To sustain your fence’s durability, it’s crucial to prepare them for the harshest of winters. Depending on where you live, winters can be brutal, with snowstorms and ice storms rampaging through cities during the winter months. These could prove costly to your fence, forcing you to pay for expensive repairs or entire fence replacements. So, at Rugged Fence, we want to help your residential fences last even through the roughest of weather.
Why Prepare Your Fence for the Winter?
Preparing your fence for the winter is essential to ensure it remains in top condition through the colder months. Harsh weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, can cause damage to your fence if it’s not properly maintained. By taking the time to inspect, clean, and reinforce your fence before winter sets in, you can prevent issues like rust, rot, cracks, and breaks. This will save you money in the long run by not having to pay for repairs or replacements.
Our Steps to Winterize Your Residential Fence
Now that you know the importance of preparing your fence for the winter, here are the steps to winterize your fence:
Clean Your Fence
For the first step, clean your fence by removing any vines, or debris on your fence that could cause damage to your fence if they eventually freeze from snow and ice.
Check for Damages
Next, check for cracks, rot, or other damages that might be exasperated by high winds, snow, and ice during the winter season. Fixing these now will prevent further and more extensive damage down the line.
Apply Protective Coating
The type of material your fence is made from, such as wood or metal, will determine the best protective coating to use. For wood fences, applying a water-resistant stain or sealant is essential to prevent moisture damage and decay. If you’re looking for more tips on maintaining your wood fence, be sure to check out our previous blog. For metal fences, a rust-resistant coating will help protect against corrosion and ensure the metal stays strong throughout the winter.
Prepare the Bottom of Your Fence
The bottom of your fence is particularly vulnerable to damage, as it comes into direct contact with snow and ice. To protect this area, start by clearing away any debris and adding an extra layer of protective coating to prevent moisture buildup. For added protection, consider installing metal flashing at the base of your fence. This will create a barrier that helps keep moisture away from the wood or metal, reducing the risk of damage and extending the life of your fence through the winter.
Your Fence is Winterized!
Once you’ve completed these steps, your fence is officially winterized! While this doesn’t make it completely immune to damage—since some winter storms can be unpredictable—your fence will be far better protected against the harsh effects of snow and ice. To ensure it stays in top shape, it’s important to regularly monitor your fence throughout the winter season for any signs of wear or damage. By staying proactive, you can address any issues early and keep your fence in great condition all year long.
Install Fences That Will Last with Rugged Fence
When you choose Rugged Fence for your installation, you’re not just getting a fence—you’re investing in durability that will stand strong throughout the winter and beyond. Our high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that your fence will withstand harsh weather conditions, providing security and aesthetic appeal all year long. Contact Rugged Fence today to learn more about our durable fencing options and schedule your installation! Let us help you create a fence that will last for many seasons to come.
