If wooden privacy fences are provided with proper care, they can last for many years. Once every couple of years, you should renew and rehabilitate your wooden privacy fence. This will help preserve your fence's attractive looks as well as keep it sound and sturdy.

Here are three things you can do that will keep your wooden privacy fence updated from a cosmetic and structural perspective.

One of the most visible acts of maintenance you can perform is renewing the exterior finish of your privacy fence. Privacy fences are often left unfinished when first installed, but leaving your fence unfinished may cause damage from the elements to occur at a faster pace.

The natural, brown surface of a wooden privacy fence will gradually turn gray if left exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun and other environmental forces. Fortunately, the gray layer is only the topmost surface level and there is fresh wood lying just beneath it.

Therefore, it is helpful to occasionally strip the gray layer from the fence to restore the wood's natural look. The easiest and fastest way to get rid of the gray is by using a power washer with a 40-degree tip to remove this layer. Be sure to keep the tip moving constantly across the surface of the wood and avoid holding the spray in one place for too long so that scarring doesn’t occur.

Once the gray has been removed from an area of the fence, move on to the next section and keep spraying until all gray discoloration is gone. You can quit at this point if you wish, but you can also apply a stain to the wood to provide a longer lasting finish. You can purchase fence stains from a home improvement center or hardware store.

As privacy fences age, wood can dry out and result in the formation of cracks and splits. These fissures are more than cosmetic problems, and they can actually permit the introduction of pests and accelerate wood rot.

A potential pest problem is one of the reasons it is helpful to seal up cracks and splits with a durable, exterior wood filler. Select a wood filler that’s the same color as the fence and fill the openings. Once the filler has dried completely, you can sand the fence, if necessary, to blend the repair. Finally, you can apply a wood sealer or stain over the site to promote the repair's longevity.

Another problem that a wooden privacy fence can have is sagging. This is particularly problematic with gates, especially those that are wider than just a couple of feet. Sagging gates need to be fixed before they fall apart or cause damage to the fence.

The first step in straightening a sagging gate is to measure the diagonal length of the gate. Next, purchase a gate repair turnbuckle that is the same size as the diagonal measurement; these items can be purchased at a home improvement or hardware store.

Once you have the gate repair turnbuckle in hand, securely attach one end of the turnbuckle to the opposite lower corner. Next, attach the other end of the turnbuckle to the opposite diagonal corner.

After both ends of the turnbuckle are in place, begin to slowly tighten the turnbuckle to pull the corners closer together. Be sure to take your time and constantly check the square of the gate with a measuring tape or carpenters square. If the gate begins to sag again in the future, just tighten the turnbuckle on a periodic basis to maintain its shape.

If you need help with maintaining or installing a wooden privacy fence, or if you have any additional needs concerning fences, be sure to contact West Georgia Fence for assistance. Their team is ready to help you with all your fence-related concerns.