How to Waterproof a Fence for Winter

Wood is susceptible to water damage, whether it’s on your deck, your porch columns, your outdoor furniture or your fencing. You can reduce these risks by taking precautions in the winter months. A few simple steps can add years to the life of your wood fence. Read on to learn how to waterproof a fence for winter.

Trim Back Bushes and Plants Close to the Fence Line

Pruning before winter isn’t ideal for certain plants, but it could help reduce water exposure for your fencing. If you have any bushes or plants touching your wood fence, cut them back a few inches. Not only will this limit moisture on the fencing, but it will also keep pests to a minimum.

Follow this same guideline for any wood around your property. If you have wood siding on your shed or home, make sure adjacent plants are cutback accordingly.

Clean and Repair Your Fencing before Winter

Any damage on your fencing is going to get worse in the winter months. The weight of the ice and precipitation wears down on already weakened structures. It’s best to address these issues ahead of time so you can fortify your fence for winter. All Around Fence offers affordable fence repair in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Baltimore counties.

Stain and Seal Wood Fencing

Staining is an essential part of wood fence maintenance. This is particularly crucial before winter because the stain and sealant create a barrier over the fence pickets. If your fence has not been stained within the last five years, it’s time to get it sealed.

Note that you must stain both sides of the fencing in order for this to be effective. If you only stain the side facing inward, the back of the fencing is still susceptible to rot and water damage. The process doesn’t take long, but it is something you should prepare for.

Keep Leaves away from the Fence

Leaf piles act like large sponges along your fence line. They soak up moisture and keep it right next to your fencing. Even if you can’t rake your entire yard at first, you should rake leaves away from the fencing.

Make sure to rake the yard thoroughly once the leaves fall so your fence can be protected in the winter. Bag and dispose of leaf piles or convert them into mulch for your garden beds. It’s easier to rake when leaves are dry, so you’ll want to do this before the first snow of the year.

Push Snow Drifts away from the Fence

In the event of a large snow storm, don’t forget to shovel around your fence line. This is an area most homeowners don’t think about because they do not spend much time in their yards in the winter. Since snow drifts tend to happen near the fencing, it’s important to chop down the piles so the fence can dry out. This will also prevent water stains at the bottom of the fence.

If you see snow piled at the top of the fence pickets, tap it off with a broom before it turns into ice.

Can I Get a New Fence in Winter?

It is possible to get a new fence or get fence repair in winter. The weather may prevent workers from coming out at certain times, but there are plenty of workable days in the winter months. The best thing to do is to schedule a consultation so you know how much your fence may cost and what the turnaround time will be. Then you can make a plan to protect your property in the winter.

Contact (443) 838-9374 to schedule a free fence estimate from All Around Fence.