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A properly maintained cedar picket fence can last up to 25 years. Cedar fence planks image by K. Geijer from Fotolia.com
Wood fences made of cedar are functional and attractive, especially when of the classic picket style. Fences keep out unwanted animals and protect your landscape. Thanks to new innovations in wood fence design, problems of splitting and warping occur less often. Yet wood fencing still requires general maintenance that should be considered when purchasing a cedar fence. When a cedar picket fence is correctly constructed, set up and preserved, it provides long-lasting beauty to your yard.
Lack of Maintenance
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Untreated cedar is prone to decay with prolonged exposure to the elements. Water and moisture penetrate the wood, and as it dries the wood becomes weak and brittle. Eventually, the fence starts to crack and split. Painting or staining protects wood from absorbing moisture. You will likely need to paint or stain your fence once every two to three years to maintain its protective finish as these applications can peel and fade. If you decide to keep your cedar fence its natural color, apply a water-repellent finish yearly to seal it from moisture and preserve the wood. When a cedar fence splinters, sand the weathered boards to remove rough edges or replace the defective boards entirely.
Not Installed Properly
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According to Rafter Tales, a home improvement website, western cedar is one of the most commonly used woods for fencing due to its natural splendor and durability. Cedar is pest-resistant and strong. Despite its resilience, cedar posts can split when poorly installed. Cedar fence posts must be directly placed into the ground and not put in concrete. Concrete impairs drainage and causes water to congregate around the post, which can lead to rotting and splitting.
Poor Board Placement
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Cedar boards that touch the ground are at risk of rotting. When installing cedar fence boards, leave a 2-inch clearance between the board and the dirt surface, according to Rafter Tales. This protects the boards from contact with moisture on the ground after it rains or snows. Prolonged exposure to moisture breaks down the wood and makes it susceptible to cracking and splintering.
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