Our winters can be tough – so how do you protect a wood fence in Northern Virginia?
Choose the right wood. Our winter temperatures can vary widely, and we can have a very rapid freeze/thaw cycle. Choose the right wood, one that tolerates the temperature swings without causing warping, cracks, or knotholes.
Prepare your fence before winter. Get repairs done, and have your fence cleaned, stained, and sealed properly before winter sets in.
Remove tree limbs and yard debris. Falling tree limbs can do a lot of damage to your fence. Have nearby trees trimmed, so that big branches won’t fall on your fence. (You should also ask your neighbors – nicely – if they could trim their nearby tree limbs, to prevent possible damage to your fence.)
Debris will trap moisture from rain, ice, and snow against your fence. Even with your fence being sealed, you’ll want to clean yard and leaf debris away from your fence to prevent staining, mold, and mildew.
Check your fence for damage and stability. After a big snow or ice storm, check your fence, and make note of any damage. Minor damage can wait until the spring to take care of, major damage needs to be addressed as soon as possible, and there may be a time limit if a home insurance claim is filed.
Give your fence posts a checkover in early spring. Due to the freeze/thaw cycle, the soil can shift around your fence posts, creating an unstable fence. (This is less of a concern, if the fence posts are cemented deep enough to go past the frost line.) If your fence is in any way unstable, you need to Carter Fence as soon as possible, to prevent further damage.
Since 1986, Carter Fence has been installing and servicing fences in the Northern Virginia area — from tall wood privacy fences to decorative picket fences and everything in between. Our expert team uses quality materials and advanced installation and design techniques to ensure you get the best fence for your needs.