Prepare Your Wood Fencing For Fall and Winter With These Tips

Wood fencing is a beautiful option for adding a traditional flare to your backyard. However, without proper care and maintenance, your wood fencing can suffer damage from the harsh conditions of fall and winter. As New Jersey’s premier installer of fencing and decking, we know that Jersey winters can be especially brutal, that’s why we’ve come up with some useful tips to help you prepare your wood fencing for the colder months.

Inspect Your Wood Fence for Damage

In the summer, your fence can suffer damage from rainfall and UV exposure. When preparing your fence for the fall and winter, you should visually inspect your wood fencing for any signs of damage. Keep an eye out for caved boards, loose posts and warps that prevent your gate from closing as these can be indications of rotting. Other signs of fence damage include: fading and warping caused by UV damage, mildew, popped nails and rusted hardware.

Waterproof Your Wood Fence

If your wood fence is in good condition and free of rot, you can then go ahead and begin preparing your wooden fencing for the fall and winter months. The best way to protect your wood fencing from damage is to be proactive. Waterproofing your fence is an easy and effective way to prevent rot and mildew from damaging your wood fence. A great way to check if your wood fence needs further waterproofing is by performing a “splash test,” if the wood absorbs the excess water instead of reflecting it off, you should apply a layer of waterproof stain or sealant.

Replace Old Hardware

Your boards aren’t the only part of your wood fence that can be damaged by exposure to the elements. Hardware like nails, screws, hinges and latches can rust and lose structural integrity as a result of exposure to the rain. As part of your inspection, you should make sure that nails and screws are in good condition and that any moving parts – such as the hinges of your gate, are working properly. You should replace any rusted or damaged hardware as the colder months will only further the damage.

A beautiful wooden fence adds value and boosts the visual appeal of your home and backyard. If you are looking to install a wooden fence in your backyard or replace your existing one, contact the fencing experts at By Carl’s or call 855-BY-CARLS today!