One of the main appeals of composite fencing is its reputation as a low-maintenance boundary solution. Made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic polymers, quality composite fencing resists rot, cracks, warp, and insect damage. It requires none of the scraping, staining, or sealing necessary for traditional wood fences.
However, some periodic cleaning and inspections are still essential. Here, we provide tips to maintain your composite fence’s flawless function and aesthetic from season to season.
Spring Composite Fence Maintenance
The wet weather of spring enables plant growth and pollen that can leave ambient dirt on fence boards. As temperatures warm, it’s also a good opportunity to spot-check for any winter damage before vegetation blocks access later in summer. Here are some spring composite fence maintenance tips:
- Inspect boards and posts: Scan fence sections for any cracks, bowing, popped nails, or other damage after months of winter weather. Look along the bottom posts where moisture most readily collects. Replace or repair damaged parts promptly.
- Clear debris: Clear leaves, sticks, and other debris that may have gathered over winter. This enables proper drainage and airflow.
- Remove vegetation: Trim back any plants or shrubs directly touching the fencing. Dense vegetation traps moisture and encourages mould, discolouration, and potential wood rot over time.
- Clean the fence: Use a general composite cleaner diluted with water and a brush to remove pollen, dirt, and other buildup from fence boards. Avoid abrasive tools or high-pressure washing and rinse thoroughly.
Summer Composite Fence Care
The rapid plant growth of summer demands vigilance in clearing back encroaching vegetation to prevent moisture retention or scratches:
Trim vegetation
Keep bushes, tree branches, vines or other plants well clear of the fencing to enable airflow and prevent moisture retention. Scratching from wayward branches can also damage boards over time.
Wash occasionally
Summer rainstorms and dirt splatter from flower beds may necessitate spot cleaning fence boards every month or two to keep them looking their best. Follow spring cleaning procedures above.
Autumn Composite Fence Maintenance
Autumn brings falling leaves and readies your fence for colder months ahead:
Sweep debris
Clear fallen sticks, leaves, and other debris from on and around the fence line so they don’t accumulate and prevent drainage.
Wash the fence
Give fence boards a thorough end-of-season cleaning using the spring cleaning tips above. Removing built up pollen, dirt and grime prevents the fence weathering these elements all winter.
Winter Composite Fence Care
Winter weather can be harsh on any outdoor structure. Some special considerations for composite fencing include:
- Inspect flashing: Check any metal flashing around fence posts to ensure water flows away from the post-to-concrete junction. This prevents freeze-thaw damage over time. Reseal if necessary.
- Check drainage: Ensure proper drainage around fence posts and gates to prevent standing water from freezing, expanding, and cracking connected structures.
- Avoid piling snow around the fence: When removing snow around the house, don’t pile deep snow against composite fencing for prolonged periods, as this can encourage bowing or breakage.
- Prep for spring growth: Trim any errant tree branches or brush touching the fencing to prevent winter ice and snow from pinning vegetation to your fence.
Enjoy Years of Hassle-Free Fencing
While composite fencing requires far less maintenance than wood varieties, staying vigilant with periodic inspection, cleaning, vegetation removal, and season-specific care enables your fence to keep fulfilling its function flawlessly for 20 years and beyond.
Ecoscape’s composite fencing provides homeowners with complete perimeter protection thanks to its durable, recycled polymer construction. The unique composite material eschews repetitive staining, sealing, scraping or painting demanded by traditional wood, allowing more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
Contact us today to discover low-maintenance composite fencing solutions tailored to your unique property needs and aesthetic tastes.
