While some elements of winter can be beautiful, the harsh cold and snow have the potential to cause a number of problems for fences. Thankfully, there are simple measures you can take during winter to prevent serious damage from happening. As fence professionals in the Hudson Valley region for more than three decades, American Fence Company knows the ins and outs keeping fences in great condition all winter long.

With the chill of winter, it can be tempting to retreat indoors and hope everything will sort itself out. However, performing regular maintenance on your fences is necessary to keep them in top condition. Here are just three simple tips to follow:

• Remove Excess Snow: Piles of snow resting on a fence may look idyllic, but it can also do permanent damage if left for too long. Snow can build moisture in fences, leading to mildew and decay. Regularly clean snow from your fence to combat the issue.
• Trim & Shake Tree Limbs: The buildup of snow on tree branches makes them more prone to breaking off and falling, possibly damaging your fence if it’s located nearby. Before winter hits, trim back any branches that are close to fences or regularly shake snow off if trimming isn’t an option.
• Clean Cement Footings: Snow can cause moisture to build up in the cement footings of your fence, possibly leading to cracks. To prevent this damage, keep the footings clear of snow, dirt, and leaves.

Maintaining a fence during the winter takes a bit of legwork but can make a big difference in its longevity and appearance. There’s much more to fences other than winter care, however. For all types of fence installation and maintenance, American Fence Company’s extensive experience is at your disposal. For more information on fences, call (845) 427-5894 or visit the website today.