The treatment of fence panels made from timber
The type of wood used to make the fence panels will determine if they need to be treated immediately after installation or if they have already been pre-treated.
Should I treat my newly installed fencing that has been pressure-treated?
In a pressure chamber, a wood preservative is pushed inside the timber by hydraulic pressure. These pressure treated fencing boards are protected from decaying, rotting, and suffering from insect infestations at the time of purchase. They do not require any additional treatment after installation.
Cleaning and maintaining older wooden fence panels
For your fence to last for a long time, you will need to maintain it annually. Follow these simple steps.
- Cleaning the panels will remove any dirt or grime
- Make any repairs necessary.
- Use a good quality fence timber treatment that is harmless and can be used around children and animals.
- Use a wood protector and staining which contains a mould prevention. This will waterproof and protect the timber panels, as well as offer UV resistance.
- Wood varnish is needed to protect and seal the wood after staining or painting.
While all fence panels made of timber require maintenance, prevention always beats cure. Gravel boards, post caps and fence finials can reduce the risk of your fence rotting or being infested. When you need Timber Merchants London, visit www.timbco.co.uk/timber-merchants-london/
Gravel boards
Gravel boards are not necessary, but they can prolong the lifespan of your fence by keeping it away from the floor. They are available in wooden gravel boards or cement gravel boards. Both fill the space between the fence and ground and prevent it from being in contact with wet, damp soil. Timber gravel boards need a steady timetable of maintenance, just like the fence panels. However, they are much more affordable to replace over time than the fence itself. Concrete gravel boards, on the other hand, require no maintenance over time and are fully resistant to rot.
Caps and Finials
Post caps, and ornamental finials add a decorative element to fence posts and help prolong their longevity by covering over the open end to prevent water penetration that can cause dampness and mildew. The caps also prevent the posts from splintering due to other atmospheric factors like windy conditions and UV light damage.
