A wooden fence adds security and privacy while maintaining a natural beauty. However, wood is a soft material that when exposed to the elements will break down and degrade over time. It is essential to protect the wood. Wood should be either painted or stained to help shield and protect the wood’s surface. For those who choose to have your wooden fence stained, A Plus Painting would like to share some of the signs to watch for to know when it is time to have your wooden fence restained.
Faded Color
One of the first signs that your wooden fence needs to be restained is when the origin stain layer color begins to fade. Over time the UV rays from the sun will weaken the outer protective layer, in this case the stain. As the stain breaks down, the color will begin to lighten, appear duller or fade. This is an early warning sign that soon your wooded fence with be left vulnerable to the elements, which will cause more rapid decay. When your fence begins to look lighter in color, it is time to have the fence restained.
Water is No Longer Beading
A good quality stain should be able to protect the surface of the wood from water or moisture damage. You can always tell if the stain is doing its job by the small water beads that form on the wood’s surface when exposed. If the fence gets wet from rain or a sprinkler and you don’t see water beads forming on the surface, this is a bad sign. The lack of beading water means the moisture has penetrated into the wood which is leading to decay, wood rot, and or mold. When choosing a stain for your fence, make sure it protects the wood from water when you have the fence restained.
Wood Looks Dry
A bad sign for any wooden fence is when it looks dry, weathered or even gray in color. Wooden fences tend to dry out over time, due to the exposure of the sun. Dry wood will often feel splintery or rough. It is best to never allow your fence to dry out. However, even at this point, it is not too late. When your fence is dry, you can have it lightly sanded down and restained to help add moisture back into the wood and to protect the wood from further UV exposure.
You Notice Cracking or Splitting
Small cracks and splinters can appear in the wood. This happens as the wood expands and contracts as the temperatures change. These cracks can allow moisture to seep into the wood, causing premature damage to your fence. When you see these small cracks or should splinters appear, it is time to have it restained.
Painting, Pressure Washing & More in Winnsboro, Camden, Sumter, St. Matthews, Lexington and Greater Columbia, SC
Regular fence maintenance can help protect your investment and keep your property looking its best. If your fence is faded, dry, weathered, absorbing water, or showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider professional fence restaining. For those who need help restoring their wooden fencing, contact A Plus Painting and schedule our staining services today.
