Winter can be hard on a wood fence if you don't take the time to maintain and care for it properly. If snow, ice, or rain is common in your area, the following tips are just what you need to keep your fence looking good through winter and beyond.
Tip #1: Clear the Fence Lines
Leaves and debris built up against the fence line can trap moisture. This trapped moisture can then soak into the wooden fence boards during thaw cycles during the winter months. Moisture leads to mildew, mold, and rot. In other words, you could rake up the leaves in spring only to discover that the bottom of your fence pickets have become so rotten that replacement is the only option. Keep debris raked up in fall and trim back any plants that have grown too closely to the fence line. Walk the fence periodically during winter so you can remove any debris that blows in.
Tip #2: Repair Broken Boards
The best time to fix a broken board is as soon as it happens. The second best time is before winter. Broken boards have exposed, unsealed surfaces that are more prone to absorbing moisture and developing mold. Once mold has a hold on your fence, it is more likely to spread to neighboring boards. Broken boards are also more likely to result in more damage during high winter winds, since they are loose and can rip free. Fix or replace any damaged fence boards to prevent these issues.
Tip #3: Stain and Seal
Once again, moisture is still the number one enemy. Snow and ice buildup on the fence is another culprit of moisture damage. Making sure your fence is adequately sealed is the best defence. Spray water on the fence – if it beads up, your fence seal is sufficient. If it soaks in, it is time to add a fresh coat of stain and wood sealer to the fence before the weather turns cold. There are also un-tinted sealers available if you prefer a natural look.
Tip #4: Anticipate Problems
Some problems can be avoided with a little foresight. Walk the fence line and look up for any potential sources of damage. Winter weather is more likely to bring down weakened tree branches, which can land on and damage your fence. Trim these out before it occurs. This is also a good time to make sure there are no loose boards on the fence and that no nails have worked loose. Check the gate and make sure the latch can withstand winter wind. The best way to deal with a problem is to avoid it in the first place. Contact fencing services in your area for more information.
Share5 January 2016
I've found that one of the perks of being a homeowner is the privacy that your own home provides. However, sometimes there can be a lack of privacy if you are in your yard and it is unfenced. When we bought our home, there was not a fence. One night, after the neighbors dog wandered through our barbecue one time too many, I decided that it was time to look up a fence contractor. We soon found a great price on a fence with a fantastic fence contractor. Now we can keep our privacy while still feeling open towards the neighbors.