Fence Painting & Repair Zomba / Southern Region / Malawi

However, many fence painting and staining services providers have enough business on fences. In any case, whether a fence painting and staining services company is called by that name or offers other painting services, and thus goes by a different type of title, the overall equipment, methods, recommendations on treatment frequency, benefits, etc. are all mostly the same. So, for this article, we’ll focus on fence painting and staining services, and not any of the other painting and staining services that related companies may offer.

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES – PAINTING VS. STAINING

The main differences in painting vs. staining a fence are comparable to painting vs. staining any wooden surface. In general, paint is an opaque medium, of varying colors, that is designed to coat and hide the natural wood surface and texture. It differs from a stain that is more transparent, and usually a clear to brown, wood color. A stain is meant to bring out the natural color and grain variation of the wood, rather than hide it. 

It should be noted, however, that some fence painting and staining services may only offer one or the other kind of treatment. It is not typical, but as stain and paint can be different mediums to work with and may require different equipment (for non-brush or roller-applied, anyway) or specialty. It’s worth asking a fence painting and staining services company if they do one, the other, or both, and which is their most common/expertise, or if it’s about 50/50 between the two, and other questions like that, to ensure consumers pick the best company for the task. We’ll talk a little more about how to choose the best fence painting and staining services company in a later section.

One other important point is that, while stains can make wood look beautiful, their most transparent nature means that they do a less effective job at blocking out UV radiation than their opaque paint counterparts. Most fence painting and staining services suggest that stains be reapplied every 3-4 years, whereas many paints are rated for over double that, on the 8-10-year range. While this may not be a factor for many, it is worth noting, as some homeowners will doubtless weigh the cost of 2-2.5x as many applications of stain against painting as a relevant pro or con for their desired choice.

From a practical standpoint, the paints and stains that are used by the majority of fence painting and staining services will all be designed to confer the maximum benefits to the wood fencing. That is discussed further in the next section. It means that no matter which option has the maximum aesthetic appeal for a homeowner, they can rest assured that they are both treating the fence wood in a manner to maximize the useful life of the fence and preserve its aesthetics at the same time.

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES – BENEFITS OF PAINTING OR STAINING

Fence painting and staining services provide several benefits to homeowners, through the routine and periodic painting or staining of fences.  In many cases, aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal of a relatively freshly-painted or freshly-stained fence, these treatments are designed with sealants to block out moisture. Most also feature UV-resistant properties. Combined these features work together to prevent UV light from discoloring the wood, paint/stain, or both, and prevent moisture from natural weather conditions, the environment, heating, and cooling cycles, etc. from compromising into the wood structure. Fence painting and staining services are quick to point out that once moisture compromises the wood, it can rapidly degrade, either via mold/mildew growth, cracks in the wood, rot, breakage, and many more problems. On the other hand, a well-treated wooden fence, painted or stained by fence painting and staining services, can often last ten years or more before it needs another treatment, which will leave it looking like new. 

It should be noted, some types of fencing do not need painting or staining, and still, others may require custom treatments that don’t fall into the category of traditional painting or staining. For example, artificial composite materials, which are generally plastic-based, do not need to be painted, and paint will not hold well to the surface. Some metal fencing needs a good coat of sealant over existing metal paint or can be repainted, but often requires different types of paint and application equipment than traditional wooden fence painting and staining services provide.

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES – PROCESS FOR NEW FENCES

For new fences, the process that fence painting and staining services follow is generally smooth and straightforward.  They may or may not sand or otherwise treat the wood before application. Commonly, a primer will be used, and even on new construction, fence painting and staining services may power-wash the surface before primer and paint or stain application to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. 

The primary goal of new wood painting or staining is to allow sufficient coats and quantity of paint or stain to penetrate the wood, deep into cracks and pores that could otherwise allow in moisture. That creates the protective barrier effect that is the main non-aesthetic function of paint and stain.

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES – PROCESS FOR PREVIOUSLY PAINTED OR STAINED FENCES

For fences that already have existing paint or stain present, the process used by fence painting and staining services is a bit more complicated. For paint, usually existing coatings will need to be sanded or scraped away, in addition to the cleaning, priming, and other processes outlined for new fencing installations. Paint is then applied via rolling, brushing, or often spraying mechanisms. For the stain, typically no scraping or sanding is required, just cleaning, followed by the application of additional stain. A primer may or may not be used depending on the type of stain and type of wood/fence and is a bit more variable than in the case of paint, which almost always needs a primer regardless. The stain is generally applied by hand with brushes. 

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES – CHOOSING THE BEST SERVICE

Now that the benefits and processes are clear, it’s time to help consumers choose the best fence painting and staining services in their area! Often, the best way to find quality service contractors is through friends or neighbors who have been satisfied customers of a given provider. Failing this, online sites, often offer comprehensive information about companies in many areas, and consumers can dig down on the details of jobs reviewed that look like the task the consumer has in mind. 

In general, though, even without referrals or reviews, some of the essential things to keep in mind when choosing a fence painting and staining services company include:

• Professional Certifications/Licensing/Bonding
• Equipment and Knowledge
• Customer Service and Professionalism
• Safety
• Experience/Years in Business
• Cost and Timetable

FENCE PAINTING AND STAINING SERVICES - SUMMARY

Most of the fence painting and staining services providers offer high-quality paint and stain products to help consumers to improve the visual appeal of their wood (or metal) fencing and to protect the fencing from the harmful effects of moisture/weather and UV/sunlight radiation. Left unchecked these hazards can lead to premature degradation of a fence, meaning fences that would otherwise have held up for 20-30 years may need replacing after less than 10. With quality paint or stain from a fence painting and staining services company, re-applied at the suggested intervals for a given product, many fences go on to meet or exceed their estimated lifespan, while looking fresh, new, and attractive, thus adding value and curb appeal to a home.

Fence Repair

One of the best investments you can make in keeping your fence in good condition is using the fence restoration services around. Fences are secure and durable, but over time, even these stalwarts of fencing will need fence repair services to keep them in shape. Though it might be tempting to ignore small problems in your fence, they can quickly turn into a more significant problem without proper fence repair and restoration services. 

SIGNS THAT YOU NEED FENCE RESTORATION SERVICES

With normal wear and tear and exposure to the elements, any fence will need fence repair services from time to time. There are a few indications that you need to call the fence repair services experts. The most common signs that fence restoration services are necessary are sagging, broken segments, and rust. A sagging fence is usually the result of a free post or a weak foundation. If a fence repair services firm does not fix the problem, it could get progressively worse and essentially make the fence useless. 

That is true for holes in the fence or broken posts. These are visible signs that you need fence restoration services, and any damage usually significantly weakens the integrity of the whole fence, making it vulnerable to high winds or from an inquisitive animal. The proper fence repair services will ensure that the fence remains strong. The third reason for calling fence repair services, rust, is simply inevitable. Luckily, though, an experienced fence restoration services provider can rectify the problem quickly and at a relatively low cost.

WHY DO YOU NEED FENCE REPAIR SERVICES?

Safety

The primary reason for having fence repair services performed is to keep people and pets safe. Fences keep children safe, and they also keep pets separated from other pets or local wildlife. By getting the right fence repair service provider, you can be sure that all your loved ones will stay where you want them and be safe from environmental hazards like ponds or traffic.

Secure Boundaries

Fences provide visual and physical boundaries around your property. Holes and sagging are sure signs that you need fence repair services, and if you installed your fence to keep trespassers out, you will undoubtedly need to find quality fence repair services as soon as possible to ensure the integrity of your perimeter.

Fences are also a non-confrontational way of keeping clear boundaries between your property and your neighbor’s. Using fence restoration service to keep your fence in good condition will let be sure that nobody doesn’t accidentally encroach on your lot. Additionally, if you decide that you need real access to neighboring lots, you can ask the fence repair services expert to install a gate during the fence repair process.

Curb Appeal

While many people’s first thought about a fence is that it is simply a utilitarian feature of the property, regular use of fence painting and repair services can also add value to your home by increasing the overall appeal. Broken fences in need of fence restoration services immediately bring down the perceived value of a house, so using quality fence repair and painting services to bring it up is a valuable investment. A strong, straight fence can be draped with beautiful flowering vines or accentuated with shrubs, and you’ve got an instant increase in value.

Strategic Cover

Often, fences can disguise the more unattractive but necessary aspects of your homestead, like trash cans or propane tanks. It also keeps them safe from kids and critters who can unintentionally meddle and cause problems. Call on fence restoration services to avoid any annoying issues and keep your fence in excellent condition.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FENCE REPAIR SERVICES CONTRACTOR OR COMPANY

There are things to consider when finding the right fence repair services company. It is easy to think that fence restoration services are all the same, and you can call the first one that pops up when you search for fence repair services on Google. Once the project is finished, the fence is yours to keep, so be sure to choose the right fence repair experts. To help you with the process here are a few tips on getting the best fence repair services firm for your project.

Get some bids

Often, estimates can vary widely, and repairing a lousy job is expensive. You will thank yourself later for finding the right fence repair services for your project.

Fence repair services can be competitive, so you can arrange for them to come to your site. If you are very busy, ask the fence repair services maybe they can do it without your presence.

Find out how long the fence repair services companies have been in business, what kind of experience they have with projects like yours. Also, check reviews for the fence repair services company you are considering. Consider how responsive the fence restoration services provider you are thinking are to your initial solicitation – a fence repairs services provider that can’t be bothered to respond quickly to your phone call is likely not going to be responsive later, too.

FENCE REPAIR SERVICES ESTIMATION

Fence restoration, repair services representative who comes to estimate the price for the fence repair services will likely have several other site visits on the same day. Before the estimator arrives, be sure pets are inside, and all gates are unlocked. They will also appreciate it if you can clear brush around any problem areas that need fence repair or restoration services.

A fence repair, restoration services estimator, will be looking for several things during the inspection, including

• Possible obstructions will get in the way or affect the cost of the fence restoration services, like trees or large rocks.
• Evaluating existing fences that will connect with any new sections that will be installed with the help of fence repair services.
• Offer advice on the type of fence that would be best for your needs and location.
• Assess the job site for any impediments, especially access. If the fence restoration services crew cannot drive materials to the fence line, costs will likely be higher.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Also, it is essential to ask the right questions about the proposed fence repair services you are interested in. Give the estimator the space to inspect the site, and before he leaves to put together his estimate for the fence restoration services, be sure to ask a few questions. 

• Are there any easements that might hinder the fence repair, restoration services?
• Does the slope of the lot require the fence to be stepped? 
• Are gates and related hardware part of the quote for your fence restoration services?
• What warranty do they offer on materials and labor?
• When can they start and how long will it take to complete the fence restoration services?
• Will the work affect your neighbors’ properties at all?

CONCLUSION ABOUT FENCE REPAIR SERVICES

Follow these tips for securing your fence repair and restoration, and you are on your way to a great project. Though it might seem easy, quality fence painting and restoration services need to be done by professionally trained providers. Do your homework and select a top-notch fence repair services provider and you won’t regret it.