Easy Winter Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Fence

Winter can feel pretty magical in the lead up to Christmas, but it’s not so magical for outdoor fixtures that bear the brunt of the extreme temperatures and precipitation. To reduce the toll that winter takes on your fence, follow these crowdsourced tips from industry experts.

Give your full attention

There are so many things we need to do to prepare for winter. One that might not come to our minds right away is our fence. The harsh winter weather can be the reason that your fence gets destroyed, which is why it’s so important to winterize your fence. Lucky for you, it’s really not that hard.

Here are three ways to prepare your fence for the winter:

1. Clean. You may not be able to clean your fence regularly, but if you want it to last longer, give it a good cleaning before winter arrives. This way, you’ll be able to remove any buildup that could destroy your fence. When cleaning your fence, remember that you should remove all debris that may have gotten in the spaces as they can lead to wood rot.
2. Repair. While cleaning your fence, take note of any damage. If you find some damage, make sure to take care of it. Repair it as soon as possible. If your fence is damaged, it will be unstable for when winter comes, because of all the moisture and snow it has to hold [up under].
3. Clear a Path. If you’re expecting snow, clear a path around your fence. This will help you use your shovel or any snow removal device of your choice to clear the snow away from your fence.

Getting your fence ready for the winter can be done in a day or two. You just have to give it your full attention, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to winterize your fence.

Watch for falling debris

Winter can devastate fences, especially wooden fences. Debris can fall on and break fences. Snow and water can rot or otherwise destroy fences.

Before winter, you should cut all tree limbs above the fence to prevent falling debris. Make sure your fence is waterproof. You can paint or otherwise treat your fence to prevent water damage.

Doing this can prevent repairs that will cost hundreds or even well over a thousand dollars.

Staining with an exterior oil-based stain

Every three to five years, wooden fences are meant to be completely stripped and cleaned, then re-stained to help extend their life span. Staining the fence with an exterior oil-based stain helps protect the wood underneath from any damages caused by the harsh winter weather. This can be easily applied onto the fence with a brush or spray.