Unfinished exterior wood products are subject to degradation by four conditions1:

1Source: Studies of Weathering Effects in Western Redcedar and Southern Pine, Horn, Brent A.; Qiu, Jinjin; Owen, Noel L.; Feist, William C.

• Ultraviolet Light

• Moisture

• Airborne Particles

• Pests

Ultraviolet Light Damage in Wood

Unfinished wood exposed to the sun over time will develop a gray color. This is caused by a chemical reaction to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and is similar to the effect the sun has on your unprotected skin.

When your skin is bombarded with ultraviolet light it develops a sun burn - or for some of us a darkening of the skin pigment we refer to as a sun tan.

This same effect is occurring in unfinished wood. The pigment in the wood becomes “bleached” resulting in the gray color. This chemical change is actually causing the wood fiber to deteriorate.

Moisture Damage in Wood

Moisture can compound the damage caused by ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light causes the cellulose fibers on the surface of the wood to break down resulting in tiny cracks in the wood. This allows moisture to penetrate the wood.

Once the moisture is allowed into the wood fiber, if it isn’t quickly dried out, mildew and fungus begin to grow. This can be easily seen on north facing wood fences and presents as a green colored mildew on the fence boards.

Fortunately this mildew can easily be removed.

Airborne Particulates Cause Dark Patches

Airborne particulates like pollution from gas and diesel powered vehicles can collect around fasteners used to attach fence boards to the cross rails, as well as on the boards themselves.

The particles are deposited there by rain and condensation and are attracted to the metal of the fasteners and collect over time.

Another cause of darkened wood is the presence of mildew and fungi. Though wood is highly resistant to decay due to its low glucose and nitrogen levels, there are several types of specialized fungi that can attach to wood, causing discoloration as they spread.

Insect Damage in Wood

Unfinished wood is also subject to insect infestation. Carpenter Ants, Powder Post Beetles and Termites are just a few of the types of insects that can cause damage to your outdoor wood structures.

Dry, treated wood helps to repel most insect pests. If removal is needed, it is best left to a professional. The chemicals needed to properly treat for infestation are typically restricted to those certified in the application of the substance.

Once treated, it is best to apply a finish to help keep the infestation from occurring again.

FenceKeeper’s services help home owners combat the four conditions of decay and make your exterior wood look beautiful too!

We’ll restore your outdoor wood products to original characteristics, protect it from further damage and beautify all your wood structures.

Other conditions that contribute to wood decay1:•70% to 93% relative humidity

•77o to 88o F (20o to 30o C)

•Oxygen

•Organic materials

These conditions exist in many areas of the US beginning on the average in April and continue until November. Further research has shown that mildew can grow at lesser temperatures.1Source: University of Florida - IFAS Extension (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE633)

After waiting 24 to 48 hours for the fence boards to dry it is then time to apply the stain.

Unlike store brand stains, our stain is a penetrating stain that needs no back brushing when applied resulting in a rich color.

We start the process with your old gray, weathered fence.

The first step is to remove the gray and bring back the original color. We do this by applying a special solution to the fence boards at about 40 PSI.

The result is stunning and will last for years!

The Fence Restoration Process

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