Month: February 2023

How to Get Different Kinds of Fences Winterized

How to Get Different Kinds of Fences Winterized

Fences are surprisingly resilient, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to prepare for snow and ice.

Cold weather is here, and there are many different considerations that you need to make when protecting different aspects of your landscaping and hardscaping against the elements. Fences are surprisingly resilient, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to prepare for snow and ice. How can you winterize your fence?

Winterizing Wood Fences

Wood is one of the most popular and durable fencing materials, but it is also one that is very vulnerable to damage from moisture. You should start the winterization process by taking a look at your wood fence for any signs of damage. Are there any parts of the fence that are rotting? Are any of the boards cracking? When winterizing wood fences, you should take care of all repairs before severe weather becomes common, if possible. Rain, snow, sleet, and ice can all make rot and other types of damage much worse by the time spring arrives.

Winterizing Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are some of the most resilient fences on the market, as they can hold up to moisture and a variety of harsh conditions with ease. When you are winterizing your vinyl fence, you should carefully inspect the exterior of the fence to look for any damage. Over time, vinyl fencing can develop cracks or loose panels that need to be replaced. It’s also a good idea to hose off your vinyl fence before snow and ice start to form.

Winterizing Aluminum or Steel Fences

An aluminum or steel fence that is properly maintained will easily survive the winter. Things get complicated when your fence has started to rust. If there are any signs of rust or damage on the metal, you must re-coat the area to prevent moisture from further penetrating and damaging the metal. We can assist you in repairing your fence and making sure that it will not be further harmed over the course of the winter. In some cases, replacement may be necessary.

Get Your New Fence Installed This Winter from Hercules Fence

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on FacebookYouTubeTwitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post How to Get Different Kinds of Fences Winterized appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Why Aluminum Fencing is a Great Choice for Dog Owners

As a dog owner, you will make decisions about your property with your furry friends in mind. That is also the case when you are installing a new fence. While you have a variety of options from a high-tech invisible fence to privacy wood fencing, our advice guides you to an aluminum fence for dog […]

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How You Can Keep Fence Boards From Warping

How You Can Keep Fence Boards From Warping

Here is how you can keep fence boards from warping.

Wood fences can warp because of changes in moisture content that cause them to distort and not be as sturdy as they once were. When parts of a wooden fence dry faster than the others, they can shrink more quickly. The relationship between the humidity in the air and the fence’s moisture content affects a fence board warping.

 

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) is when fence boards have high moisture and constantly shrink until there’s a balance with the air’s humidity. EMC can take days, weeks, and months, depending on the wood’s size, grain, coating, and air temperature. On the other hand, when the wood has a low moisture content, it absorbs moisture from its surroundings, causing it to swell until equilibrium. Here is how you can keep fence boards from warping.

Understand Your Lumber

Different sawing techniques affect a wood fence’s quality. It’s best to pick wood with straight-grain patterns because they are less likely to warp. Wood sawed from the tree’s center is also more durable and doesn’t deform as easily.

Store Fence Boards Properly

Additionally, storing and maintaining your wood affects its ability to process EMC. Stacking fence boards based on their thickness level is best, and you should vertically align stickers and keep them flat. Stacking weights on top of lumber can keep them from cupping. However, wood needs air exposure for proper ventilation. Also, it’s best to store fence boards in a colder, dark, and dry place, and it requires wrapping if the humidity is above 80% to limit moisture absorption. Otherwise, the fence boards will warp.

Dry and Cure Fence Boards Correctly

Drying and curing wooden fence boards minimize warping. A kiln (thermally-insulated chamber) is a known technique that protects wood from warping while still allowing it to adapt to the air’s humidity. It’s also important to always dry your wood quickly while not over-drying your wood to prevent it from breaking.

Seal the Ends and Stain or Paint Your Wood Fence

Moisture can escape through the ends quicker than any of its surfaces. Sealing the ends can balance the EMC process throughout the board, lessening the chances of shrinking or wrapping. Stains or paints also serve as an additional layer that controls moisture absorption.

Choose a Cedar, Redwood, or Fir Fence: The Best Wood Fences for Warp Resistance

Have no fear if you want a classic, cost-effective wood fence but are scared that it will deteriorate far too quickly. Durable wood fencing that naturally resists shrinking and warping exist. For example, cedar is warp-resistant and doesn’t break easily. Redwood also has a straight-grain pattern that prevents moisture absorption, which causes wood to swell. Fir also combats wrapping and shrinking.

 

You could also take advantage of our pressure-treated ACQ lumber. Or if a wood fence doesn’t suit your fancy, we offer low-maintenance vinyl fences. Whatever your preference, Hercules Fence can install beautiful yet practical fencing on your property.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post How You Can Keep Fence Boards From Warping appeared first on Hercules Fence.

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