How to Maintain Your Fence
A little maintenance goes a long way. Proper care can add years to your fence's life and keep it looking good. This guide covers maintenance tips for different fence types in North Alabama's humid climate.
Wood fence maintenance
Annual inspection
Walk your fence line each spring. Look for leaning posts, loose boards, damaged sections, and signs of rot at the base of posts. Catching problems early prevents bigger repairs.
Cleaning
Remove dirt, mildew, and debris with a garden hose or pressure washer (low setting). Clean before staining for best results. Avoid high pressure that can damage wood fibers.
Staining & sealing
Apply a quality stain or sealant every 2-3 years to protect against moisture, UV damage, and mildew. North Alabama humidity makes this especially important for wood longevity.
Vegetation control
Keep plants, vines, and mulch away from fence posts. Vegetation holds moisture against wood and accelerates rot. Trim bushes and maintain clearance around posts.
Hardware check
Tighten loose screws and hinges. Replace rusted hardware before it fails. Gate hardware sees the most wear—check latches and hinges twice a year.
Prompt repairs
Fix damaged boards quickly. One loose board can stress neighboring sections and lead to bigger problems. Small repairs are always cheaper than major rebuilds.
Aluminum fence maintenance
Annual rinse
Aluminum is low maintenance, but an annual rinse with a garden hose removes pollen, dirt, and grime that can dull the finish over time.
Check for damage
Inspect for bent rails, loose pickets, or damage from impacts. Aluminum is durable but can be bent by falling branches or lawn equipment.
Gate adjustment
Aluminum gates may need periodic hinge adjustment as the ground shifts seasonally. Self-closing mechanisms on pool gates should be tested regularly.
Touch-up paint
If the powder coating gets scratched, touch it up with matching paint to prevent corrosion at the exposed spot. Most manufacturers sell touch-up kits.
Chain link fence maintenance
Check tension
Chain link should be taut. If sections are sagging or bulging, the tension wire or mesh may need tightening. Loose mesh is easier to damage and looks neglected.
Inspect posts
Look for leaning posts, cracked concrete footings, and rust at ground level. Terminal and corner posts take the most stress—check these first.
Rust treatment
For galvanized chain link, treat any rust spots with a rust converter and touch up with galvanized spray paint. Vinyl-coated chain link rarely needs attention.
Gate maintenance
Lubricate hinges annually. Check that latches align properly and gates close fully. Sagging gates often just need hinge adjustment or a new tension band.
Seasonal maintenance schedule
Spring
Full inspection after winter. Check for frost heave damage, loose posts, and winter storm damage. Clean and prepare for staining if needed.
Summer
Best time to stain wood fences—warm, dry weather allows proper curing. Keep vegetation trimmed back from fence line.
Fall
Clear leaves and debris from fence base. Check gate hardware before winter. Complete any repairs before cold weather arrives.
Winter
Minimize heavy snow/ice accumulation on fence (if applicable). Avoid piling snow against fence. Watch for storm damage after weather events.
Maintenance FAQ
How often should I stain my wood fence?
Every 2-3 years for most North Alabama properties. If water no longer beads on the surface, it's time to reapply. High-moisture areas may need more frequent treatment.
Can I pressure wash my fence?
Yes, but use a low setting (under 1500 PSI) and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away. High pressure can damage wood fibers and force water into the grain.
When should I call a professional?
For leaning posts, structural damage, multiple broken sections, or gate issues you can't fix. Small repairs are DIY-friendly, but structural problems need proper repair to avoid making things worse.
Does aluminum fencing need to be painted?
No. Powder-coated aluminum is maintenance-free under normal conditions. Only touch up if the coating gets damaged from impacts or scratches.
Need help with fence repairs?
If your fence needs more than basic maintenance, we can help. Request a repair estimate or call to discuss your options.