Is the weather actually having a noticeable affect on your fence? Find out what the seasons can do!
When you invest in a fence you may think that there isn’t much that can be done to affect it. A fence may seem secure and unbreakable at first, but in reality there are many different things that can affect them. While it may seem innocuous at first, weather, in particular, can have a dramatic effect on the long term health of your fence. Depending on the material you may have less of an effect, but in general the weather can cause serious issues, some of which we’ll discuss today.
Sunlight
Sun can affect your fence in a variety of ways. To start, it can fade paint and color over time, causing your fence to look older than it really is. Next, the UV rays can cause materials like vinyl to become more brittle over time. Although some new vinyl includes ingredients to help keep it more secure, there is still the chance for some degradation.
Rain
In general, any moisture can be a problem. When fences stay too wet they can grow a layer of mold or mildew. For vinyl fencing moisture is less of an issue; the mold may still grow but it’s a cosmetic issue, not a structural one. For metal and wood, however, too much moisture can lead to wood rot and rust on metal. Both of these issues can be prevented with care, but it’s important to keep an eye out to ensure that the problems don’t spread.
Ice And Snow
As with rain, the biggest problem with snow and ice is the moisture they produce. Additionally, as snow and ice build up during heavy storms or a long winter, they can put significant pressure on a fence and cause damage to accumulate. Perhaps the biggest fence threat in winter is actually salt. Road salt and snowmelt can cause corrosion and damage to both wood and metal fencing.
Wind
Last but not least, wind can have a serious long term effect on the stability of your fence’s foundation. As wind amps up it can push on your fence and slowly loosen it from its base. Not only can this lead to a leaning fence, but it can disrupt the entire units structural integrity.
Ornamental Fences from Hercules Fence DC
Hercules Fence DC has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. We have extensive experience working with families and pet owners to keep the most important members of their home safe, so call us today about installing a new pet fence for your family. Contact us by giving us a call at 301-441-1600 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
