Inclement weather can wreak havoc on your home in a variety of ways. One of the most vulnerable structures is your fence, which can suffer damage when exposed to ice and snow. There are steps, however, that all homeowners can take to prevent problems and avoid needing fence repair. Here are three suggestions on how to protect your fence from the snow.

How to Protect Your Fence from Snow

1. Trim Nearby Branches

As more snow falls, the tree branches surrounding your home become heavier and more vulnerable to breakage. While it’s best to trim any branches that graze your home, it’s equally important to remove those that hover above the fence. Otherwise, a heavy branch that snaps away can easily cause damage to a weakened fence soaked with moisture.

2. Remove Snow Carefully

When you shovel snow in your yard or driveway, direct it away from your fences. Avoiding all contact with the snow will prevent needing fence repairs to resolve problems caused by excess moisture.

Be mindful of making contact with the posts; metal shovels can cause significant damage. If you use a plow for personal use, be careful when operating it. Always maintain clearance between the fence and the pavement so that you can discern the line where the two meet.

3. Stain the Surface

One of the main problems that fences suffer during winter is moisture accumulation. Vinyl is often quite resistant to bad weather, but wood will soak up water like a sponge. Wet fencing is vulnerable to mold or rot. One way to combat this problem is to stain the fence using an oil-based product. The substance will create a protective barrier that safeguards it from damage when snow starts to accumulate.

Homeowners throughout Kenai, AK, can trust in the team at Four Seasons Fence Co LLC to handle everything from fence repairs to installation. Offering more than 30 years of experience, the fence contractors are committed to your satisfaction. They use only the highest quality materials when installing privacy fences and gates. Visit them online to find out more or call them at (907) 776-5228 to schedule a free estimate.