Spring Has Sprung: It's Time for Home Maintenance

Winter weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and months of neglect all show up on a fence or deck in ways that are a lot easier to spot in spring than they are to ignore. Mild temperatures and longer daylight also make it the most practical season to actually get maintenance done, before the East Texas heat sets in for good. Here's a walkthrough of what we'd check.

Walk the fence line

Start at one corner and walk the entire perimeter, not just the sections visible from the house. Look for leaning or loose posts, boards that have cracked or pulled away from rails, rusted or loose hardware on metal sections, and any spot where the ground has shifted or eroded around a post base. A post that's slightly loose in spring is a much cheaper fix than the same post after a summer of wind and storms finishes the job.

Check gate hardware

Gates take more repeated stress than any other part of a fence — hinges and latches that were fine last fall can work themselves loose over winter. A gate that's started to sag or drag on the ground is worth addressing before it gets worse; the fix is often as simple as a hinge adjustment if it's caught early.

Look for wood rot and sun damage

Press a screwdriver or your thumb into any wood post or board near ground level that looks discolored or soft — that's usually where rot starts first, since it's the area exposed to the most moisture. Sun-faded or graying wood isn't structurally urgent but is a sign a fresh coat of stain is due; stain isn't just cosmetic, it's part of what protects the wood from moisture in the first place.

Deck and patio inspection

The same rot and hardware checks apply to a deck — test boards for soft spots, check that railings are still solid, and look at fasteners for rust or loosening. A deck that's due for repair is far more affordable to fix in spring than to rebuild after a board finally gives out.

Pressure washing

A winter's worth of dirt, pollen, and mildew builds up on fences, decks, and siding, and that buildup holds moisture against the surface longer than clean wood or metal would. Pressure washing in spring clears that off and gives any stain or sealant that follows a clean surface to actually bond to, rather than sealing dirt underneath it.

Gutters, while you're at it

Gutters clogged with winter debris send water pouring straight down next to the foundation or a nearby fence line instead of away from the house, which speeds up erosion and rot in exactly the areas you just checked. Gutter cleaning is a quick add-on to a spring maintenance pass and pays off well beyond the fence itself.

When to call a pro versus handle it yourself

A single loose hinge or a board that needs a new screw is a reasonable DIY fix for most homeowners. A leaning post, a section with active rot, or hardware failing across multiple spots usually points to a bigger underlying issue worth having a professional look at before it spreads further.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have my fence pressure washed and stained?

Once a year in spring is a reasonable baseline for most wood fences in this climate, though a fence in a shadier, damper spot may need it more often than one in full sun.

My fence post feels loose but the wood looks fine. Is that a problem?

Yes, it's worth addressing even if the wood looks sound — a loose post usually means the ground around the base has shifted or the post footing has weakened, and it will only get worse under wind or storm pressure.

Do you handle both fence repair and deck repair?

Yes, we handle repairs and maintenance for both, along with staining, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning for the rest of the exterior.