Old fences are a collection of countless memories and the history of your family or business. Their appearance was the dominant feature of the property in the early years, but over time, exposure to the elements may have affected it. The materials are constantly working, which can be reflected in the current condition of your fence. It is therefore necessary to carry out regular maintenance or restore already rusted or otherwise damaged parts. Get inspired by tips on how to save your old fence and give it life again.
Don’t underestimate the basics of a fence
A concrete foundation or wall is the support of many a fence. Usually, the fence is surrounded by a garden, flowers, plants or a path, where life grows at every corner. Every rain pours weed and grass seeds into the little folds where they take root and wreak havoc. If you want to get rid of weeds in the joints, we have a simple but effective guide for you:
- Clear the joints of all weeds
- Enlarge them with the help of a spatula
- Fill the joints with a sufficient amount of concrete from a fine cement mixture
Moss and lichens also adorn many fences. They create a natural carpet and add a natural touch to the visual of the fence. However, if you are annoyed by the constant growth of moss on a concrete foundation, we know how to get rid of it permanently:
- Remove large parts of the moss with your hands
- Use a steel brush or a softer brush for residue if you are worried about the surface of the fence material.
- Clean the area with a pressure washer and let it dry
- Treat the concrete and impregnate it with lime hydrate
Metal fence
A metal fence carries several long-term risks. If you have neglected to maintain your metal fence and allowed it to become a victim of corrosion, restoring that fence will require more time and care. The only thing we do not recommend is to apply a new colored coating to the damaged metal.
It is essential to remove corroded and cracked areas from the surface of the fence. You can use a steel putty knife or a brush with metal bristles to get rid of old paint and corrosion. If you notice any unevenness after cleaning, smooth them with sandpaper.
Another important step is to thoroughly clean the metal and dry it quickly to prevent further corrosion. Before applying paint to the fence, treat the rough metal with a layer of anti-corrosion varnish, which will seal the material and create a durable barrier between the metal and the elements.
Wooden fence
Wood is usually part of metal frames or concrete walls. As we all know, wood changes properties over time, develops cracks and generally lives with you. However, the most common case is loss of color or peeling of the varnish. In this case, it is enough to sand the wooden parts of the fence from the varnished layer. This is how you create a new base for an even coating or impregnation stain.
There are several differences between these two types of wood treatments. If you are working with a stain, it is not always necessary to sand the wood to a clean layer of wood. You can test the effectiveness of the original stain by spraying the wood with water and the drops remain on the surface, the coating is still functional. Otherwise, when the water drops soak into the wood, it’s time to restore the stain layer.
Colored paint is much more prone to cracking the wood. The paint can clump and start peeling over time, so it is not advisable to apply a new coating over the original one. Sand the wooden fence down to raw wood. Colored coatings allow moisture and water to pass through, so check the raw wood and, if necessary, treat it with an anti-fungal and anti-pest product. Then apply a new layer of colored paint, which will serve as a solid foundation for the new visual of the fence. After complete drying, you can apply a second layer for a uniform result.
Concrete fence
A solid concrete fence is exposed to various weather conditions. Every morning and evening it is met by dew, in summer it burns directly in the sun and in winter it fights with frost and snow. We understand a concrete fence as a fence made of concrete columns into which concrete panels are inserted according to the required height or width.
This type of fence is made of durable and high-quality material. However, if you want its appearance or durability to last for a long time, we recommend using impregnation products. Currently, we can divide these preparations into 2 groups:
- Organosilicates (silanes, siloxanes) – this type is the most widely used. Simple application and unobtrusive color are the advantages of this type of product.
- Acrylate – preparations made of this material leave a visible layer on the surface. They create an effect similar to the surface of concrete, when wet or damp. It is more difficult to apply.
If you do not have any experience with these products, look at the products in the first category. Ideally, try the preparation on a smaller area first and only then buy a larger quantity, if you would also decide on masonry and not just covering panels.
If you already have a fence made of any material, none are destined to be replaced immediately if they are old or damaged. All surfaces and materials can be treated and restored, so think of this option as if you were dealing with a completely new solution. If you are interested in replacing your fence infill, take a look at our patterns and get inspired for your future design.
