean your concrete fence with proper concrete cleaner, and while you’re doing this, it’s also a great time to inspect your concrete for any cracks or damage. Preventative maintenance will help you find small problems before they become larger problems.
Picket Fence
Picket fences are a classic American Meridian fence. They’re usually white and add a charming look to any home. Picket fences aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they’re still desirable fences for some homeowners.
Maintaining A Picket Fence
Picket fences are easier to maintain than regular wooden fences because they don’t require much more than a yearly coat of paint. You can also treat the wood with a water-resistant solution to keep it from rotting or warping. If any of the pickets become loose, you can simply screw them back in place. Picket fences are one of the most low-maintenance types of fences.
Chain Link Fence
There are a few different types of chain link fences out there. The most common is the galvanized chain link Meridian fence. This type of fence is usually used for commercial purposes. It’s also common to see a vinyl-coated chain link fence which is mostly used for residential purposes.
Maintaining A Chain Link Fence
Even though they don’t offer privacy or add to curb appeal, chain link fences are one of the easiest types of fences to maintain. Apply rust protection on your chain link fence annually. Make sure to apply some at the very bottom of the Meridian fence too. That’s where the most moisture will come from because it’s close to the grass and other moisture from the ground. To clean the Meridian fence from debris and bird waste, just hose down the fence or use a pressure washer. Some areas might need scrubbing, depending on how tough the debris is.
Avoid allowing plants to grow around and on your chain link fence. This can cause the posts to lean and the fence to become unleveled or lift from the posts. Plants can also grow between the chain link and break the links. Make sure to use the Meridian fence as directed too. This means don’t climb over it or lean on it because this can cause the fence to loosen or come undone from the posts. If there are any repairs needed, just tighten the bolts or call a professional to come to make the necessary repairs.
It’s Important To Maintain Your Meridian Fence
A fence is a big investment for any homeowner. Not only does it add curb appeal and value to your home, but it also provides privacy and security. As such, it’s important to take good care of your Meridian fence so that it can continue to serve you well for many years to come. By following these simple tips, you can keep your fence looking great and extend its lifespan. Remember to inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage, clean it at least once a year, and treat it with a sealant or stain every few years. With just a little bit of work, you can keep your Meridian fence in top condition!
After weighing your options and deciding what kind of Meridian fence you want to install, contact Butte Fence for your free estimate.