Using a sprinkler system is one of the best and most efficient ways to water your lawn and landscaping. It sprays water where it’s needed and uses only the amount of water necessary to keep your plants growing well. While your Denver sprinkler system repair team can make sure the spray goes where it’s supposed to, there’s always a chance that the water will hit your wooden fence time and time again. 

Though small periods of spray may not be a problem, your fence can suffer if it keeps getting soaked. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep your fence looking like new beyond replacing it with synthetic materials. 

Invest in a Quality Fence From the Beginning

It should come as no surprise that some fences are better than others. It largely comes down to the types of materials used in construction, the sealant applied, and the contractor’s ability to install the fence the right way in the first place.

Rather than choosing a fence based on price alone, make sure you invest in a high-quality fence in the first place. Choose a contractor that works with the right materials and let them know that you’re worried about water damage. They’ll be able to make sure the fence is equipped to handle exposure to the elements without breaking down prematurely.

Keep It Sealed

The best way to protect your wood fence from water damage is to make sure the wood itself is sealed. Most professionally installed fences will be sealed against the elements once they’re in place. But the sealant won’t last forever. It starts to break down after exposure to the sun’s UV rays. 

As a general rule, you’ll want to reapply stain at least once a year. This will make the wood moisture resistant and less likely to develop rot when it gets wet often. If you’re not sure what type of sealant is best, talk to your fence contractor and get their advice. They may also be able to seal the fence for you.

Clean It Often

Cleaning your fence may not seem like a priority when you’re worried about the way your landscaping looks. But doing so can make the rest of your yard look more well thought out and put together. More importantly, cleaning the fence can keep mildew and mold from forming on the wood itself. This helps the wood dry out when it gets wet and keeps the planks and panels themselves in good condition.

So, how can you clean your wood fence? It depends on the materials in place. If you have a painted and sealed fence, you’ll want to use a stiff-bristled nylon brush to clean off buildup and grime. In most cases, you won’t even need to use soap. If the wood isn’t sealed or painted, or you want to remove old sealant and paint, a pressure washer will power through the grime and buildup. You can rent one from your local hardware store to get the job done quickly. 

Get Your Sprinkler System Adjusted

The easiest way to make sure your wood fence stays safe from water damage is to work with your Denver sprinkler repair team. If you notice that the spray pattern keeps drenching your fence, call your sprinkler repair team and let them know what’s happening. Sprinkler heads can be notoriously touchy. If something knocks them while they’re above ground, that force can alter the spray pattern.

Once you tell your sprinkler repair team what’s going on, schedule a consultation. They’ll be able to inspect your sprinkler system to make sure everything is working properly. Even better, they’ll be able to adjust the spray pattern to keep your fence dry without hurting your landscaping. 

Repair Damage Quickly

Water damage doesn’t just impact the planks where it originates. It can threaten the rest of the fence, too. The best way to make sure your fence continues to look great is to take care of even minor repairs as soon as you notice them.

You have two choices here. If the damage is small or minor enough, you can make the repairs yourself without threatening the integrity of the rest of the fence. But if you notice that the water damage is extensive, call your fence contractor and let them handle the damage. They’ll be able to keep the water damage and potential rot from spreading to the rest of the wood.

Clear Away Plant Growth

Sprinkler systems aren’t the only reason that fences develop water damage. The plants that grow against and near the fence itself can also contribute to the damage. This is because plant growth traps moisture against the wood and in the soil and the shade provided by those plants can keep the wood from drying out in the sun.

The best thing you can do is clear away plant growth along the fence line. Keep grass trimmed low and consider replanting shrubs or decorative plants that might trap moisture against the wood. The more air circulation the wood gets, the less water damage it will develop over time.

Only Run Your Sprinklers When Needed 

It should come as no surprise that running your sprinklers more often than needed contributes to water damage. Remember, your lawn can only absorb so much water at once. Anything that doesn’t soak into the soil will run off to the low point in your yard. If your fence sits along that low point, all that excess water will soak into the wood.

Instead of running your sprinklers every day, only run them when they’re needed. If you’re not sure what watering schedule will work best for your yard, speak with your sprinkler repair team and get their advice. They’ll be able to adjust the timer to make sure your system only turns on when necessary. 

Keep Your Fence Looking Like New

As long as you follow these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your wood fence looking like new for years to come. Just make sure your sprinkler system is working the way it’s supposed to. Contact us to schedule a routine tune-up today.