Wood fences add a wonderful touch of natural beauty to any yard that aluminum and vinyl fences just can’t match. Staining is one of the most important actions you can take to keep the wood looking bright and fresh for many years to come. You should always look out for signs that your wood needs to be re-stained, such as these four:

Mildew is Growing

Wood stain is used to protect your fence posts from damage by the elements; without it, the wood absorbs precipitation such as melting snow and rain. If it doesn’t dry, wet wood is prone to growing mildew. If you find mildew on your fence, spray it down with a low-setting power washer and scrub it using a solution of one part bleach to two parts water. Wait for the fence to dry before applying stain.

Wood is Graying

Few things add more beauty to a home than a fence made from natural wood. However, as the elements wear the outer layers down, the wooden plank will stain and begin to take on an unpleasant grayish color. You can restore the color to the wood of your fence and make it look as good as new with a fresh coat of stain. There are a multitude of colors and shades available at hardware stores, so feel free to let your imagination run wild.

Planks are Sagging

Stain does more than just make a wood fence look nice. Without a layer of stain, wood will absorb moisture and swell and contract from fluctuating temperatures. When this happens, the planks change size and shape permanently and fit together differently than when they were first installed. They will thus appear to sag. Stain may not make your wood go back to normal size, but it can certainly prevent further damage.

At Paramount Fence, we offer a top-quality wood stain with a high concentration of compounds that preserve your fence’s natural beauty. We are also available to answer any questions you may have about the staining process. Call us at 630-239-2714 for more information on our residential and commercial fence products and services.