Protecting Your Wood Fence in the Winter

Wood is an ideal material for fences, but it needs to be protected and maintained, particularly in winter.

If you haven’t followed a proper maintenance plan, even though we’re in the thick of winter already, it’s not too late to take steps to minimize any damage winter weather might cause.

Potential problems that you could face with wood fences during the winter months range from peeling paint and blistering varnish to rotting posts, broken slats and pickets, and rusted hardware used to assemble and install the fence and any gates included with the design.

Don’t Delay, Make a Winter Fence Checklist

A basic checklist will ensure that you know exactly what needs to be done to protect your fence throughout the rest of the winter months. It will though depend partly on the type and style of the wood fence you have installed as well as its finish.

• Check the structure starting with posts, rails, panels, pickets, and boards, depending on the type and style of fence you have. If there are broken or rotten elements either fix or replace them. Of course, if new wood is used, this will need to be stained and/or sealed, or painted to match the existing structure.
• Check the bottoms of posts and poles for deterioration and rot. If they can’t be fixed, replace them.
• Check the hardware to see if it is secure, not rusted or broken, and most importantly that it is working properly. This includes screws, bolts, latches, and locks. The type and quality of metal hardware used will impact on the longevity of these items.
• Check the condition of the surface finish. While winter is not the ideal time to do a paint or stain and seal revamp, if your fence needs it, do it. Just wait for the best possible weather conditions and do it as quickly as humanly possible. Avoid painting or staining and sealing in rainy or windy weather. If the fence has been rained on, let it dry out thoroughly before recoating with paint or a sealer.

Who Should Do The Work to Ensure Your Wood Fence is Protected?

If you are a handy person there is no reason why you shouldn’t do the work yourself. But if you aren’t, or if your winter fence is in really bad shape, it’ll pay you to hire a professional fencing contractor. Reputable fence companies have the staff and equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Natural Enclosures Fence Company is based in Atlanta, Georgia that does installations and repairs of both residential and commercial fences. Call us for a free quote!