Why are brick fences such a popular choice in Houston, TX?

They’re durable, low-maintenance options that instantly elevate the look of any property.

Nevertheless, a “low maintenance” fence is not the same thing as a no maintenance fence. So, let’s explore some simple tips for ensuring your brick fence continues to look beautiful and serve you well.

Clean Your Fence at Least Once a Year

Use a garden hose and mild soap to gently wash your fence. You want to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage or discolor your brick and mortar. Some dish soap and vinegar are all the cleaners you really need.

You may need a gentle brush to help scrub away any mold or algae you find on your fence.

If the amount of built up dirt, grime, or other pollutants is high, you can use a pressure washer. Keep the pressure between 500 and 1000 psi to avoid damaging the masonry. Higher pressures can erode the mortar, which is the opposite of what you want.

Test the pressure washer, the cleaner, and anything else you intend to use on an inconspicuous area of your fence before moving to the greater job. Doing so will help you spot problems before they arise.

Inspect Your Mortar at Least Once a Year

The mortar is what keeps your fence standing, so it’s important to make sure it remains in good working order. Look for signs that your mortar is cracking, crumbling, or otherwise falling apart.

For minor repairs, you can gently remove the damaged mortar with a masonry chisel. Scrub away the rest of the loose material with a stiff brush. Then, use a fast-drying mortar to fill the joints.

For major repairs, call us: repointing can be tricky. If you see large cracks running through your brick or see massive degradation that normal weather and time conditions don’t account for, you’re no longer looking at a DIY job. Your fence may have settled, which is not something you can fix with a trip to Lowes and a long afternoon.

Prevent Water Damage

If your fence is eroding quickly you may be exposing it to more water than it can, strictly speaking, take. Consider calling in a professional landscaper to address grading issues that may be causing water to pool around the base of your masonry fence.

Houston gets over 40 inches of rain every year, which means existing grading work can erode over time. Dealing with the problem quickly will help you protect your fence from expensive damage.

Get Help Today

Does your fence need attention? Is it time to replace your old fence?

We build beautiful custom masonry fences for Houston residents. Visit our gallery to see some of our past work, or contact us to schedule a free quote today.