Here are some seasonal fence maintenance tips to help you prolong the life of your fence.
Winter weather is hard on any structure. The aggressive ice, snow, rain, and wind that Virginians can expect to see this winter will put wood, metal, and vinyl through their paces. There are a few ways for home and business owners to ensure that their fences stay protected no matter what kind of weather this season brings. Here are some seasonal fence maintenance tips to help you prolong the life of your fence.
Fence Maintenance Basics: Start With Cleaning and Inspection
Any fence maintenance routine should include cleaning and inspection. While you may not care about a bit of dirt or grime on your structure, removing this dirt can reveal structural damage and other maintenance concerns. A clean fence is crucial for a thorough inspection. Look for any signs of insect damage, rot, mold growth, or rust. You should also make a note of any cracks, missing components, or bent or bowed boards. While some of these issues may not seem significant, many of them can get worse over time.
Proper Landscaping is Essential
One of the most vital aspects of fence maintenance for the winter season is proper landscaping. A falling branch can wreak havoc on a fence if it is big enough. Be sure to have any dangling branches or unstable tree limbs removed, especially before severe storms roll in. You should also consider trimming back any hedges that border your fence. As the freeze-thaw cycle sets in, any shrubs nearby can introduce excess moisture or otherwise damage your fence. Even in mild weather, having bushes near your fence can obscure fence damage and give pests a place to hide.
Be Mindful of Snowdrifts and Leaf Piles
As you maintain your property, you are bound to create heaps of snow and fallen leaves. While it may seem like a good idea to pile them up near your fence so that they are out of the way, this can lead to bigger problems. Snow and ice left to sit against your fence can cause it to rust, rot, or warp. Likewise, piles of wet leaves can contribute to mold growth, corrosion, and more. As you rake and shovel snow, be mindful of where your debris gets piled up — and avoid digging into your fence with your rake or snow shovel!
Hercules Fence is Here to Help
No matter what type of fence you have decided on, Hercules Fences has the expertise and equipment to construct your dream fence. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they are residential or commercial, for the right price. We proudly serve Albemarle County, Amelia, Ashland, Augusta, Buckingham, Caroline, Charles City, Charlottesville, Chester County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Cumberland County Dinwiddle County, Fluvanna County, and Fort Lee, Virginia, VA. Give us a call at 804-752-7992 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
