It’s frustrating when the wood fence you just installed starts fading within the first year or two. The vibrancy slowly drains away, leaving your fence dull, weathered and grey. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also significantly bring down your property’s kerb appeal.
Maintaining the natural look and colour of your wood fence for as long as possible should be a priority. Weather conditions in the UK combined with sunlight exposure speeds up the fading process. But there are solutions – both precautionary measures and restorative options. Seeking guidance from professionals like Aldershot fencing can offer valuable insights into effective maintenance strategies to preserve the appearance and integrity of your wood fence over time.
Understanding Wood Fence Fading
To keep your wood fence looking its best, you first need to understand what’s causing it to fade in the first place. There are a few key reasons why wood fence fading occurs:
Impact of Sunlight and Moisture
The sun’s harsh UV rays combined with moisture from rain, sleet and snow cause the lignin and cellulose in wood to break down. This results in faded, grey and weathered wood over time. Areas of the fence with maximum sun exposure tend to fade the fastest.
Influence of UK Weather Conditions
The moderate yet rainy climate in most parts of the UK means wood fences must endure plenty of moisture. Alternating cool rainy spells with warmer sunny days causes the wood to expand and contract, resulting in raised grain and surface cracks. These damaged areas soak up even more water, which further speeds up the weathering process.
Properties of the Wood
Some wood types, such as pine, cedar and redwood naturally contain oils that help resist water absorption. But softwoods like fir and spruce or inexpensive whitewood can fade relatively quicker in outdoor settings. Any untreated, unprotected wood will eventually grey and fade though when left at the mercy of the elements.
Signs Your Fence is Fading
By paying attention to subtle changes in your wood fence, you can address fading issues before it becomes too prominent:
- Discoloration – sections that were vibrant brown transform into a dull greyish tone
- Loss of vibrancy – the rich variation in wood grain becomes less pronounced
- Changes in texture – the wood surface roughens and you may notice raised grain
Take notice if any parts of your fence start exhibiting these signs of fading. The sooner you can pinpoint affected areas, the easier it will be to restore the wood’s natural vibrancy.
Preventive Measures for Wood Fence Fading
Your first line of defence is to proactively prevent and delay any fading or weathering. Several preventative measures can prolong your wood fence’s original look significantly:
Choose the Right Wood
Since some wood types are more vulnerable to moisture damage and fading, choose your wood wisely:
- Cedar – has natural oils that act as preservatives to resist fading
- Redwood / Sequoia – rich in tannins, resists UV damage and decay well
- Pine – relatively affordable, tends to last longer than other softwoods
- Treated Woods – pre-treated with stains or water sealants for added protection
Even with moisture-resistant wood, applying additional protection in the form of stains and finishes is non-negotiable. Never install unfinished wood outdoors and expect it to withstand the UK climate.
Apply a Protective Sealant
Wood sealants prevent moisture ingress, which is the leading cause of wood damage. Professional pre-stain preparations and penetrative stains with UV blockers also retard fading substantially.
Here are some top sealant options for wood fences in the rainy UK climate:
- Tung Oil – matt natural finish, waterproofs effectively
- Linseed Oil – traditional oil to nourish and protect wood
- Semi-transparent Stains – enhance natural grain while preventing moisture absorption
- Clear Water Sealants – resist weathering, minimally alter wood appearance
Reapply your protectant of choice regularly as per manufacturer instructions for reliable long-term protection.
Practice Proactive Maintenance
Don’t adopt a fit-and-forget approach after installing your wood fence. Schedule in periodic fence maintenance to get ahead of any major fading or degradation issues.
- Clean accumulated moss/mildew before it spreads
- Spot treat damaged areas with sealants to prevent further weathering
- Check for raised wood grain, surface cracks and splintered posts
- Ensure sufficient grading drainage around fence perimeter
With consistent inspection and upkeep of your wood fence, you can stay ahead of pesky fading issues.
Tips for Protecting a Wood Fence in the UK
Along with fundamentals like using the right wood, sealants and general maintenance, some additional protective measures are worth considering:
Install Shading Elements Nearby
One straightforward protective step is to plant trees, shrubs or vines along your fence. Position them to provide passive shade over the most sun-exposed sections of fencing during the hottest part of the day. Other options like wooden trellis, shade cloth or large market umbrellas can work too.
Choose UV-Resistant Paints and Stains
Go beyond typical stains and sealants by utilising specialized exterior wood paints and finishes with inbuilt UV absorbers. They provide well-rounded protection against sunlight, dampness and chemicals simultaneously to retard weathering substantially.
Consider Professional Refurbishment Services
If certain sections of your fence are extremely faded and damaged, hire a professional fencing contractor to refurbish them. Along with cleaning, light sanding and spot repairs, they can apply fresh UV-resistant stains or seals for rejuvenated protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent wood fence fading entirely?
There’s no permanent fix to eliminate wood fence fading 100%. But with diligent maintenance and protection, you can dramatically slow down the process. Be prepared to refinish faded areas every 2-4 years.
How often should I reapply wood sealants?
Every 1-3 years for maximum protection. Check manufacturer guidelines based on product type. Reapply more frequently on fences in direct sun.
What are the best wood species for fences in the UK climate?
Cedar, redwood and treated softwood posts resist weathering well. Pine is also popular for its competitive pricing. Ensure you apply protective sealants regardless of wood species.
Are there any natural sealants I can use?
Yes. Linseed and tung oils are traditional wood preservatives. Beeswax mixed with turpentine/CITRUS oil also works well. Avoid edible oils like olive oil, which can turn rancid.
Can I repaint my existing faded wood fence?
Definitely! Thoroughly clean and lightly sand greyed wood. Apply 2-3 coats of quality exterior paint formulated with UV blockers. This revives both colour and protection.
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