Has your fence made it through winter so far? Are you leery of the wet spring to come? If you’re starting to see signs that your fence is cracking, warping or rotting, it’s not too late to act! Just follow these tips on how to weatherproof fences.
Weatherproofing a Wood Fence
- Shore up weak points: Walk along both sides of the fence and look for any spots that need maintenance. Hammer in loose nails, drive in new screws, replace decaying posts and prop up damaged pickets. Getting your fence to stand tall and straight is the first step toward making it more resilient in inclement weather.
- Apply a waterproofing sealant: You have three options for waterproofing a wood fence. The first is to apply a silicone or acrylic sealant to protect against water, extreme temperatures, and UV rays. Colored sealant darkens light wood while clear sealant brings out its natural beauty.
- Apply moisture-resistant paint: The second waterproofing option is to paint your fence with latex or alkyd-based paint. These are available in many colors and glosses to provide the look you want. Just be sure to read labels carefully to ensure you purchase paint designed for this application.
- Apply a wax polish: The final waterproofing option is to wax the fence with colored, pine or clear wax. Each type repels dirt, dust, and grit with varying aesthetic effects. You can apply wax to wood fences finished with varnish, shellac or oil-based paint.
- Clear away leaves and debris: When organic materials stay in contact with your fence for an extended period, they promote rot and insect problems. Rake away leaves and other debris regularly throughout the season to prevent this.
- Trim back low-hanging branches: Heavy snow or a strong gust of wind could snap a branch and send it plummeting to the ground. Protect your fence by removing any low-hanging branches that loom over it.
Weatherproofing Other Types of Fences
For wrought iron fences, rust is your biggest problem. If your fence is already rusty, brush off the flakes. Then, apply weatherproof wax or anti-rust paint to help water roll off the metal instead of sticking to it and making it rust. For a more maintenance-free ornamental fence, consider one made of aluminum or steel instead.
PVC and chain link fences are naturally weather-resistant, so all you must do is clean them occasionally with a hose and stiff brush. This removes dirt, stains, and debris to help protect the beauty and extend the lifespan of your fence.
If your fence is too degraded to be restored with these weatherproofing tips, consider springing for a new fence when winter is over. Paramount Fence Inc is a full-service fence sales and installation company serving clients in the Chicago area. We’re dedicated to helping you design and install a beautiful, long-lasting fence around your home or commercial property. To learn more about our services, please call us at (630) 239-2714 or contact us online.
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