Fencing Maintenance To Survive The Winter

The years nastiest weather is round the corner

. You can expect it all in winter wind, rain, hail, and snow. This weather leaves its mark not only on your homes and gardens but on the fence as well.

The unrelenting moisture and continuous alterations in temperature causes various difficulties for the fence. Spending time outdoors in this weather is not looked forward to by anyone but some fencing maintenance work is in order in these months. Applying a fence protector stain before the cold weather sets in, is vital to the health of your fence. This is the first line of defence against moisture and damage. Inspecting your fence, especially after a winter storm, is very important. Any structural damage must be repaired immediately as timely action will prevent the damage from getting worse later as winter progresses.

The fence should be cleaned regularly of leaves and debris so that they do not get permanently lodged between boards. Keep the cement footers from getting covered by leaves, dirt and dust as then there is a likelihood of the footers cracking due to the moisture that gets trapped in or due to alterations in the temperature. Cracked or broken boards must be replaced as soon as possible. Remove any mould or mildew build up. You can do this by scrubbing out the mould. Look out for dry rot and make sure that the fencing is stable. You might as well as watch your fence for killer bee, hornets and wasp nests, as you do your winter inspection of the fence. Check out for loose nails and oil the hinges of the gates on the fence. Make sure the latches work. Apply insecticide to the ground beneath the fence as termites can destroy an entire line of fencing in no time. Another danger is that the termites can then invade your home and destroy all your wood work.

If a new fence post needs to be set, it is important that you do not delay it. Call a professional if required. If you decide to do all the repairs to your fence yourself, makes sure of some safety tips. Make sure that there are no downed power lines there may be one which has not been reported to the authorities yet. Wear appropriate gear like heavy gloves, boots and knee pads along with goggles or safety glasses. Dont try to remove big branches or portions of the fence alone you may injure yourself in the process.

Maintaining your fence should be done at other times apart from winter. Check for weeds as these make a fence weak. Physically inspect the fence at least twice a year. Any tree growing into the fence should be cut down. One must also take care not to plant trees or shrubs too close to the fence. Trees will then grow through the fence and this is not good for either the tree or the fence. Pressures wash the fence when you can and maintain the paint on the fence once a year to keep it from rotting.

by: Holly Garnett

POST COMMENT

Child Maintenance In Scotland Maintenance Can Prevent Some Repairs Floor Scale - Opt For Easy Maintenance Easy Tips For Computer Maintenance & Optimization Looking At A Job In Maintenance? Hot Tub Maintenance Made Easy Rattan Garden Furniture Virtually Maintenance Free Asphalt Hot Boxes Are Necessary For Road Maintenance Yard Maintenance Ideas To Remember From A Minneapolis Lawn Care Firm Know About Parking Lot Maintenance Save The Maintenance Cost With Lotus Notes 8.5 To Outlook Conversion Garage Door Maintenance - Tips To Maintain Wooden Garage Doors Tips On Rug Maintenance