3 Tips To Protect Your Fence This Winter
Ah winter! It’s that time of year where the fire is oh so cozy, there are parties galore, and everyone’s getting into the holiday spirit. Along with these joys, winter also brings many threats, such as snow blizzards, icy roads, and frozen pipes. There are lots of precautions you should take during the winter to care for yourself while shoveling snow as well as caring for your lawn. We’ve discussed these issues at length on our website here and here. Covering all your bases for the winter is something we all have to do. However, there is one element that often flies under the radar when it comes to taking winter precautions, and that’s your fence! Yes, that wonderful, wooden barrier between you and the neighbors also requires some tender, love, and care to fend off damage during the cool season. In this article, we’ll discuss 3 things you can do to protect your fence this winter.
Avoid Moisture Buildup
When it comes to caring for a wooden fence, moisture control is the number one priority. During the warmer months, a rainstorm isn’t a big concern because warm days come often which typically dry the moisture right up. In the winter however, snow exposes your wooden fence to much more excess moisture. The effects of this are maximized because there aren’t a lot of warm days to help the moisture dry out. Therefore your fence is more susceptible to rot, mold, and mildew. A good oil based stain on your fence is a great way to avoid the damaging effects of moisture. In addition, you should watch your fence very carefully during the winter for debris such as fallen leaves, weeds, and other vegetation. Debris of this nature can hold moisture and weaken the wood in those spots. If you see anything like this trapped in the crevices of your fence, remove them immediately.
Look Up
Overhead limbs arching over your fence can cause a problem if these limbs are weak or rotted. They don’t hold up well under heavy snowfall and can easily break and fall over your fence. This can cause major structural damage to your fence. If you see any limbs hanging over your fence, we recommend inspecting them carefully for disease or decay. If you spot anything like this, it’s best to cut these limbs down in order to avoid them falling on your fence during or after a snowstorm.
Check the Soil
Soil shifting beneath your fence posts can and will compromise your entire fence. It’s important to keep an eye on the soil especially around your fence posts. After a snow storm, fence posts can shift as the soil around them might loosen. Be sure to check that your fence is level and your fence posts are stable and straight. If not, you may need to make repairs as soon as possible.
If you find any damaged or loose boards, take the time to repair them as soon as possible. Be extra vigilant when it’s cold! Don’t let the relaxed atmosphere of winter fool you. One unresolved issue can wreak havoc on your wallet, especially during the cooler months. If you have any questions or would like a consultation on your project, contact us. We provide free consultations and specialized services for Andover residents each season.