UVB Protection for Fences

Effects

• The effects of UV radiation on wood over the course of time make it necessary for those installing a wooden fence to have some type of protection. UV radiation tends to cause wood to lose its color and fade. It can also have an over-drying effect on wood that causes it to lose all of its moisture, which can lead to cracking, splitting and shrinkage. Although the best wood to use is the driest wood possible, wood still retains some natural moisture that needs to be maintained.

Treatment

• Buying pressure-treated wood is one way to fight off some of the effects of moisture and UV radiation, but it is not enough to completely save your fence. Some types of moisture and UV barriers are designed to keep the effects of weathering at bay throughout the life of your fence. A UV guard, such as Weatherall, or another recognized brand, penetrates and seals the wood, staving off the effects of moisture while providing a reflective quality to the wood that keeps UV rays from destroying it.

Materials

• Choice of materials can have an effect on the longevity of your fence. Treatment of all woods used in fencing helps maintain the life of your fence, but the type of wood you choose also has an impact. For instance, cedar tends to be durable and less susceptible to weathering, but it fades to a charcoal gray color over time. Pressure-treated pine is durable as well, as are some of the synthetic woods produced and sold on the lumber market. Other woods tend to be more prone to UV radiation and moisture, although a proper UV barrier prevents many of these effects.

Paint

• If you're not necessarily going for, or completely sold on, the "natural wood" look, you may wish to consider painting the fence with a reflective paint. You don't have to pull a page from Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer" and go with a white picket fence though, as there are many reflective and durable pastel paints available. Combining a paint with a sealant and UV guard can provide you with triple protection.