DIY Cedar Wooden Fence Repairs in Twin Falls, Idaho

Owning a fence may be a part of homeownership you never really thought about. As your fence experiences the inevitable wear and tear that's bound to happen over the years, you may be wondering which repairs you can do yourself, and which repairs you need to call in an expert for. At certified fencing, we pride ourselves on offering the best service possible to our clients; today, we'll be sharing which repairs your average American homeowner can do on their own, as well as how to complete those repairs. 

Replace a broken or damaged picket.

If you have one or two damaged pickets on a wooden fence, it's an easy fix to simply replace a picket or two, especially if your fence is a simple, standard fence; if your fence has intricate detailing or a specialty length, it may require a little more involvement. With a simple fence, you can often purchase a picket or two at your local hardware store in standard lengths, and then it's a matter of unscrewing the pickets that are damaged and changing them out for your new ones.

One word of caution: if the cause of the damage to your fence is unknown, you should carefully examine the surrounding pickets as well to make sure the damage isn't affecting a larger section of fence. If your fence was affected by mold or insects, you may have more than a minor repair on your hands. 

Fill small holes or cracks.

Although the idea of fixing a cracked fence picket may sound intimidating, the process is actually simpler than you might think. Cracks and small holes aren't uncommon, especially in wooden fences, and this minor repair is a quick fix. 

First, sand the inner surface of the hole or crack to smooth it out and prepare a clean surface. Then, apply wood putty until the crack or hole is filled, taking care to reach at least a level surface with the surrounding wood. Let the putty dry 24 hours or as specified on the packaging, then sand the excess away for a smooth finish. If your fence is stained, you may want to stain the area to help the repair blend in better. 

Fence cleaning. 

Especially with our seasons here in Idaho, keeping fences clean and clear can drastically increase the lifespan of a fence. In the autumn, be sure not to leave piles of leaves up against your fences; this can trap moisture and increases the likelihood that rot might set in. The same is true of compost bins, raised flower beds, and anything else you may be considering putting right against your fence: these can all cause rot or other damage, so be sure to protect your fence with some kind of barrier. 

You should also periodically clean your fence to maximize its lifespan. Although fences don't need to be cleaned often, a wood fence can be cleaned using a mild detergent and a wire brush for scrubbing. 

Tighten loose screws. 

One advantage of wood is that it can shrink or expand with heat, meaning its less likely to crack or break. But, this yearly shift with the changing seasons can slowly loosen screws all along your fence. Tightening loose screws can be time consuming but are an easy repair you can do yourself. One advantage is that you don't need to tighten all the screws at once; you could do one segment of your fence one day, and another segment the next day. We generally recommend tightening your screws once a year. 

Although larger repairs are best left to professionals, there are some fence repairs you can do yourself for a more budget-friendly option. We hope this information provides value to you as care for your property. For more information or with any other questions, contact us or give us a call at (208) 449-2040.