Protect Your Wood Fence This Winter

There is nothing you can do about the harsh weather during the winter months.  Sometimes wet and snowy weather can get the better of your fence. There are some simple things you can do to save your fence.  Follow these four tips to protect your wood fence this winter.

1.Get Rid of Moisture Build Up

In the winter your fence is more prone to moisture build up.  Unlike other months there are no warm days to help your fence dry out.  It is important to make the proper preparations so your fence doesn’t get mold, mildew, or rot.  If you properly stain your wood fence with a oil-based stain before the winter starts you can help prevent moisture build up.

It is also important to keep the spaces in your fence clear.  Leaves, debris, and snow can trap moisture where the wood is weakest.

2. Prevent Warping

When the temperatures rapidly rise or fall, your fence can expand unexpectedly.  A possible result is the presence of knotholes.  The best way to prevent this by using a proper stain on your fence and to use strong wood when your fence is built.

3. Avoid Fence Shifting

When getting your fence installed make sure the posts are installed deep enough, below the frost line.  If they are not installed properly they might shift and you will have to get your fence repaired.  The reason for a possible shift in the fence is due to the shifting soil during the changing of seasons.  Simply check if your fence is level to see if it has moved.  If your fence is not level you need to have it repaired.

4.  Avoid Falling Limbs

As snow begins to fall, it begins to overload tree branches and limbs.  If too much snow is on the limbs they may break and fall on your fence. Prevent this by making sure to trim branches that can potentially damage your fence, before it starts snowing.

Courtesy to A-1 Fence:

 

http://www.a1-fence.com/how-to-protect-a-wood-fence-in-winter/