When the first snowfall hits, your first thought might shift towards shoveling driveways and sealing up your windows, but your fence needs attention, too. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can sneak up fast, and your fence takes the brunt of it.
Whether you have a durable cedar fence or a low-maintenance vinyl fence, taking a few preventative steps before winter sets in can make all the difference. Continue reading our winter fence care checklist to learn how proper fence protection can help your fence withstand the winter.
Winter Fence Damage: The Cost of Neglect
Midwest winters can be tough on any fence. Wood absorbs moisture, which can lead to rot or cracking once temperatures drop. Metal fences can rust, while vinyl may become brittle in the cold.
Leaving those issues unchecked can quickly snowball an easy repair into a costly replacement. Loose boards, leaning posts, or rusted panels tend to worsen once snow and ice become a day-to-day occurrence. Routine fence service helps stop small problems before they grow—and keeps your fence in solid shape for the long haul.
7 Ways to Protect Your Fence This Winter
A little effort before and during winter can go a long way toward keeping your fence in great condition. Try these simple seven steps to prevent potential damage and get the most years out of your fence.
1. Inspect and Repair Before Snow Falls
Before the first deep freeze, take a walk around your fence. Look for loose boards, leaning posts, or missing nails. Fixing those early helps prevent bigger issues when snow starts to pile up. If you notice damage, scheduling a professional fence repair can save you time, money, and stress.
2. Clean Your Fence Thoroughly
Dirt, wet leaves, and mildew can trap moisture against your fence, creating the perfect recipe for rot and rust. Give it a gentle cleaning before winter hits. A mix of mild soap and water usually does the trick, especially for vinyl fences that benefit from regular cleaning to keep them looking new year-round.
3. Trim Back Vegetation
Branches and shrubs that lean against your fence can scratch surfaces, retain moisture, and create spots where mold can grow. Trim everything back so your fence has a little breathing room. It’ll also help prevent ice from forming where branches touch your panels.
4. Apply a Weatherproof Sealant or Stain
If you have a wood fence, applying a weatherproof sealant or stain is one of the best ways to prevent winter damage. It adds a layer of protection against moisture and freezing temperatures. Pair that with simple cedar fence maintenance habits, and your fence keeps its gorgeous look no matter how bitter the cold.
5. Clear Snow Buildup Regularly
Snow that piles up at the bottom of your fence can trap moisture, leading to wood rot or metal corrosion. After heavy snowfalls, use a shovel or broom to gently clear snow away from posts and panels, as this reduces the chance of metal corrosion, wood rot, and even ice expansion cracks.
6. Reinforce Weak Posts or Panels
High winds and wet snow can put your fence under stress. Check for weak spots and reinforce them with extra stakes or braces if needed. And if your fence is older or showing signs of age, professional fence installation can ensure posts are set deep and built to handle turbulent Midwest weather.
7. Avoid Contact with Sprinklers or Salt
Sprinklers or melting snow that spray the fence can freeze into thick ice, stressing the panels. Salt from driveways and sidewalks can dry out wood and corrode metal. Regular aluminum fence maintenance, including removing salt residue and any early rust, helps keep the fence in good condition.
Keep Your Fence Protected All Winter Long
Winter can be rough on even the strongest of fences, but with a few simple maintenance precautions, you can spare yourself from costly repairs. Just remember to clean away debris, check for loose or leaning posts, and apply a fresh sealant if needed. Clearing snow from the base and trimming nearby branches will also help your fence handle freezing temperatures and heavy snow with ease.
By keeping up with these simple habits, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy a fence that looks just as good in spring as it did back in fall. Save yourself the extra work of fence prep by reaching out to Northwest Cedar Fence Company, your local experts for year-round fence care, maintenance, and craftsmanship that lasts.
Contact us and let’s protect your fence this winter.