From cleaning to repairs: Everything you need to know about WPC fence care

If you’ve invested in a WPC fence, you’ll know that it’s an excellent option for both durability and aesthetics. Nevertheless, like any outdoor element, it requires some tender loving care to maintain its appearance. By following a few straightforward maintenance suggestions, you can prolong the lifespan of your fence and ensure it remains in great condition for many years ahead.

Understanding WPC fencing

WPC fencing is made by combining wood fibres with plastic, resulting in a durable and versatile fencing choice. Understanding its makeup, advantages and drawbacks is essential for the proper maintenance of a WPC fence.

Composition

WPC fencing consists of approximately 60% wood fibres, 30% recycled plastic and 10% additives. This blend results in a strong, lightweight material that resists moisture and insect infestation while retaining the natural look of wood. Oakio decking uses a similar composite structure, offering the same durability and ease of maintenance in decking applications, making them a perfect complement to WPC fencing for a cohesive outdoor design.

Benefits

A WPC fence provides outstanding durability and demands less upkeep compared to conventional wood. Its resistance to decay and colour fading boosts its lifespan, making it a great option for outdoor areas. Furthermore, it’s available in a range of colours and designs, enabling customisation to suit various styles.

Limitations

WPC fencing does have its drawbacks. While it’s resistant to pests and weather, it can still fade and scratch over time, particularly in extreme conditions. Additionally, it’s generally pricier than traditional wood alternatives, which could potentially impact the budget for some homeowners.

Routine cleaning

Consistent cleaning helps a WPC fence maintain its appearance and prolongs its durability. It’s advisable to adhere to these straightforward tips to preserve its look.

Cleaning frequency

Clean your WPC fence at least twice a year. Spring and autumn are ideal times for cleaning; remove dirt, debris and any buildup that can affect its longevity.

Required tools

To clean effectively, gather some key equipment: a soft-bristle brush, a garden hose, mild soap or detergent and a sturdy bucket. These tools will help you achieve a thorough yet gentle cleaning process.

Cleaning steps

Begin by hosing down the fence to remove loose dirt. Next, mix the detergent with water in the bucket and use the soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly with the hose, ensuring no soap residue remains, which can attract dirt.

Things to avoid

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes on your WPC fence, as these can damage the surface. Don’t pressure wash, as high-pressure water can lead to scratches and reduce the integrity of the material.

Addressing stains and mould

Maintaining your WPC fence involves addressing stains and mould effectively to keep it looking great.

Common stains and remedies

Common stains on a WPC fence include food spills, grease and mould. To remedy these, use a mixture of mild soap and water and clean with a soft-bristle brush. For stubborn mould, a diluted vinegar solution often works wonders. Rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue buildup.

Preventive measures

To avoid stains and mould on a WPC fence, it’s best to minimise direct contact with dirt and debris. Regularly trimming the surrounding vegetation and ensuring proper drainage around the fence is important. Additionally, applying a protective sealant each year can help protect the surface from stains and improve its durability.

Repairing scratches and damage

Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a WPC fence involves addressing scratches and damage promptly. Quick repairs prevent further deterioration and keep the fence looking at its best.

Minor scratches

To repair small scratches on a WPC fence, just take some fine-grit sandpaper. Gently sand the scratched section until it feels smooth and is level with the surrounding surface. Once you’ve finished sanding, use a composite repair kit in a matching colour that harmonises with the fence’s finish. This method successfully rejuvenates the appearance of the fence without requiring major repairs.

Deep scratches or gouges

For deep scratches or gouges, apply a two-part epoxy designed for WPC materials. First, clean the damaged area thoroughly, then mix and apply the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After it sets, sand the surface to ensure a seamless finish. This method provides a durable and aesthetic fix for significant damage, extending the life of a WPC fence.

Loose boards or panels

When dealing with loose boards or panels, start by inspecting the fasteners. If the screws are loose, use a screwdriver to tighten them. Should the boards still be loose, replace any damaged fasteners with corrosion-resistant alternatives to ensure long-lasting stability. Making sure all panels are firmly secured is essential for preserving the fence’s integrity and overall look.

Seasonal maintenance tips

Maintaining a WPC fence throughout the seasons ensures its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Here are some specific tips for each season.

Spring and summer

In the spring, make sure to clean your WPC fence thoroughly to get rid of any winter debris and to get it ready for the warmer months. Check for any signs of wear or damage and take care of them right away. Additionally, trim any nearby plants to stop overgrowth that could hold moisture against the fence. If necessary, this is a good time to apply a protective sealant to boost its durability against harsh summer weather.

Autumn and winter

During the autumn, take the time to clean your WPC fence once more to get rid of fallen leaves and any dirt that has accumulated. Look for any damage that might have happened during summer storms and carry out repairs as necessary. Before winter arrives, ensure there’s proper drainage around the base of the fence to avoid water buildup and possible frost damage. Conducting regular inspections throughout the winter will help preserve the fence’s integrity and ensure it remains in great condition.

Protective measures

Taking proactive and protective steps contributes to the durability and aesthetic appeal of a WPC fence. By applying the strategies outlined below, you can ensure that the fence stays in excellent shape.

Vegetation control

Controlling vegetation around a WPC fence prevents moisture accumulation and damage. Clear away vines, shrubs or grass that can trap moisture against the fence. Regular pruning keeps plants from touching the surface of the fence, reducing the risk of mould, rot and organic growth.

Lawn equipment

Taking care when using lawn equipment near a WPC fence helps prevent any possible damage. Keep a safe distance from the fence while operating a lawn mower or strimmer, as contact can cause scratches or dents. Additionally, using protective barriers can safeguard the fence from debris and impacts from equipment during garden maintenance.

Furniture and accessories

Carefully arranging outdoor furniture and accessories helps protect a WPC fence from damage. Be cautious not to place heavy objects too near, as they may lead to scratches or indentations. Opting for lightweight, movable furniture makes it easier to shift items during cleaning, which helps maintain the fence’s surface and overall integrity.

Regular inspections

Regular inspections of a WPC fence play a critical role in maintaining its appearance and durability. Checking the fence consistently helps identify potential issues before they escalate.

Inspection frequency

Conduct inspections at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn. This frequency allows you to assess any damage or wear caused by weather conditions and to ensure the fence remains in tip-top shape.

Inspection checklist

During each inspection, check these key elements. Examine for loose boards, visible damage, signs of mould or mildew and proper drainage around the fence. Ensuring optimal conditions is essential for the longevity of a WPC fence.

Action steps

If any issues are found during inspections, take immediate action. Tighten loose fasteners, clean areas of mould or stains and replace any damaged boards. Addressing these problems promptly preserves the integrity and visual appeal of a WPC fence.

Conclusion

Taking care of your WPC fence doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of effort and some straightforward maintenance tasks, you can ensure it remains visually appealing for many years ahead. Consistent cleaning and inspections will allow you to identify any problems early on and keep its attractive look intact. WPC fences offer both strength and a natural aesthetic. By adhering to the tips provided above, you can reap the rewards of your fence while reducing possible issues. Keep in mind, a small amount of proactive fence care can significantly extend the life and good looks of your investment. Enjoy your fencing!

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What does your garden fence say about you?

Avid gardeners freely admit that the fruits of their labours give them great satisfaction. It’s completely understandable, the effort of tending plants & flowers and the assorted wildlife can be hard, physical work.

In many cases, people simply can’t rest until all elements of their garden areas are in order, and will go to painstaking efforts to make sure everything is exactly to their liking. However, there’s one area that may perhaps be overlooked – and that’s the garden fence.

The garden fence is an essential element to the creation of your garden; not only this, it can give a hint to your personality. In many ways, while they border the natural environments you’ve lovingly curated, they also reveal much about your own temperament as well.

Without further ado, here’s a little of what your garden fence says about you!

You have high standards

The garden fence serves up a first impression for many visitors or passers-by, and if it looks decrepit and dishevelled, folk will think similar standards have been carried through to the indoors. It might be that friends and family you’d like to invite in would rather not, merely from a quick glance at your fence.

Conversely, an immaculate garden fence paints a far more positive picture of things. After all, part of having a good spring clean often involves making sure that gates and fences are upright and secure, so you can’t get away with shirking your responsibilities here. There’s plenty of visual evidence for a neglected garden fence including moss, rot and damage, so maintaining order here will speak volumes of your character.

You value your privacy

A tall, sturdy-looking fence is a great way to put off potential wrongdoers and trespassers. A robust looking run of fence panels, free of holes and damage, increases both the security and privacy of your home.

To maximise both of these important qualities, combine 6ft tall fence panels with a gravel board. Gravel boards will provide a few extra inches of height whilst helping to protect the bottom of the panel from moisture and rot. Also, when selecting your new fence panels, be sure to opt for heavy-duty, traditional types such as feather edge, close-board or tongue & groove. These are the strongest types of fence panel available on the market.

If you’re looking to upgrade your garden fencing, Buy Fencing Direct have a huge array of different fence panel sizes to choose from. Their online store contains posts, accessories and gates. Boasting an impressive Trustpilot score of 4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 2,565 reviews at time of writing), you know you can trust their products and service.

You’re sociable

Of course, there’s no light without dark, and there’s no private garden fence type without those that facilitate social engagement.

Stockpile images from Getty Images show that the garden fence has long been an anchor point of interaction between neighbours, with fabulous friendships flourishing despite the physical divide between the participants involved. Indeed, chin-wagging over the fence has long been a common pastime, and it’s still enjoyed today as a way to spend a few hours in the sun exchanging stories.

This variety of fence is likely to be lower, or at the very least to have holes through which neighbours can see and speak to one another. Arguably, these types of fence have been more important than ever lately, as many people have craved social interaction during the isolating times of the pandemic. For some people, witnessing their friends tootle about in their gardens has been a calming comfort, a reminder that life must go on as peacefully as it may.

You’re stylish

Fences are very much a part of your garden’s overall appeal, not only in terms of the points mentioned above, but also in terms of style.

For example, the iconic white picket fence still resonates across the pond today, partly symbolic in fulfilling the American Dream. Meaningful art has even been derived from it, undertaking deeper meanings in wider contexts far beyond their immediate use. Ultimately, fences can be fashionable, revered both through history and in modern times too.

Some fences can add a significant amount of kurb appeal to your home also, making it easier to sell for a higher profit should the need ever arise. They not only mark your territory, but they beautifully encapsulate everything both you and your property are about. They tell people that you care about your home, right down to the most minute details. If you value such things, then it begs the question what other interests, quirks and hobbies you possess, meaning great things for people’s overall impressions of you.

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Effective and stylish ways to make your home a more private place to live

Do you want to make your home a more private place in which to live but don’t want it to resemble some kind of prison? Combining home privacy with style isn’t an impossible task. With some thought, you can transform your home into an eye-catching place in which to be, where only you and people you allow onto your property can enjoy. Below are some tips that will let you do this.

Install the appropriate gates

When most people think about making their home more secure and private, they instantly think about installing some kind of gate such as sliding gates. This is particularly true if it’s easy to drive into your property or go around the back of your property.

Sliding gates and swing gates are the two main types of outdoor gates available. Sliding gates and swing gates can be opened and closed manually; or, if you have the budget and it’s practical to do so, you could install electronic gates, giving you more privacy when you leave and return home.

You have a wide selection of gates to choose from, which you can browse online at https://www.mistergatesdirect.com/sliding-gates.html. You can install large sliding gates at the entrance to your home, at the side of your home, or any other location where you want to restrict access.

Add natural features around the perimeter of your property

Planting trees, shrubs or hedges around the perimeter of your home gives it a much more natural look and feel. However, doing this also allows you to create a secure border between your property and the outside world. Laurel, beech, hawthorn, blackthorn, and English yew are just some of the options available. They are difficult to see through and prevent intruders from walking onto your property.

Wooden fencing

Today’s homeowners have a wide range of attractive and stylish fencing options from which to choose that are available in different heights and sizes to suit different homeowner’s needs and requirements. Fencing products are made from various types of sturdy, long-lasting wood, such as cedar and treated pine. Popular fence designs available include shadow box, dog-eared, picket, privacy with lattice, privacy arched and picket scalloped designs. Contact a new fence installation expert if you feel you need advice on the best option for you.

Other fencing options

As demand has grown for fencing in modern homes, fencing manufacturers have looked to alternative materials to make stylish fencing products. Corrugated metal fencing and PVC fencing products have become just as popular as more traditional wooden fencing. These alternatives may be more expensive, but they are guaranteed to make it difficult for people to trespass and they’ll last a long time.

Boundary walls around your home

If you’re not green-fingered, or you don’t have the time to prune and tend to a natural boundary of trees or hedging around your home, adding a wall may be a more practical option.

This may seem like a boring and dull option, but the materials and wall designs available now can make the walls around your home another attractive feature that also serve an important function. Bricks, stone, whitewashed render and metal are just some of the materials you can use to build these structures around your home.

Blinds, shutters and curtains

If your home is close to a road, street or neighbour’s property, or you have limited space outside your home, it’s not as easy to put features in place that will prevent people from looking inside your home. However, there are steps you can take to address this issue.

Firstly, you should consider installing blinds or shutters. These features will not only give you more privacy, but will also help regulate the temperature inside your home during hot and cold weather.

Nighttime is when many burglars strike and when it’s often easier to see what’s happening inside a home. Adding a thicker set of curtains on each window in your home will ensure that nobody outside your property knows what’s going on within.

Frosting and mirror films

A wide range of security technologies is now being used by window and door manufacturers to make homes safer. Frosting or adding mirror films to windows and doors are two ways this is happening. With these features, people inside a house can look out, but people outside can’t see in.

Add deterrents

If you’ve had enough of people wanting to look inside your property or trying to trespass, there are more direct ways you can solve this problem. Getting a reliable guard dog and placing clearly visible signs outside your home should act as strong deterrents for anyone who’s thinking about entering your property or wants to get a closer look at your home.

Most homeowners want to be left in peace and don’t want any unwelcome intruders. However, to achieve this, homeowners must make changes to make this happen. Each of the points above can help you to achieve this outcome.

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Allotment Diary: Allotment friends and foes

The last week on the allotment had us pondering mortality – the cycle of life, decay, death and rebirth. We did some hard pruning of trees and shrubs, some much-needed weeding and a little bit of seed planting.

This beautiful flagstone fencing was ubiquitous in the local area once upon a time. It’s made of the local millstone grit and borders one edge of our allotment. It’s such a shame that it tends to get broken, removed or demolished in favour of indeterminate brick or concrete walls or wood panel fencing. It’s all higgledy-piggledy like a mouthful of teeth in dire need of a good orthodontist – but we like them like that. A perfect Hollywood smile would look completely out of place! We think it may have originally been part of a vaccary wall – to keep herds of cows in check!

We posted a photo of Mr Robin in last week’s allotment post, but not all the allotment dwellers are our friends. These snails, along with the army of slugs, are definitely our foes – needless to say they came to a sticky end! Having said that, they have a beauty of their own

This 10-foot length of green chain link fence was already on the plot when we took it over. We though it might be a nice spot to run a few climbers up.

We turned over and weeded about a foot on each side of the fence and sowed a few garden peas and sunflower seeds.

In a few months time if all goes to plan, they’ll germinate, flower and provide us with seeds to both eat and resow for next year.