Cedar is one of the most popular fencing materials for privacy fences and other outdoor structures here in Boise. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and warping, however despite its hearty reputation, cedar still requires proper maintenance to ensure its lovely appearance will last. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your cedar fence from looking grey from weathering over time.
Keeping a Cedar Fence Looking its Best
First, regularly inspect your fence for any boards that may have become loose, disconnected, or that are wobbly to the touch and replace the required nails or screws.
Power Washing
If you power wash the fence, be sure to use a soft method that will limit or eliminate the chance of damaging the wood fiber. This means keeping the pressure to around 1500 to 2000 psi. Keep the nozzle about a foot and a half from the fence and spray the structure evenly. Do not linger long in any particular area as this will leave an uneven pattern. Using this method will wash away the grey and expose the lush natural color beneath.
Using Bleach, Oxiclean, or Wood Cleaner
Washing a cedar fence without a power washer system will require mixing a quart of oxygen bleach with three quarts of water and using a garden sprayer to cover the fence in sections. Let the spray sit for 10 minutes and then use a brush to wash away dirt and mildew. Rinse with fresh water from your hose.
Calibrate Lawn Sprinklers
In between inspections and cleaning, be sure to keep lawn sprinklers calibrated in a way that avoids excessive water hitting the fence to minimize potential damage. Also, remove any climbing weeds that may grow near the fence as they can damage wood when they become attached.
Staining Your Cedar Fence
If your cedar fence is new, we recommend that you let it “dry” in the sun for 5-10 weeks before applying any type of stain. Always choose an oil based stain. Oil based stains will absorb better, and offer better UV and water protection. For older cedar fences, use the power washing and cleaning tips above, and let the fence dry before applying stain. Transparent stains allow for the natural color and grains to show, but offers lower levels of protection than semi-transparent or colored stains. Re-apply about every two to three years.
Meridian Fence does offer fencing cleaning and staining services, so if you’d prefer to let the pro’s handle it, please give us a call at 208-888-6131. Or if it’s time for a new fence, give us a call for a free estimate!