We’ve officially reached the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for you to stop enjoying your yard. The crisp fall days ahead are perfect for lawn care, but also preparing your property for the change of seasons. One of the most important parts is your fence. It made it through the hot summer, but is it ready to withstand the cooler weather and even snow? Here are some great ways to prepare your fence for fall:
1) Inspect for Damages
One of the most important ways to prepare your fence for the cooler weather ahead is by inspecting it for damages. Luckily this is also one of the easiest things you can do. If you have a wooden fence, damages will usually appear in the form of rotting or broken boards. Any caving, warping, or wobbly posts are a sure sign that moisture has begun to take its toll on your wooden fence.
You want to make sure your posts are structurally sound before the added weight of snow and ice. If you do happen to find problem areas in your fence, no matter what material it is, it’s best to have them repaired as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if the damage is more extensive, it may be better to replace your entire fence. Luckily, we have some good news: fall and winter can be a good time to install a fence!
2) Replace Old Hardware
Your boards aren’t the only part of your fence you need to inspect before fall. Nails, screws, hinges, and latches are all prone to damage as well. Being exposed to the elements will cause them to rust and corrode. Before your fence is ready for fall, you’ll want to make sure that there aren’t any loose or damaged nails or screws. You’ll also want to make sure that all the moving parts, including the latches on gates, are in proper working order. A loose or damaged latch could fail during a storm in the months ahead, exposing both you and your yard.
3) Remove Leaves and Debris
When you think of fall, one of the first images that comes to mind is usually piles of brightly colored leaves. And if you have a yard, the second thing you’ll think about is having to rake all those leaves. No matter the time of year, it is best to keep leaves and debris away from your fence. The added moisture from piles of leaves can cause mold and mildew to grow. This can be especially noticeable if you have a white or light colored vinyl fence.
In wooden fences, the added moisture can also increase your chances of your posts or boards rotting. If you don’t care of the leaves during the fall, snow will only make it worse. The added moisture will only add to any mold, mildew, or rot problems. Like with leaves, it is important to keep piles of snow away from the base of your fence as well. The added weight could compromise any weak spots.
4) Remove Low Hanging Limbs and Branches
If you have trees on your property near your fence, it is important to take care of them during the mild fall days. If you have any low hanging limbs or branches looming above your fence, you want to take care of them before it’s too late. Whether it’s a storm with harsh winds, or the added weight of snow come winter, loose branches can easily fall and damage your fence. Dealing with these branches before fall and winter could prevent costly fence repairs or even replacement.
5) Waterproofing Wooden Fences
If you’ve inspected your wooden fence for any damage and haven’t found any, you can begin the waterproofing process. First, you’ll need to clean the fence. You’ll want a clean surface prior to applying any sealant and you don’t want any stains, bird droppings, or mold in the way. Once your fence is clean, you’ll want to apply a waterproof sealant, paint, or stain. This way there is no chance of rain or snow soaking into your fence and causing damage. A good way to check that your fence is properly waterproofed is the splash test. If you splash water on your fence and it beads up on the wood instead of being absorbed, then you are good to go!
6) Enjoy!
The best part of preparing your fence for fall is being able to enjoy your yard! After taking these preventative measures, you’ll no longer have to worry about your fence. That peace of mind can last not only through the fall and winter but also for years to come. We’ve all heard the saying that if you take care of things they’ll last longer, and with the right steps your fence can last through any season.
If you’re in need of repairs to your fence in preparation for the fall and winter, you can request a quote from Clarksville Fencing today!
