What Happens If You Don't Stain Your Wooden Fence?
Fences are a great addition to any property, and a well-installed fence makes your home stand out. New fence installation enhances home security, improves privacy, ensures the safety of kids and pets, establishes boundaries, and boosts property value and curb appeal.
Wood is the most popular fencing material and a classic choice for homeowners across the country. Wood fences are affordable, durable, versatile, visually appealing, offer protection, easy to install, customizable, and environmentally friendly. They are suitable for any home type and look well with any surrounding.
Wooden fence maintenance
However, installing a new wooden fence is not enough. Regular care and maintenance are essential to ensure it remains strong and beautiful and lasts for decades. Staining is a vital part of wooden fence upkeep and a great way to protect it from various potential issues. Wooden stains are available in vibrant colors that completely transform the fence's appearance.
Several homeowners choose to ignore or take a casual approach regarding staining their wooden fences. Let's consider some of the consequences of not staining and sealing the wooden fences:
Increased susceptibility to sun and moisture damage
Fences are installed outdoors, so they have to endure all types of elements throughout the year. Wooden fences not protected with stain are vulnerable to damage from the sun's harmful UV rays that break down the fibers, cause discoloration, make them appear dull, and cause the wood to lose its oil.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wooden fences. A lack of protective waterproof covering allows rainwater to seep into the wood, leading to mold and mildew growth, warping, rotting, which compromises the structural integrity. Stain offers the wooden fence a layer of protection from various damaging outdoor forces.
Ruins the wood's natural beauty
Most people prefer wooden fences due to their natural beauty. Due to the constant, long-term exposure to elements, the wood loses its charm and spoils the curb appeal.
Increase risk of infestation
When the wood loses its oil, it becomes prone to dry rot that encourages termites, fungi, and other insects. Most people do not realize the damage till one day the fence starts to wither away under pressure. Insects and termites can consume the wood from within, leaving homeowners with no option but fence replacement. Applying a good stain seals and protects the wood. It also reduces infestation concerns by keeping bugs and insects away.
Higher maintenance costs
Staining dramatically reduces the maintenance requirements of a wooden fence. A fence that is not stained regularly soon becomes a liability than an asset as it reduces the time between maintenance. It requires frequent repairs and replacements due to warping and other damages, costing homeowners money, time, and effort.
Lower lifespan
Not staining the wood significantly reduces the durability and lifespan of the fence as it increases the potential for various damages and other problems. Stain application offers the wooden fence a protective layer and helps you get more years of life out of it. Choose a quality stain to increase the time between stain reapplication.
Are your wooden fences in bad shape? Hire a fence company
A damaged, worn-out, or weathered fence becomes an eyesore and leaves a negative impression on your visitors. Stain and seal the wooden fence four to eight weeks after its installation for maximum protection. Get in touch with a fence installation and repair company for quality fence installation and valuable tips on its maintenance.
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information call (602) 481-1298 today!
