Cedar fencing is very popular with homeowners who want their homes fenced up with fences that would last long, look beautiful, and are environmentally friendly. The cedar fences have distinct colors, textures, and natural weather durability; they have been around for many decades and are still counted among the best quality products on the market for fencing. Perhaps you want a privacy fence for your yard, a touch of elegance for an area, or you are just looking for a means to not let pets and children out of the property ideal solution could be a cedar fence.
In this blog, we are going to talk about the life span of cedar fences, different factors that affect it, and maintenance to make it last for the years to come. A correctly kept cedar fence could beautify your property as well as add value to it.
What Are Cedar Fences?
Cedar fencing is basically fencing associated with cedar wood, which is a variety of conifer trees that occur throughout North America. Cedar wood is prized over much else throughout the world, thanks to its natural beauty and durability, as well as being not so easily attacked by rotting or warping and insect damage as other woods. Such features prove cedar to be the ideal wooden material for outdoor works like constructing fences.
Another feature of cedar is that it can be considered renewable. It also requires little chemical treatment, especially vis-a-vis other types of wood. Having the particularly green side of things is good for those homeowners who want to put a dent in their environmental footprint. Its oil keeps the outer elements at bay, making it truly usable in other environments.
How Long Do Cedar Fences Last?
Cedar is generally one of the best choices a homeowner could make, mostly due to its great durability. For instance, an average well-maintained cedar fence lasts between 15 and 30 years. Some determining factors are the climate, maintenance, and the quality of cedar wood. Then there are cases where treated cedar fences even go to lengths of having a lifespan of about 40 years with the right care.
Cedar has a very natural property that contributes to its durability. Cedar wood has natural oils that protect it from moisture, decay, and insects. That attribute that keeps the wood clear of the elements is by far the biggest advantage over other woods like pine or spruce which usually succumb to these issues. A cedar fence is therefore less likely to warp or develop rot compared to alternative woods, making them great for long-lasting constructions within the compound by homeowners.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Cedar Fences
Although cedar wood has quite a natural durability, it can surely be influenced by several factors on how long your cedar fence will last. Gaining an understanding of the factors will help you take action as required to retain your fence’s integrity over time.
1. Climate and Weather Conditions
The place where you live is a very important factor in the life of your cedar fence. The change in the weather can fully take a toll on the fence, leaving it mostly exposed to humid conditions, heat, and heavy rain. All these would lead the wood to expand and contract under pressure. With this, the natural movement would gradually wear out the fence. Temperature shifts command a little regular maintenance to keep the fence in tip-top condition.
2. Maintenance and Care
Though cedar is naturally resistant to several elements of the outside world still regular maintenance is essential to maximize its lifespan. This aspect, staining or sealing the entire structure, has to do with the maintenance of moisture and UV rays. Cedar properly maintained will remain beautiful and last for many decades while improper and neglected upkeep will shorten the life of the fence.
3. Protective Treatments
Although cedar is naturally resistant to the elements, applying a protective stain or sealant helps a great deal to prolong its life. This will give an added defense against moisture, sunlight, and insects. Thus, utilize high-grade stains or sealants designed specifically for outdoor wood to attain utmost efficacy.
4. Insect and Pest Damage
Cedar indeed resists insects like termites, but with time, wood can be affected by pest infestation if care is lax. Conducting regular inspections of your fence to check for insect infestation will help catch problems early. Once you see signs of pest activity, treatment as soon as possible can prevent further damage and maintain the strength of the fence.
How to Preserve Your Cedar Fence
To be beautiful and functional for many years, your cedar fencing must follow certain maintenance steps. Maintenance practices help protect the wood from weathering, retain its natural color, and make it structurally sound.
- Your cedar fence needs a fresh coat of stain or a sealant to save it from nature’s ruin every few years. Staining works well to maintain the rich reddish color, enhances the natural beauty of the wood, and keeps it sealed from moisture entering the inside. This is more critical in regions prone to high humidity and frequent downpours. Usually, a good range is between 5 to 7 years, depending on the kind of climate and sunlight exposure.
- Even routine cleaning and monitoring improves the lifespan of your cedar fence. With a gentle soap-and-water mixture, clean the fence to eliminate dust, debris, or mildew. This will do away with discoloration and the emergence of mold. Look at the fence for any of the signs, such as cracked boards, loose nails, or those that show rot, and take action to fix these to prevent further decline.
- The base of the fence is particularly vulnerable to moisture damage, so it’s important to protect it. You can mount a rot or mud board right below the fence posts to avoid damage due to moisture, animals, or lawn equipment. Even this can add years to the life of your cedar fence while saving it from undue wear.
Cedar Fencing vs. Other Wood Fencing Materials
Cedar may be durable and last many years, but how does it compare with other sorts of fencing wood? The primary advantage cedar holds over other woods such as spruce and pine is that it naturally resists moisture, rot, and insects. A pine fence will last typically about 15 years, whereas a properly looked-after cedar fence will easily last at least twice that long. Cedar has oils in it that give a better finish and require fewer chemical treatments, making it a much more environmentally friendly option.
Cedar Fencing—A Long-Term Investment
Cedar fencing is one of the best investments that homeowners can make today in beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly fencing. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot insect damage and moisture, so it adds a long life to enclosed spaces and security and looks great in any home. Buy cedar regularly maintained, and your fence will endure the test of time-adding beauty and value to any property for years to come.
At NJ Best Fence, we are dedicated to cedar fence installation and maintenance, thus maximizing your investments. Our specialists will involve you in every aspect, from selecting the right kind of cedar to practical tips on keeping it in great condition for years. Contact us today and learn how we can help you create a lasting fence for decades!
