How to Maintain Your Wood Fence During Winter

1. Keep It Clean

A dirty wood fence decays more rapidly and can bring down your home’s curb appeal, so wash or scrub it down before the dirt sets in the colder months. You should also clear out dry leaves, branches, and other debris trapped in between the slats and crevices—failure to do so can cause moisture buildup that leads to rotting and mildew growth.

2. Apply a Fresh Coat

You’ll want to protect your wood fence against moisture buildup, which is a common occurrence in winter. Perform a simple check to see if it needs maintenance—if the board quickly absorbs a sprinkled water droplet, you should weatherproof it by staining it or painting it with a protective finish.

3. Check for Possible Shifting

Wood fences rely on properly installed posts and sturdy foundation to stand correctly. However, sagging, leaning, and shifting can happen because of a shoddy installation or rotting stakes. Be sure to watch out for signs that your fence is unstable and misaligned before winter comes.

4. Fill in Holes

Inspect your wood fence for cracks and holes. If you see any, check for signs of pest infestation or insect damage. If there’s none, patch them up with fillers; otherwise, call a fence repair professional to address the issue. Leaving holes open during winter puts your fence at risk for further damage from pests that will find temporary refuge inside.

5. Prune Nearby Foliage

It may not be enough to seal and repair your wooden fence if other factors can damage it. For instance, overhanging limbs and overgrowth from foliage are likely to cause damage because of the excess moisture from fallen leaves and debris. And if there’s heavy snowfall in your area, weakened branches may fall on the fence and break it. Have your trees pruned to avoid these issues.

When you need fence repair, trust the professionals at Holman Fence LLC. As the premier fence contractor in Greensboro, NC, they’ve provided top-notch installation and repair services across the Triad region for two decades. Call (336) 650-9613 to discuss your fencing needs or go online for more information.