Whether your fencing is installed by a pro or done yourself, winter weather poses a few challenges to address as springtime approaches. We get a lot of these questions, and we recommend our customers ask them as well:
Can fence posts shift in winter? : The soil beneath your fence can shift with the constant freezing and thawing. At an extreme, the entire structure of your fence can be compromised. Professional installations require posts 3 feet past the potential frost line. That should eliminate any concerns about posts shifting or getting loose during the spring thaw.
Can fences and their posts rot in winter? Prolonged exposure to moisture weakens the fibers of a wood fence and opens the door for mold, mildew and rot. It’s also important to keep leaves and other organic matter from becoming wedged between fence boards, as this inhibits air flow and creates a trap for moisture.
Should I paint, reseal or stain now, or wait for spring?: Technically you should wait until temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You might be able to go a bit cooler. The most important thing to remember is to not apply any stain or sealant on wood that may have a fine layer of frost or ice which will cause interference when adhering to the wood.
That ice and snow outside the door but have you thinking a lot more about indoor activities than outdoor construction. But there’s actually a lot of reasons to start thinking now about building (or installing) a deck. In fact, winter might be the best time.
The main advantage has everythting to do with materials. Many decks are going to be built with treated wood. Pressure treated wood is actually better to install during the winter months. Because these materials expand and contract so intensely, the winter provides a good proving ground for exactly how those materials will perform under temperature pressure. The wood will expand when warm, and contract when cold. The varying temperatures of winter will settle the wood you use for your deck.
Humidity also plays a part. Pressure treated wood has a 50% moisture content when you initially build. The winter has less humidity and thus the pressure treated wood will stabilize itself and dry more consistently and evenly when you build in the winter. A summer deck construction exposes the pressure treated wood to higher humidity conditions. In addition, when drying in the hot sun, pressure treated wood will undergo expansion and contraction which can cause cracking, warping and other damage to the wood itself.
The second benefit is wait time. Our typical waiting list is 8 weeks in the height of the season, during the winter you are likely going to cut that wait time in half. A winter project also causes less lifestyle interruption because homeowners typically spend less time outdoors and less time participating in outdoor activities during the colder months of the year. Properties will experience less ground disruption, and families in Ottawa can plan for warmer weather – outside.
Yes… it’s getting cold. But it is more than likely that between now and the end of the year, we’ll have some unseasonably warm days where you can be productive. Get a head start on getting that fence done this spring by installing your fence posts.
The most important ruse for fence posts to ensure they will stand up against the rigors of Ottawa weather is that you dig a hole for the post that is half as deep as the fence is high. That’s a minimum for your Ottawa fence – as our cold winters suggest you should go down an additional 10 centimeters or so. The hole should be four inches wider than the widest dimension of the post.
- Dig Your Post Holes. If you find your soil to be rough or too hard to dig, you can always call our sister company, Platinum Construction, to get assistance with this. Otherwise you can rent a power auger to dig holes. get a friend to help and raise the auger after every few inches of digging to clear out soil. When you have the hole complete, lay a 10 centimeter gravel base.
- Pour The Footings for your Ottawa fence at the end, corner, and gateposts – these HAVE to employ concrete while other posts can just use dirt.
- Install the Ends, Corner, and Gateposts. Use layout lines as guides to set the end, corner, and gateposts. While the concrete is still wet, place the posts in their holes. Hold them in place with stakes.
- Fill the Post Holes. Fill the holes with concrete up to about 5centimeters above ground level. Smooth the surface of the concrete sloping it away from the post so the moisture runs off. Back fill with soil, sloping away from the posts.
- Mark the Level on Posts. Mark an end post at the height you want and mark. Hold a string from each post to the next, using a level to ensure the posts are in line.
With Ottawa winters comes a common question – how do I care for my deck over the winter. Hopefully by now, you’ve winterized your deck. But how do you take care of your deck once the snow flies?
We think you’re going to like the first answer… don’t shovel your deck.
Often there is a bit of paranoia that the mounds of Ottawa snow will collapse a deck. But building codes require that decks be sturdier than even your roof and support more snow than you would think.
Water and snow aren’t necessarily good for your deck – but shoveling your wood or synthetic deck will actually create more harm by scratching the wood or trying to protect plastic that is impervious to snow.
What you should do is clear a path in the snow to provide an exit path from your house. Building codes require two exits to your house for a reason – keep you and your family safe with a path out your back door. Ans while you are clearing an exit path, make sure you clear a path to your grill.
When clearing a path, use a broom to make sure you don’t scratch or damage your deck. if the show is too deep for a broom, use a plastic shovel to clear your path(s). A metal blade will scratch or gouge your deck. Even with a plastic shovel, be especially careful if your deck flooring is cedar or redwood as these soft woods are more vulnerable to damage.
With your plastic shovel, shovel with the boards, not across them and never… ever chop ice on your deck, even with a plastic shovel. You’ll be sure to also chop your deck. Instead, if you need to, use some rock salt, halite, or calcium chloride.
Ottawa winters brings many things including numerous threats to your wood fence. Our Ottawa winters and their harsh conditions can put the final nail in the coffin of your aging fence or significantly impact the life of your new fence. The impacts from Ottawa winter weather including snow, ice, and wind can be mitigated with a few steps to protect your Ottawa fence.
Prevent Falling Limbs
Snow can overload limbs, causing them to snap, break, and hit your fence causing structural damage. Trim your branches back now before it gets too cold and your motivation to do so is the same as watching a Maple Leafs game.
Prevent Moisture Build Up
Snow exposes your wooden fence prolonged moisture, leading to the potential for mold, mildew, and rot. Take the time to stain your fence with a good oil based stain before the winter months come. And when the winter and snow comes, try to keep the spaces between your fences clean. Fallen leaves, debris, and snow can trap additional moisture where the wood is weaker.
Prevent Warping by Using the Right Materials
Temperatures rise and fall – even in Ottawa we get plenty of warmer days. The drastic changes in temperature can play havoc with wood fences as they expand and contract at a rapid rate, creating knotholes in your fence. While unattractive, the bigger problem with knotholes is they are places where pests like to hide. Furthermore, knotholes exacerbate pests. We’re pretty sure you don’t have a time machine, so there is not a lot you can do about the materials of your current Ottawa fence, but we’d love to help you choose wood fencing materials for the Spring that are knothole resistant.
Prevent Shifting Soil
Again – time machine is most effective means for prevention here, as posts need to be about a meter deep. One of the biggest reasons is the soil beneath your fence can shift when the frost thaws causing your posts to shift. Your fence posts can also loosen when the soil shifts, compromising the entire structure of your fence. Keeping the cement footings of your fence free of debris, dust, and dirt can help, keeping additional moisture from getting trapped next to the concrete, eroding it.
When Spring comes, check your posts and make sure they’re staying stable and straight. And run a string along the top of the fence to make sure it’s still level. If it’s not you’ll have to get your fence posts repaired.
Make repairs in early spring, but only when the weather is warmer than freezing as it’s nearly impossible to work with cement when temperatures are extremely cold. Put posts a meter underground to ensure to get past the potential frost line. By going this deep, you eliminate any worries of your posts shifting or getting loose during the spring thaw.
As you settle in for Winter, bring your patio furniture in, and make plans for winter excursions – think even farther ahead. Wouldn’t it be great to have your deck BUILT and ready to enjoy the first nice day of Spring, 2014. Looking ahead we do have some nice weather days and weekends still left, so maybe you should get motivated and build a new deck or remodel your current structure before year’s end.
Beyond satisfying a desire to have a great Ottawa deck to enjoy from day one of Spring 2014, let’s face it – life happens. There may be a circumstance that leads you to want to put your house on the market as soon as Spring threatens to hit the Ottawa area. Did you know a deck is one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your home?
Another practical reason to build now is that building in the Fall is less disruptive on your lawn and landscape. With cooler Ottawa Falls, you know that grass and plants are go dormant and more resistant to the stress caused by heavy traffic and material storage. In springtime, Ottawa weather brings heavy, wet snow and rain that softens the landscape, leading to damage that takes longer to repair. Throw in the fact that weather in the Fall is both drier and more predictable and building that Ottawa deck now does not look quite so intimidating.
It would be easier to start the hibernation now, but if you get motivated and don’t procrastinate, the Spring you will be grateful.
And of course, you’re sure to see savings when you stop into the Fence and Deck Store for materials to build your Ottawa deck.
You know the drill here in Ottawa – winter is coming and with it comes the harmful elements that can prematurely age your deck. Harsh Ottawa winters deteriorate wood, ruin the look, and depreciate the value of your deck. Or put another way, if you don’t take care or your Ottawa home’s deck, you’ll be building a new one soon.
But what does taking care of a deck in the Ottawa area mean? By taking these steps, you’ll be sure to maximize the life of your deck for Ottawa summers and barbeques.
1) Move everything off your deck. Beyond just preserving furniture and plants, moving everything off your Ottawa deck removes gets anything that could trap moisture out of the way.
2) Sweep your Ottawa deck off to remove dirt and debris – including between the wood planks. If you have one, a leaf blower can help you clear the surface quickly.
3) Give your deck a good thorough wash. Whether or not you can see the dirt, grime, and substances on your deck or not – it’s there. Mold and mildew are the enemy of an Ottawa Deck if left to eat away at wood during a long winter. Cleaning the deck can also prevent dry rot, which is wood decay caused by fungi. Wash your Ottawa deck with deck soap – we carry formulas for each and every type of wood. After washing, give it a good rinse with the hose.
4) And if your Ottawa deck needs it, you may have to restore the deck by stripping and refinishing the wood. You can’t stain over finish that is worn, so don’t take that shortcut. Buy or rent a power washer to remove old paint and stains BUT be careful not to be too aggressive with your power washer as they can tear up wood if you get too close.
5) And finally, protect your Ottawa deck with water repellant stain. And while it is always easy to procrastinate, do it before the winter strikes. It’s a lot less work now that it will be in the spring. PLUS, doing it before the winter helps ensure the long life of your Ottawa deck.
A deck is a great asset and aids in resale value – so make sure you prolong the life of your investment by winterizing your Ottawa deck today.
You know what they say, good fences make good neighbors. And in Ottawa, winterized fences make for last fences (and with it lasting good neighbors). While the “good neighbors” philosophy on fences is humorous, there is a bit of truth to it in that it will help keep intruders out, and prevent lawsuits from people who may get hurt on your property.
Ottawa winters take a toll on Ottawa fencing – the deep snow… the wet show… the freezing rain and ice storms. All of this creates moisture that just doesn’t hit your fence to be dried off shortly by the Ottawa sun, but sits and soaks your fence to what could be the point of ruination.
Professional fencing contractors can be consulted for minor repairs, as well as new or replacement fencing, but there are many “do-it-yourself” steps homeowners can take to preserve the appearance as well as extend the useful life of their fences.
For Ottawa wood fencing… Protect against wood rot by refinishing the fence – power washing, sealing and staining. If you have dry rot anywhere… don’t stain over it! Pry or cut the damaged section out, and replace the section you removed with the same type of wood that was used in the original fence.
For winterizing Ottawa metal fencing… Seal off any worn (already coated) aluminum. Doing so keeps along with sealing and repainting will prevent the winter weather from causing the metal to rust.
Ottawa steel or wrought iron fencing that has rust needs to be repainted after removing a stiff metal brush to remove rust. Once you have, wash your Ottawa fence thoroughly, then prime and paint with a rust-proof paint.
And finally, don’t forget your gate hardware as they’re the most used and most prone to being worn down. We carry a variety of gate hardware to replace your old, faulty, or rusting hardware.
Here at The Fence & Deck Store we are asked this question on almost a daily basis, which is better, red or white cedar? Well I think it is time to put an end to this controversy.
The latin name for Western Red Cedar is “Thuja Plicata.” Thuja is the name of the resin that produces that distinct aroma of the Red Cedar. This is a naturally occurring resin that not only prolongs the life of the Western Red but enhances its durability. Unfortunately, this resin in not inherent in Eastern White Cedar.
The overall size of an Eastern White Cedar tree is much smaller on average yielding a greater portion of the tree to sapwood. This increased sapwood portion increases its susceptibility to disease and decay.
All Red Cedar trees coming for Western Canada are grown under a recognized sustainable forest program such as FSC, PEFC or SFI. For every cedar tree removed it is replaced! This is not the case for Eastern White Cedar. Still viewed largely as a weed tree, large stands of Eastern White Cedar still remain unharvested.
The choice is still always in the hands of the consumer. But, if your are looking to add a little flare and value to your home along with helping the environment the choice is Western Red Cedar.
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