Let’s face it, summer in Texas doesn’t pull any punches. By the time July hits, your fence has already been roasted by the sun, soaked by spring storms, and maybe even rattled by a few rowdy backyard BBQs and soccer games.. And with the real heat settling in, now’s a great time to give your fence a little attention before the damage sneaks up on you.
Think of this as your friendly nudge from your local fence company who understands your conditions, to do a quick mid-summer fence checkup. A quick walk around your yard right now can save you a ton of time, money, and frustration down the road.
Step One: Walk the Perimeter
Start by walking the entire fence line, slowly and intentionally. You’re looking for signs that your fence is beginning to wear down from the elements.
- Leaning Posts
- Posts should stand straight and firm. If any are starting to tilt, it could be from shifting soil or weakened concrete footing. These are both common during hot Texas summers.
- Just as your foundation needs to be watered, so does the ground by your fence. The shrinking and cracking of the soil can pull away from the poles, allowing it to wobble and move over time.
- Loose Nails or Screws
- Rusted, popping, or missing fasteners can cause sections of your fence to come loose, especially in high wind or rain.
- Warped or Cracked Boards
- Wood of any kind can expand and contract with moisture and heat. If you spot boards that are bowing, splitting, or curling, they may need to be replaced.
- Rust on Hardware
- Check metal parts like screws, brackets, and gate hinges. Your looking for signs of rust or corrosion.
- Gaps Under the Fence
- Ground movement in dry Texas summers can leave uneven spacing at the bottom, which might let in critters or just look bad.
Bring along a notepad or use your phone to jot down anything that looks off. Don’t ignore the “minor stuff”. That’s usually what turns into major repairs if left alone too long.
Step Two: Give the Gate Some Love
Your gate works harder than any other part of your fence. All that swinging open and shut, especially if your kids or pets are the running through and let it slam type, puts a lot of strain on the hinges, latches, and the posts holding everything in place.
- Test the Latch
- Does it catch easily and stay closed? Or do you have to lift, slam, or jiggle it into place?
- Check for Sagging
- A droopy gate can mean the hinges are loosening or the post is starting to lean.
- Look at the Screws
- Tighten up any loose ones and replace rusted or stripped hardware before it causes bigger problems.
Summer heat causes materials to expand, and cooler nights make them contract. That back-and-forth can loosen hardware fast, especially in north/south and west-facing sections.
Step Three: Look for Sun Fade & Weather Wear
Around here, the sun is relentless in July. Wood fences, in particular, can fade or dry out under constant exposure, especially the sides facing west and south. Even fences that were sealed in the spring can show signs of wear just a few months later.
- Faded Stain or Paint
- If the color looks dull or blotchy, your fence might need a fresh coat.
- Splintering or Dry Boards
- Dry, brittle wood can crack easily and absorb water during the next rain, leading to rot.
- Mildew or Water Spots
- Especially after spring rains, look for any discolored patches that may indicate moisture isn’t draining properly.
If you see early signs of sun or water damage, don’t wait. A simple re-stain or spot treatment now can keep things from going downhill fast.
Step Four: Pay Attention to the Ground
A big challenge for fences in Texas? The ground moves. No, really. Between heavy rain in the spring and drying clay soils in the summer, the earth around your fence posts is constantly shifting.
- Misaligned Gates
- If your gate suddenly doesn’t close right, the ground may have shifted under the posts.
- Exposed Post Bases
- If you can see more of the post base than you could earlier this year, the soil has likely settled or eroded.
- Standing Water or Drainage Issues
- Check that water isn’t pooling along the fence line after storms or irrigation.
If left alone, these small shifts can pull your fence out of alignment, loosen posts, or create gaps that compromise privacy and security.
Step Five: Trim Back the Green Stuff
Bushes, vines, and even tall grass love to cozy up to your fence. But over time, all that growth can trap moisture, invite pests, or even push your fence out of alignment.
- Cut back shrubs and vines that are growing against the fence.
- Trim overhanging tree branches that could fall or drag on the panels.
- Mow or clear tall grass from the base, especially in corners or along the back line.
Keeping your fence clear of plant life helps it dry out properly and makes it easier to spot issues early.
Step Six: Clean It the Right Way (Without Damaging It)
Mid-summer is also the perfect time to give your fence a good cleaning—not just to make it look fresh, but to prevent long-term wear and tear. How you clean depends on what your fence is made of, though.
Wood Fences
Wood fences can’t handle harsh cleaners. Use mild solutions to protect the finish.
- Oxygenated bleach (like OxiClean or DEFY Wood Cleaner) removes mildew without discoloring.
- White vinegar + water (50/50) is great for small spots and DIY cleaning.
- Simple Green or other biodegradable deck/fence cleaners are safe and effective.
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub, then rinse with a garden hose. Contrary to belief, at MCFenceDFW we do not recommend pressure washers as it removes layers from the wood and it won’t last as long. They can do more harm than good if you overdo it.
Pro Tip: Clean early in the day or on overcast afternoons so the cleaner doesn’t dry too fast and leave streaks.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl is low-maintenance but still needs a good wash now and then.
- Dish soap and warm water are perfect for everyday grime.
- Baking soda paste is great for scuffs or tough stains.
- Vinyl-safe cleaners like 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner or Mold Armor are effective without damaging color or shine.
Use a soft cloth or sponge—never steel wool or abrasive brushes—and rinse thoroughly.
Metal Fences (Wrought Iron, Steel, or Aluminum)
Metal fences need help staying ahead of rust.
- Mild soap and water for routine cleaning.
- WD-40 Rust Remover Soak or CLR for spot rust (follow directions closely).
- Naval jelly for stubborn rust on wrought iron.
After cleaning, dry completely to avoid flash rusting, then touch up with a rust-inhibiting spray paint like Rust-Oleum. For a little more protection and caution, apply a light coat of car wax to keep moisture off.
Step Seven: Reseal, Repaint, or Refresh
Once your fence is clean and dry, it’s time to refresh the finish, especially if you noticed fading or cracking earlier.
Wood:
- Apply a UV-resistant stain or sealant, especially to sun-exposed sides.
- Choose early morning or evening for best results (aim for 50–85°F and low humidity).
- Reapply every 2–3 years or as needed.
Metal:
- Spot-prime any bare metal.
- Use outdoor-rated paint or rust-preventive enamel for touchups.
- Consider sealing with a clear coat or wax for bonus durability.
Vinyl:
- No sealing needed, just keep it clean and free of buildup!
Final Step: Refresh That Finish
If your fence hasn’t been sealed or stained in a year or two, now’s the time to think about refreshing it, especially if you’re seeing color fade or exposed grain.
Wood Fences
- Use a UV-resistant stain or sealant.
- Focus on the sun-facing sides.
- Aim for temps between 50–85°F and low humidity (early morning or evening works best).
Metal Fences
- Look for rust spots and chipped paint.
- Sand, touch up with rust-resistant paint, and seal with a protective topcoat.
Vinyl Fences
- No sealing needed, but give it a good wash.
- Use vinyl-safe soap and water to clean grime, mildew, and sun streaks.
Arlington Summers Are Tough—But Your Fence Doesn’t Have to Be
A little upkeep goes a long way. Checking your fence mid-summer might not sound glamorous, and yes, it’s time-consuming, but it’s one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep your yard looking sharp. And if you find something you’d rather not fix yourself? That’s where we come in.
At McFenceDFW, we’re here to help with inspections, repairs, replacements, and everything in between. We’re local, experienced, and just a phone call away. And with a free inspection, there’s no need to wait until your fence is falling over in October. Reach out today, and let’s get ahead of it.
