Maintaining a slat fence is an important part of keeping your property looking its best. Slat fences provide both a decorative and functional addition to any outdoor space while also providing safety and privacy fencing. Without proper maintenance, these fences can start to look worn and dirty over time.
At Mandurah Fencing Solutions, customers can rest assured knowing that their slat fence is in the hands of professionals. Our team of experienced fencing experts are on hand to give advice and guidance on how to maintain your slat fence for long-lasting performance and durability. With years of experience in the industry, they understand the importance of keeping your slat fence looking great and functioning well year after year.
Protecting the Slat Fence from Damage
Proper maintenance and regular inspections can go a long way in preventing problems before they occur. Similarly, utilising protective coatings and other measures can help protect the fence in extreme weather or other conditions. The most important step when it comes to protecting your slat fence is proper maintenance. This means inspecting all parts of the structure regularly looking for signs of wear and tear or rot that could potentially cause larger problems down the line. Additionally, repairing any existing issues quickly will help prevent further damage to the structure. It’s also important to clean the timber with a mild solution periodically as this will prevent mildew buildup which can weaken it over time.
Cleaning and Restaining Your Slat Fence
Restaining your slat fence can freshen up the look of your yard, making it look new again. Maintaining the beauty and integrity of your slat fence is easier than you think. Before beginning any staining project, it is important to make sure that the old finish has been completely removed. To do this, use a pressure washer on the lowest setting with a cleaning solution made specifically for timber surfaces. Once dry, you should inspect all of your slats for signs of rot or deterioration which may require replacement before applying any stain. Make sure to use an oil-based stain for optimal protection against weathering as well as UV rays from direct sunlight.
Repairing Damaged Slats
Even with regular care and attention, there may come a time when you will need to repair any damaged slats. Replacing broken or damaged slats can be done quickly by following these simple steps.
First, start by removing the damaged piece of timber from the fence. Using a sharp saw blade, cut the board at both ends so that an exact replacement can be installed in its place. Once the old board is removed, use sandpaper to clean and smooth out the edges of the remaining boards before installing the new slat – this will ensure that everything lines up correctly and seamlessly when put back together. Finally, secure your new slat with screws or nails and voila – your fence should now look as good as new!
Securing Loose Nails or Bolts
It’s important to regularly inspect the fencing for loose nails or bolts, and tighten them as necessary. Fortunately, securing loose nails or bolts on your slat fence is a relatively simple task that can be done with minimal tools.
You’ll need a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and some screws of the same size as those currently in your fence. Once you’ve gathered these materials, take a look at each post where the lumber meets the ground to check for signs of instability such as wiggling boards and missing fasteners. If you see any of these, remove the old screws and add a new screw of the same size.
Maintaining your slat fence is an important step to keeping it in tip-top condition. This task can be done at least twice a year and should not take long if you stay on top of it. Regularly checking for loose boards, re-staining, and reapplying sealant are all steps that need to be taken to ensure the longevity of your attractive slat fence. Call Mandurah Fencing Solutions for a quote today from our best fencing contractors!