How To Maintain Wooden Gates
You’ve bought your new wooden gates, and had them professionally installed by a wooden gate specialist. Now what? How do you care for and maintain your wooden gates to keep them looking great all year round?
In this short article, we’ve listed some of the key gate care and maintenance tasks you should be doing to look after your wooden gates, whether you have swing wooden gates or sliding wooden gates.
Apply Varnish
As long as you’ve bought your new wooden gate from a reputable wooden gate provider, the gate should have a professionally applied, protective layer of varnish, that should keep protecting the wood for a good few years.
But, over time with constant use, UV rays, moisture from rain and snow etc., and insect damage, the varnish will wear off and need replacing. At this point, it’s best to call a professional, but if you do it yourself, follow these basic tips:
- Buy new varnish
- Stir well with a clean stirrer
- Use thinner if necessary
- Apply several thin coats in smooth strokes, using only the tip of the brush
Apply Wood Oils
Most people buy wooden gates for their natural appearance, and because wood is a natural (and living) product, it needs certain nutrients to survive and to stay looking great whatever the weather.
One way to ensure the wood of your wooden gate gets the nutrients it needs is to apply good quality wood oils, at least once a year. This will help keep the wood supple and reduce the risk of splitting, whilst also helping the gate remain durable for as long as possible.
Use A Wood Reviver
If your wooden gate is starting to show signs of decay, such as mould or rot, use a wood reviver, rather than be tempted to simply apply more varnish or paint in an attempt to hide the problem.
But, before applying the wood reviver, give your wooden gate a sand down with varying grades of sandpaper, making sure you remove any visible signs of surface mould etc., then apply the wood reviver as per the instructions.
Maintain Other Components
Whilst it’s vital to maintain the wood of your wooden gate, don’t neglect other components such as hinges, automation and locks etc., including keeping them well lubricated and free from corrosion that may damage the wood itself.
Keep The Surroundings Clear
Depending on the location of your wooden gate, the surroundings can play a far bigger role in its deterioration than you might think, especially certain invasive plants, or physical objects that restrict or hinder its operation.
So, make sure to cut back plants, particularly climbers such as bindweed or ivy, and check regularly that there are no obstacles beneath the gate, or trapped within its hinges or its automation device.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a new gate, whether it’s a wooden gate, an aluminium gate or a steel gate, contact Gate Control, one of Bedfordshire’s leading gate manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and repairers.