A wood fence around your property can give you plenty of privacy and improve the aesthetic of your home. If your fence does not have the proper protection, winter weather can lead to significant damage. Wood panels can warp and crack, and the foundation around the posts can loosen.
Caring for your wood fence is not difficult when following some basic wood fence protection tips. With proper care, you can keep your fence looking like new for the life of your wood fence.
Forrest Scott Fencing is a Watson, LA, trusted fence company with over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial fencing systems. If you need a new wood fence for your home or business, call Forrest Scott Fencing today at (225) 230-1798 for a free quote.
Tips for Protecting Your Wood Fence During the Winter
Your wood fence can last you twenty years with the proper protection against the elements. To protect your fence against winter weather and year-round, experts recommend that you reapply waterproof paint or stain every two to three years to give your wood fence the best protection.
Follow these wood fence protection tips to protect your fence during the winter:
#1 Protect your wood fence with waterproof paint and oil stains.
One of the drawbacks of wood fencing is that it does require more maintenance than other fencing materials. Wood is very porous and can hold a lot of water. When water freezes, it expands and can damage the wood panels. You will need to seal your wood fence with waterproof paint or oil stain to prevent this from happening.
Waterproof paint can give your fence a unique look with various colors while still allowing the natural wood grain to show. It offers great protection against cracking, warping, and fading that are common with exposure to UV rays and water damage.
Oil stains offer the same excellent protection against UV rays and water damage while bringing out the grain of the wood for a more natural look. Whether you use paint or stain, you should wait 24 hours before applying a second coat for maximum protection.
#2 Don’t let ice and snow build up on top of your fence.
Baton Rouge averages 20 days of below-freezing temperatures every year. When ice or snow builds up on your fence, it can weigh it down and force it to lean to one side.
To clear any ice and snow from your fence, don’t use a shovel or other metal object. This can lead to accidental chipping or splitting of the wood panels. Get a broom or a car ice scraper to gently remove any snow and ice. Make sure to check in between any gaps for accumulating ice.
#3 Check for weak spots in foundation and wood panels.
Heavy rains can disrupt the soil around your fence posts and weaken the structure. Checking your fence for damage should include looking for signs of erosion around the fence posts.
Test the sturdiness of each post and look for other damage such as protruding nails, loose boards, and signs of wood rot near the bottom.
#4 Remove all branches and debris from around your fence.
While a lawn covered with fall foliage may seem idyllic, gathering leaves around your fence can trap moisture and potentially lead to rot.
Routinely clear any falling leaves, debris, or snow gathering around your fence. Trim any overhanging branches to prevent broken branches from falling on your fence and causing significant damage.
Do not place any bushes or flowers next to your fence when planting a garden. The branches can get in between the panels and begin pulling them apart over time. You should have a two- to three-foot gap between your fence and gardening.
#5 Make sure your fence is visible.
Driving during winter storms can be difficult at any time of the day or night. For fencing that runs alongside your driveway or along a public road, make sure to clearly mark the fence to prevent anyone from accidentally running into it.
Use reflective tape or neon flags so that oncoming traffic can see it through winter weather. Apply the tape or flags at fence posts at the start, middle, and end of your fence for the best visibility.
#6 Thoroughly check your fence twice a year.
After a storm system hits is not the only time to check your fence for damage. Get into the habit of routinely checking your fence for damage at least twice a year. The best times to check your fence are the early spring and late fall.
Check each panel for any cracks or chips. While the surface of your wood fence may have protection, cracks allow water to seep in and begin causing significant water damage. Make sure there are no protruding nails or loose boards. Check the soil around each post to ensure the foundation is solid and that there is no leaning.
By following these helpful wood fence protection tips, you can keep your fence looking new for many years to come. If you find damage to your fence after a storm or due to age and neglect, call Forrest Scott Fencing for tips on what to do with your fallen fence.
Trust Forrest Scott Fencing for All of Your Fencing Needs in Watson, LA
When damage to your fence from winter weather occurs, call on the #1 fencing company in the Baton Rouge area. Forrest Scott Fencing is a family-owned and operated fencing company with over 30 years of experience installing all types of fencing for your commercial and residential properties. To learn more about fence installation services and more wood fence protection tips, call Forrest Scott Fencing at (225) 230-1798 today for a free quote on all of your fencing needs.
