As a homeowner, you know that keeping your property in good condition is essential, and that includes proper fence maintenance. Properly caring for your wood fence is an important part of homeownership, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it for any issues, especially water damage. Water damage can turn into a bigger problem over time if it’s left untreated.

Read on for important tips on how to spot water damage and proper treatment and prevention for the future.

Tips for Spotting Water Damage

There are many telltale signs of water damage on wood fences. From blatant wear and tear to more subtle signs like rusting hardware, it’s important to stay on top of knowing how your fence is showing damage. If you spot any of these signs of water damage on your fence, it’s important to take action fast to prevent further issues.

1. Discoloration: Water-damaged wood will often change color, appearing darker or duller than healthy wood. If you notice any stains or streaks on your wood fence, it might be an indication of water damage.

2. Warping: Water can also cause wood to warp, bend, or swell. If you spot any unusual bends or bulges in your fence, it’s likely due to water damage.

3. Cracks and splits: As wood swells and shrinks with changes in humidity, it can develop cracks and splits. These are especially common at the joints where pieces of wood are fastened together.

4. Mold and mildew: Water-damaged wood is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you see mold or mildew thriving on your wood fence, it’s likely a sign that water has seeped into the wood.

5. Damp or spongy wood: If you press on the wood and feel like it’s damp, spongy, or overly soft, it might be a sign that water has infiltrated into it and it’s beginning to rot.

6. Rusted nails and screws: Water infiltration into the wood hastens the rusting of nails and screws, and in extreme cases, they end up loosening from the wood or boards.

7. Peeling paint: For painted wood fences, water damage can also cause peeling of the paint layer.

How to Treat Water Damage

• Start by removing any water that’s pooled on the surface of the fence using either a sponge or cloth. You can also dig a trench to drain any accumulated water on the ground around the wall.
• Allow the fence to dry and inspect for any mold or mildew and clean them off using a bleach solution.
• Repair any damages such as cracks, holes, and splits to prevent further water infiltration.
• Seal your wood fence with a water-resistant sealant to prevent further damage.

How to Prevent Water Damage

It is possible to help prevent water damage on your wood property fence. Be sure to regularly check for signs of water damage such as cracking, peeling, or discoloration. If you notice any of these issues, take action immediately to protect the fence from further water exposure. You should also regularly seal and waterproof your fence to create a barrier against water damage. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your wood fence looking its best for years to come.

Your Austin Fence Experts

Spotting water damage on your wood fence may seem like a daunting task, but with a little detective work, you can easily spot the damage as soon as it appears. By following the simple tips discussed above, you’ll be able to identify and manage any problems before they become bigger issues. Be sure to contact the Austin fence experts at Discount Fence to help with any fence repair issues at hand.