Winter is coming and your wooden fence needs to be able to withstand the wet and windy conditions which are set to come rolling in soon. By preparing your fence before the winter weather hits, you can look at prolonging the life of your fence and ensure that it is properly maintained.
Popular for their rustic aesthetic and stability, wooden fences are an investment which require ongoing maintenance to ensure they are kept in the best condition. Here are some of the ways that you can prepare your wooden fence for winter.
Check Your Wooden Fence
Effective and efficient wooden fence maintenance first requires regular checks, especially as the weather starts to turn. This check should include the foundations as well as the panels themselves – looking for any rot or decay which could impact the stability of the fence and ensuring that there are no loose posts or panels threatening the integrity of the structure.
As a general rule, any leaning posts or uneven panels should be checked and replaced if they have signs of rot.
Trim Climbers And Trees
The months leading into Autumn signal the best time to trim trees and climbing plants, because the breeding birds season is over and young birds will have flown the nest.
In terms of protecting and preparing your fence, pruning and trimming the growth of plants and trees will help to ensure that any unstable branches do not damage your fence if a strong wind causes them to break. In addition, pruning back foliage and trees will limit the number of leaves that will fall and sit against your fence, causing moisture to build up in the foundations which can lead to rot if not regularly cleared.
Preserve Your Wooden Fence
Prevention is always better than a cure, so take the time to indulge in some preservation treatments on your wooden fence.
For the fence posts, make sure that you apply an oil-based stain, preservative, or exterior wood paint to seal the material and prevent moisture and rain water from leaking into the wood.
For the fence panels, use a power washer to clear any moss or fungi from growing on the structure, then apply an exterior wood paint or stain to seal the wood and ensure it does not become subject to damp.
Clear Any Debris
As mentioned earlier, a build up of leaves and debris around the base of your fence can quickly lead to damp and rot if left untreated. To avoid this, pay attention to the falling leaves in and around your garden – and clear leaves regularly to prevent them from collecting moisture and damaging your fence’s foundation.
Here at Wilfirs we specialise in installing and maintaining wooden fences and other garden and outdoor furnishings and structures – helping you design and create your perfect outside space with products that withstand the test of time. To discuss a new fence or to receive more advice on protecting your wooden fence this winter, reach out to us directly.
