How You Can Protect Your Fence from Winter Weather

If you’ve watched the news over the past few years, you’ve probably heard of some of the unusual weather and storm activities around the world, including North Carolina. Although the state is accustomed to milder winters, being prepared is the best defense against troublesome weather. If you’ve installed a beautiful fence, it’s a good idea to protect it all year long. While many people focus on fence upkeep during the summer, winter fence maintenance is equally as important. Here’s what you need to know about how to protect and preserve your fence from the weather.

Although North Carolina is a warmer climate, unexpected cold blasts can drop the temperature much lower than its average winter range near 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, people are already experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures, dropping below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In early December 2018, thousands were without power after a shocking snowstorm hit the state. Sudden changes in temperature can cause inconveniences in your daily routine, and can affect your roof and fence. Even if the weather is milder, it’s still a good idea to protect your investment by seeking the best wood fence protection as soon as possible. Still unconvinced? Here’s how even the mildest winters can affect your fence:

1. Rain and Snow: Lengthy winters mean prolonged exposure to moist, damp conditions, such as during and after precipitation. Since there is no warm weather to allow the wood to completely dry, the fibers can soften and lead to rot, mildew, and mold.
2. Changing Temperatures: Winter weather is unpredictable. The warming and cooling temperatures can cause the knots in the fence boards to expand and contract in the surrounding wood. If these fall out, the holes can be breeding grounds for pest infestation and other damage.
3. Shifting Soil: When the ground underneath your fence is constantly wet or fluctuating between freezing temperatures and warmer ones, it can affect the posts of your fence. If water saturates into the soil, it can cause sinkholes and shifts that affect the sturdiness and presentation of your fence.

Wooden fences require maintenance at the change of major seasons, such as during autumn and spring. Although it is not necessary, fences can be a costly investment and will need regular upkeep to maintain its beautiful look. Vinyl and aluminum fences may need less frequent maintenance, but wood is more prone to damage and rot depending on external conditions. As the weather gets colder, now is a great time to protect your fence. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to ensure that no matter what Mother Nature brings in, your investment will be prepared and protected.

1. Prevent the Buildup of Moisture: Excess moisture sitting on your wooden fence isn’t good. You can prevent this by ensuring the spaces between your fences are clean. Remove any fallen debris, leaves, and snow to prevent moisture from getting trapped where the wood is weaker.
2. Install the Right Kind of Wooden Fence: North Carolina winters have rising and falling temperatures, like most Northern areas, and this fluctuating of temperatures can seriously affect certain kinds of wood. When installing your wooden fence, ensure your contractors are installing the right kind of wood. For example, Northern White Cedar doesn’t create knotholes easily, and there are several other types of wood that will hold up much better to the changing conditions.
3. Prevent Shifting Soil: When your fence is installed, it should be posted at least three-feet under the ground to ensure it is past the potential frost line. An experienced and qualified fencing contractor will know this and is your best option when installing a wooden fence. If your fence was not properly installed, you can check your posts to see if they shift around when you move them, and if the posts look straight when you look from afar. Your fence posts can be repaired to resolve this issue.
4. Dust off Snow and Ice: As you would normally clean inside your house or maintain your garden, you should also be taking steps to protect your fence. You can protect your fence from getting damaged during the winter by dusting off the snow and ice that piles on it. Simply use a broom to brush it off when you clear your driveway to reduce buildup.

Time is of the essence when it comes to protecting your fence from the winter, but if your wooden fence needs more work than a simple brushing-off of snow, you may need the help of a professional fencing contractor. Carolina Fence and Screen is the right team for the job if you need a quick response to your problem. We service areas within the state of North Carolina including Charlotte, Weddington, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Pineville, Indian Trail, Fort Mill, Huntersville, Concord, Kannapolis, Davidson, Mooresville, Union and Mecklenburg county. We support the local economy and communities by using local supplies and American aluminum for our fences.

When you contact us, you will be directed straight to our owner, who is fully involved in the fence installation process and will provide the estimates for you. If you need to meet with us, let us know! By working directly with management, you will get quick communication, flexibility, and shorter wait times. Contact us today for your free estimate at (704) 439-6603, or email us at sales@carolinafenceandscreen.com.

Image Source: istockphoto.com/SteveRosset