Protect Your Fence In Winter: Three Questions
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.
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