How to Prevent Snow and Ice from Warping Your Wood Fence
Every winter, fences get damaged by a deluge of snow and ice. But it’s avoidable, even if you have a wood fence that’s particularly susceptible. At Myers Fencing, we design and install vinyl, chain link, and wood fences near Nicholasville, Kentucky. We can help you prepare your wooden fence for winter to reduce the likelihood of needing repairs in spring. Learn how to protect your fence so it withstands harsh winters year after year.
Wood Fence Damage Caused by Snow and Ice
While all fences are susceptible to damage during winter, and especially the freeze-thaw cycle, your wood picket fence is particularly vulnerable because snow and ice slip into tiny natural cracks in the wood. Then they freeze and expand, widening the cracks. Then it gets warm and contracts, leaving more space for water, snow, and ice to fill, and the cycle repeats.
This cycle can:
- Cause the material to rot.
- Contribute to mold and mildew.
- Make the wood warp.
Ways to Protect Your Wooden Fence from Snow and Ice
Protecting your wood picket fence begins in the fall. Start by inspecting it for existing damage. Check for loose boards, insect damage, water damage, mold, mildew, and that each post is firmly in the ground.
From there, protect your wooden fence by cleaning it off and painting it with a water-repellent seal. A good sealant fills the cracks that water would go into and creates a protective layer across the whole of your fence. The right sealant will extend your fence’s lifespan by blocking UV light as seasons progress from winter to spring and summer.
Other things you can do include:
- Prevent fence posts from shifting.
- Trim surrounding bushes and trees.
- Ensure latches, hinges, and screws are in place and not rusting.
- Check on them after heavy snowfall.
- Remove ice and snow from around the fence.
How Myers Fencing Can Help
As your Kentucky fence contractor, we can help your wooden fence withstand winter by providing the best-quality wood available. We can also help you while you’re doing the fall check if you notice any posts that have shifted or aren’t as deep as they should be.
If you notice upheaval, cracking, or a leaning fence, we can conduct an inspection to identify the problem and tell you what needs to be done. We can help with repairs and even install a new fence in winter.
Contact Us for Wood Fences Near Nicholasville, KY
We know a new fence is a big expense, and we want to help you protect your investment in your home and family. We can prepare you for hazards to expect in winter and throughout the year, so you can keep an eye out and make reasonable preparations. If you need help, Myers Fencing, your local Kentucky fence contractor, is just a phone call away. We also design and install residential and commercial fences near Nicholasville, Kentucky. We can help you whether you want a decorative fence, a pool fence, a modest wood picket fence, or an absolute showstopper.
Request a consultation by calling (859) 887-3548 or filling out our contact form. We proudly serve Nicholasville, Lexington, Versailles, Georgetown, Louisville, and Richmond, KY.