Fences usually keep unwanted animals or even people off your property.  In many instances, they also serve to keep your family and pets safe in the yard. Either way, fences must stay maintained because if boards or other materials are missing, falling apart, or loose, they can quickly lose their purpose. This is how to inspect your fences!

This is a Safety Task!

A fence in generally poor condition can be a safety concern. You certainly don’t want a fence to be a hazard to anyone. Also, some homeowners may wish to fence people and/or animals in or out for security reasons.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

Keeping a fence well-maintained with paint or stain will add to the fence’s life. Maintaining gates will prevent the hardware from wearing out and save money.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, Tile Company, or Cleaning Company

Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect Your Fence

• HomeManager recommends you inspect the fence.  It would help if you looked for any problem areas in your fence that make it nonfunctional, holes in the dirt under the fence, or any chipped paint, dirty/stained spots, and/or fading. Make sure latches and locks work.
• There may be minor issues within your ability to correct them. For conditions requiring repair, determine if it is within your skills and what materials you may need before going out to the hardware store to buy supplies.
• Now is a good time to take your “before photo” for the task

Step 2 – Even Out Ground Under Fence & Tighten Hardware on Gate (If Needed)

• Fill in any holes and/or level any uneven ground beneath your fence.
• Inspect your gate(s) for proper operation and alignment.  Tighten any loose bolts or screws.
  • Tool List: Shovel, screwdriver, wrench – crescent, rake

Step 3 – Clean the Fence

• Sometimes the appearance of your fence can significantly improve by giving it a good spray down. This can help prevent you from having to repaint a fence that was just dirty.
• If you have a solid fence, it might be helpful to get a fence cleaner with a mildew eliminator because that will significantly help get all the gunk off your fence.
• Follow the directions closely on whatever fence cleaner you’ve purchased.
• Now is a good time to take your “during photo” for the task.
  • Tool List: Hose, brush
  • Supply List: cleaning solution – mildew eliminator

Step 4 – Determine if Paint or Stain and Sealant are Required

• If repainting or staining is something you feel is needed for your fence, then determine if you have the time or desire to do it as a DIY project. Selecting the proper coating (paint, stain, and/or sealant) in advance can help you estimate the project’s time, cost, and complexity. You may find hiring a professional to complete the work as preferred.  In either case, it is known that maintaining a good coating on your wood fence will greatly extend the life of that fence and its appearance.
  • Now is a good time to take your “after photo” for the task.

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Also, check out another interesting article- Inspect and Clean Your Fridge and Freezer!