Fences -- we see them every day, drive by them, pass through them, and some of us even peek over them. (Ok, maybe not the peeking part!) Even though fences are the norm, we don’t think about them until it's time to replace them. Unfortunately, then we're hit with sticker shock.
Following are facts about wood fences and some tips on keeping them looking their best!
Wood doesn't last as long as it used to.
Today's wood comes from younger stock than it did 20 years ago. Environmental pressures have driven the market to use young, new growth stock. Older woods had a higer natural resistance, called tannin resin, to the climatic elements. Young growth timber has lower amounts of this natural protectant.
Common causes of wood greying
Several factors effect the appearance of a fence. With proper protection, the impact of these elements can be reduced.
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•Ultraviolent light - Rain and morning dew combined with the sun causes wood to leach, swell and shrink; in turn causing it to crack, split, and eventually rot.
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Water Absorption - Rain and morning dew combined with the sun causes wood to leach/swell/shrink, in turn causing it to crack, split and eventually rot.
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Fungus, Mildew, Mold - As wood's natural protectants leach out, wood-inhabiting fungi will quickly develop that will soften and crack the wood.
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Pollution - Dirt, car exhaust and other impurities in the air rest on your fence causing premature aging and graying.
