As winter approaches, it’s important to prepare your fence for the challenges that cold temperatures, snow, and ice can bring. Preparing your fence for winter ensures that it remains strong, sturdy and visually attractive, therefore prolonging its lifespan. In this blog we will give you the top five maintenance tips to help you winterize your fence and protect your investment.
1. Inspect And Repair Damaged Areas
Before winter sets in, give your fence a thorough clean. Remove dirt with a pressure washer or scrub brush and soapy water. Cleaning your fence ensures a better appearance and also prevents the buildup of harmful substances such as mold and mildew.
2. Thoroughly Clean Your Fence
Check along the fence line and inspect for signs of damage. Look for loose or missing boards, nails or screws. Pay attention to areas where the fence may have weakened over time. If there is any damage, repair it immediately to prevent it from getting worse during winter storms.
3. Apply A Protective Sealant
Apply a wood sealer or preservative to your wood fence. This protective layer helps protect the wood from moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles that cause cracking and warping. Choose a product suitable for your fence material and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
If you have trees or shrubs near your fence you need to cut off any overhanging branches before winter. Heavy snow and ice can cause these branches to break and damage the fence. Keeping vegetation away improves airflow, which prevents the risk of moisture buildup.
5. Snow Removal And Deicing
When winter arrives it is essential to keep the fence free of snow and ice. Accumulated snow can put significant pressure on the fence, causing damage or collapse. Use a snow shovel or snow blower to remove snow nearby, especially after heavy snowfall. Be careful about using de-icing products near the fence, as some chemicals can damage certain fence materials.
Additional Tip
Wrap burlap and other breathable materials around your fence to provide protection from winter winds and drifting snow. This helps reduce the direct impact of severe weather on your fence. If you follow these maintenance tips, you’ll be well on your way to preparing your fence for winter.