Besides the rain, wind, and cold temperatures, winter can also have a considerable impact on your wooden fence. While most property owners don’t spend vast amounts of time outdoors during the winter, carrying out maintenance will definitely help increase the lifespan of your fence. Also, you wouldn’t have to deal with potential issues down the road.
What Does Winter Do to a Wooden Fence?
While sunlight and heat are the most significant causes for damage to a wooden fence, we at Superior Fence Co. of San Antonio have seen that moisture and varying temperatures during winter can also result in severe problems. Here’s how the winter can affect your wooden fence:
- Sleet and Rain – Constant exposure to moisture will weaken the fibers of your wooden fence and can result in the growth of rot, mildew, and mold. The best defense against winter moisture is to apply a high-quality oil-based sealer. Besides, you also need to ensure that there are no leaves or other organic matter wedged between the boards. They prevent proper airflow which traps moisture.
- Changes In Temperature – Varying temperatures can cause the wood to contract and expand, which can result in the moisture seeping into the knotholes in the fence. If you neglect to address the issue, these knotholes can cause pest infestation and rot.
- Shifting Soil – Heavy precipitation causes the water to soak in the soil, which can lead to a shift that impacts your fences’ supporting post. You need to keep an eye on the fence post throughout the winter.
- Falling Debris – The tree limbs that overhang can also collapse in case of stormy weather causing damage to your fence. It’s essential to monitor all trees within falling distance of your fence and trim down branches that can pose a threat.
Maintenance Tips for Wooden Fences during the Winter
One of the best defense against season damage is the application of a high-quality fence stain. There are still a few essential steps you can take during the winter to protect the integrity of your fence.
You need to carry out a thorough inspection of the feature following winter or severe storms. Check it for potential damage, and ensure that all the posts are still leveled. You can achieve this by running a string along the top. You can also inspect it for dips or a sudden rise in the string, and examine the posts that indicate it. Carry out the necessary repairs if required.
Also, clean out all leaves at frequent intervals that could have settled between the boards or on the rails. It’s vital to keep the cement footing clear of bark dust and dirt. Although it might seem illogical, it greatly reduces the chances of cracks in the cement as a result of moisture.
Keeping these basic maintenance tips in mind during the winter will minimize damage to your fence and increasing its lifespan. We at Superior Fence Co. of San Antonio have a large variety of customized fencing available. For any more information, feel free to contact us at (210) 600-3343 or send us your queries via this Contact Us form.
