A wood fence is made of organic material that is vulnerable to rot and damage, so it’s critical to prepare it for the harsh winter months.
While many fencing materials are more suited to the abuse of winter, wood fences will need more preparation to get them ready for the wind and snow. Metal fencing is usually powder coated, giving it protection from the elements. Vinyl is, well, vinyl—it’s a type of plastic that isn’t susceptible to rot or degradation the way wood (and sometimes metal) is. Keeping your wood fence in good condition over the winter requires important preparation and maintenance, preferably before the first snow falls.
Check for Damage and Rot
The first step in any maintenance routine is an inspection to check for damage and rot. Any problems that are found will need to be addressed—repairs on broken areas and clearing out any rot needs to take priority before you move forward with your fence preparation. After all, a fence is only as strong as its weakest link. Making sure the fence is in good condition before it is subjected to extreme weather, winds, and moisture will likely save you a lot of extra work when spring comes back around.
Clear Debris
Keep your fence line clear of debris. This means removing any leaf litter (which makes great mulch for your garden) or other detritus from around the base of your fence. Anything around your fence line can trap moisture, leading to rot. This is especially true during the winter months when snowfall is likely to build up. During the winter, it’s also important to keep snow away from the base of your fence. Shovel regularly and keep the fence line as clear as possible to ensure the moisture from the snow isn’t eating away at your wood fence.
Do a Spray Test
A wood fence needs to be properly sealed to keep it protected from the elements, so it’s always a good idea to do a spray test before winter comes. When doing a spray test, simply take a spray bottle with plain water and give your wood fence a spritz. If the water runs off, the fence is already sealed. However, if the water is absorbed, then the wood is not properly sealed. This will need to be done before the winter weather begins. The most common sealant is a polyurethane sealer to protect the wood from water damage. Keep in mind that this is different from a stain or a varnish—stains don’t protect the wood at all, while varnish can prevent scratches and protect against minor moisture issues. Varnish is recommended for wood that will be kept indoors, while a sealer should be used on any wood that will be kept outdoors.
Commercial Fences from Hercules Fence DC
Hercules Fence DC has been providing property owners 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.
