3 Tips for Preparing Your Wooden Fences for Winter
Wooden fences are beautiful and tough structures, but even they can succumb to the harsh winter elements if the proper precautions aren’t taken. By crossing off a few tasks on your winter maintenance checklist now, you can keep your fence safe throughout the long season. Here are three maintenance tips that will help keep wooden fences protected through the snow and ice.
How to Protect Your Wooden Fence During Winter
1. Seal the Fence
Snow accumulation can penetrate the fibers of the wood and lead to mildew, mold, and wood rot. Prevent this damage by sealing your fences with an oil-based stain before the first snowflake falls. Then, regularly clean the fence gaps of any debris such as fallen leaves and excess snow. This material traps even more moisture that can damage the wood if left to sit all season long.
2. Trim Branches
Although snow is light and fluffy, it can quickly overwhelm a weak tree branch and snap it. Before the snow starts to fall, trim back any branches that could potentially damage your wooden fences. It’s also good to monitor your trees throughout the winter in case any strong winds blow a branch into your fence.
3. Repair Posts
The freezing and thawing of ground soil during winter can shift the posts of your wooden fences. While some posts will withstand the movement, weaker or damaged posts won’t be able to take the pressure. Avoid replacing a lot of broken posts in the spring by walking your fence line and inspecting every post. If a post wiggles in the ground, it should be repaired and re-stabilized to make it through the cold season unscathed.
If your wooden fences need pre-winter repairs to make it through the season, the fencing experts of American Fence Company in Campbell Hall, NY, are ready to help. From sturdy wood to decorative aluminum, the company has experience repairing and installing all types of fences, ensuring your structure is in good hands. Visit the website for more information on fencing services or call (845) 427-5894 to speak with a friendly representative about a free estimate today.
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