5 Ways To Protect Your Wooden Fence This Winter Season

Winter has dawned upon us and if you are also looking to protect your wooden fence from the cold weather, here are some tips for you!

How Can Wooden Fence Get Damaged During Winters?

Winters are particularly riskier for wooden fences. Snow, rain, sleet and falling branches are all main culprits that can damage the fence. Branches can destroy the structure of fence posts while snow and rain can deposit moisture leading to rot, and warping of wooden fences. Freeze-thaw cycles during winters can also cause cracks in fence slats.

How Can You Protect Your Wooden Fence During Winters?

While winters are beyond our control and these consequences may seem inevitable to control, there are proven ways to protect your wooden fence during winters. Read further to get professional insights!

1. 1. Keep Your Trees Trimmed
      During wintertime, a major risk to wood fences is posed by tree limbs that collapse under the weight of snow.You can easily prevent this from happening by trimming the branches that hang over your wooden fence.As a rule of thumb make sure to keep the branches, leaves and grass, at a distance of 3ft from your wood fence to protect it from moisture and physical damage during winters.
   2. Re-Stain and Seal As Per Need
      Wooden fences should have a weather-proofing stain or seal to prevent water damage. This is specifically important in winters when your fence is exposed to snow and ice for prolonged time periods.Melting snow or rain can cause severe damage to fences including mold and decay.Test your fence every winter and schedule a fence staining service to make sure it is protected through the course of winter.
   3. Keep Fence Clean and Dry
      In order to protect your wooden fence, it is important to keep it clean and dry. As the temperature lowers, the absorbed water in wood freezes. This freeze-thaw cycle in winters leads to cracks in your fence.
      • You can prevent this by removing snow around the fence to prevent moisture buildup.
      • Make sure to inspect your fence for termites etc.
      • Remove fences with water damage and holes and they can damage other slats.
      • Also, make sure to regularly stain and seal your fence to increase its weather resistance and lifespan.
   4. Keep a Lookout For Shifting SoilIf your fence posts are not deep, they might lean due to soil shifting. Soil shift happens when temperature decreases and precipitation occurs during winters.Experts at Southland Fence & Supply make sure to install fence posts far enough in the ground to prevent shifting. However, if you still suspect this issue, make sure to call us and we will fix it for you.
   5. Prompt Repairs When NecessaryIn order to increase the lifespan of your wooden fence, go for prompt repairs. If you notice a crack, lean or rot in a wooden slat, call your local professional fence repair services to restore its shape and function.This will significantly reduce the chances of spreading damage and decreasing your fence’s structure and integrity during winters.

Final Words

Wooden fences are highly susceptible to water damage, moisture buildup, and mold during winters. This can cause cracks, leaning and warping. You can protect your wooden fence from damage by trimming branches, cleaning and keeping it dry, looking out for soil shifting and doing prompt repairs.

If you suspect fence damage, schedule fence repair services by Southland Fence & Supply. We will quickly review and restore the function of your wood fence. Dial us at (281) 355-0707 to schedule an inspection!