Cedar Fence Maintenance in Winter in Twin Falls, ID
The winter months. Here in Twin Falls, ID, winter brings with it holiday cheer, Christmas lights twinkling in the distance, the warmth of family gathered around a cozy fire or cookies baking in the oven… and typically a few inches or snow that sticks around for months on end. For homeowners, this means snow shoveling, being conscious of whether outdoor plants and lawns will survive, and how to prevent damage to their property during the cold winter months.
Certified Fencing is a local fencing company passionate about offering the best of fence services. Today, we’ll be discussing our top tips for a popular type of residential fencing that’s susceptible to winter damages: cedar wood fences. Although wood is more readily damaged by ice and snow than other fencing materials, there are a number of things you can do to assertively prevent damage:
Get your fence in tip-top condition: a quick fence inspection in the fall can help you get a read on the condition of your fence. Small repairs performed early on can prevent larger problems and irreversible damage to your fence, and as most residents here in Twin Falls, ID, don’t spend nearly as much time in their yards during the winter, you’re less likely to notice needed repairs. The fluctuations in temperature above and below freezing can cause your fence to expand or contract with snow and ice, so a damaged fence may not make it through the winter; getting any needed repairs done ahead of time will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Clean the fence: cold weather means that moisture often sticks around for longer, which can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, as well as algae in damper areas. Washing your fence in the autumn with either warm water and bleach or a power washer before the winter season begins is a good idea as it can reduce the chance of damage from occurring in this way.
Waterproof your fence: a little lifehack not many homeowners consider is the option to paint a coat of waterproof solution on your fence. Two coats of exterior wood paint, preserve, or wood stain can go a long way; just be sure to apply it early enough in the season so it won’t freeze before drying, and allow the paint to dry 24 hours or for as long as the directions indicate between coats. Waterproofing your fence doesn’t make it invincible, but it does reduce the chance of water damage during this time of year.
Keep snow piles away from your fence: along the same vein, allowing piles of snow to be pushed up against your fence creates a moist environment that may last for months before the last of the snow melts away. This is an ideal breeding ground for agents that can cause your wood to rot. Additionally, the pressure and weight from large snow drifts or snow piles can damage your fence, so keeping it clear of snow in general can improve the longevity of your fence.
Clear the area around your fence: being proactive is key to extending the life of your wooden fence. In addition to snow, things like piles of leaves or branches can encourage damage to your fence. One lesser-known danger is salt, which is often used to melt snow and ice on walkways. Cedar wood can be quite sensitive to salt, and repeated exposure can lead to discoloration and damage.
Remove anything in contact with your fence: whether bird feeders, ladders or yard equipment stored alongside your fence, anything in contact with your fence will become a resting place for snow that may be there for months. Making sure there’s nothing hanging on your fence gives it an advantage when it comes to winter as it prevents snow from sitting against it for extended periods of time.
Keep an eye out for branches that may fall: winter time means more storms, and ice and snow that can damage trees, which is why it’s not uncommon to see large branches littered by the side of the road during this time of year. Snowfall can add a lot of weight to branches, and a falling branch can easily damage your fence or even your home. Keep an eye out for overhanging branches as you approach the winter season, and be on the offense when it comes to trimming back branches that could cause substantial damage to your property.
Make your fence visible: if your fence comes close to a roadway, use neon orange markers along it to make sure it’s highly visible, even in a snowstorm. Snow can obscure the boundaries of your property, and icy roads make for treacherous driving, so making sure drivers know exactly where your fence is can prevent damaging accidents.
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