Be prepared for the many threats cold weather will bring to your wooden fence.
The fall brings many threats to your wooden fence. If you don’t want to have a big mess on your hands in the spring you’ll have to keep an eye on the situation, especially in lead up to the upcoming, harsher winters. The additional rainfall can expose your wooden fence to excess moisture, and unlike the warmer months, your fence won’t get many warm days to dry out. Here in Maryland, we won’t get many warm days to work with, so maintenance is especially important.
Prevent your Fence from Warping
Temperatures don’t just take a steady plunge during the fall. They rise and fall just as they do in any other season. The extreme cold and the sudden rise in temperature can cause the wood to expand and contract at a rapid rate. This can create knotholes in your fence. Knotholes aren’t just unattractive, they’re also places where pests like to hide. Furthermore, knotholes exacerbate pests. Fortunately, cedar fences don’t create knotholes easily, especially if you’ve treated them with stain. There’s not much you can do about this except choosing the right wood to build your fence with in the first place.
Prevent Soil from Shifting
The soil beneath your fence can shift when the frost thaws and with excess rainfall, causing your posts to shift. Your fence posts can also loosen when the soil shifts. As a result of this shifting soil, the entire structure of your fence can be compromised. By installing your fences deep enough, you eliminate any worries of your posts shifting or getting loose during the spring thaw. Wooden fences are susceptible to a lot of damage from moisture. That’s why frequent sealing is a major part of maintaining wood fences. When water collects, it should bead on the surface instead of absorbing into the wood. If your fence is absorbing water, it’s time for another coat of waterproof sealant.
New Fences for All of Your Residential Fence Needs
When you are ready for a residential or commercial fence that will meet the security and aesthetic needs of your family or business, trust the experts at Hercules Fence. For more information and to learn how we can meet your custom fencing needs, contact Hercules Fence online or give us a call at 800-395-9597. We will ensure your investment serves your family for years to come! For updates and to see projects we’re working on, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest.
