Congratulations! You’ve made it through the holidays and are now in full swing into the doldrums of winter. The same things you don’t like about winter, like snow and ice, can also affect your fence. No matter what type of fence you have on your property, maintenance during the winter is important to keep your fence in working order for years to come.
If you have a wood fence…
When you have a wood fence surrounding your property, there are a few things you can do to ensure your fence will continue working well through the winter. If snow is in the forecast, walk the perimeter of your wood fence and take a good look at it. Do you see any soft wood that would suggest rot or obvious tunnels and sawdust that would indicate an insect infestation? Grab some wood putty and patch any obvious holes or cracks. Doing this maintenance before a snowfall will help to ensure your fence stays in working order all winter.
If you have a vinyl fence…
Your concerns with a vinyl fence will be less about filling cracks or holes and more about the weight of snow and ice on the fence. If you’ve experienced a large snowfall, shovel or brush the snow away from your vinyl fence and away from your yard as much as possible. Drifting snow can pile up along your fence panels and cause them to bend or warp. It’s a good idea to use a broom to remove snow from your vinyl fence instead of a shovel to ensure you don’t hit or scratch the fence.
If you have an aluminum fence…
Aluminum fences are very low maintenance, so a little effort goes a long way in keeping them maintained during the winter. Check the cement footings throughout the winter to ensure none of your poles are broken or wobbly. Remove all snow piles and look for ice dams. Remember to never pile snow against your aluminum fence, as it can put a strain on poles or bend the fencing.
For all fence types, avoid shoveling or snow blowing snow against your fence. If you are in an area that receives a lot of snow, you can purchase and install temporary plow markers to help you keep your snow piles a good distance away from your fence. Gently clear snow and ice off of your fence with a broom for safe removal.
Just a little bit of routine maintenance during the winter can ensure your fence stays strong and functional for years to come. If your fence is damaged during the winter or you discover a problem once the ground thaws, let Horner Brothers know and we’ll help you get a plan together to fix or replace all of your fencing needs.
