Fences have to stand up against the force of wind, rain and countless other things so over time, they start to sag. It happens to all fences eventually but wooden fences are by far the most susceptible. The wooden boards will shrink and expand with the changing temperatures and the result is a noticeable warping over time.
If you are about to build a new wooden fence and you want to prevent it from warping and sagging then you will need to gather up a few supplies…
Blunt Nails – Blunt tip nails may seem like a typo, but they are better than sharp nails when fence building. Blunts nails cause the fence boards to split much less often.- A Hammer
- Fence Boards – Make sure that you only buy pressure treated lumber! It won’t rot nearly as fast as untreated, even if it is in direct contact with the ground.
- A Drill
Once you have gathered your materials and you are ready to start work, follow these steps:
- Pre-drill all your holes and do not overdrive the nails when you put them in. This will also help to prevent splitting.
- Put in back rails about eight inches from the top and bottom of the fence to stop it from warping. If your fence will be higher than 8 feet then you may want to put another rail in the middle.
- Once you finish building, apply a sealant to the wood. It will slow the drying process so that everything happens more evenly. This prevents the fence from warping or sagging as it dries. The sealant should be reapplied periodically. Just check the back of the container or the manufacturer’s website if you are unsure of how often to reapply.
Remember: A well built fence will naturally resist sagging and warping much better than a badly made one. So, consider hiring a professional to install your fence if you really want to extend its lifespan. At Natural Enclosures we can build a high quality wooden fence that will last for years. Call us today 770-506-3222 for a free fence quote.
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