Dixie Somers
As winter approaches, many are preparing their home for the cold weather that’s coming. As many drain their pipes and clean their gutters, many are unaware that their new fence needs to be winterized to stay protected as the temperature drops. Below are five tips to effectively winterize your new fence, depending on what it’s made of.
Wooden Fences
If you have a wooden fence, you’re going to want to stain and condition your fence before it gets cold outside. Not doing this step will leave the fence exposed to the elements and more likely to get dry rot. If for some reason your recently installed fence has dry rot, cut out the rot and scrub the wood with a mild detergent before replacing the rotten section.
Aluminum Fencing
Aluminum that is powder-coated is generally safe for the winter unless the coating has become worn or faded. If fence is showing wear, you’ll need to reseal and paint the area. It may be a good idea to reseal and paint the entire fence if the fence is older, but treating a worn spot on a new fence will suffice.
Steel and Wrought Iron Fences
If your steel or wrought iron fence is new and freshly painted, it will be alright for the coming winter months. If you see rust, you should use a stiff metal brush to remove it before sealing and repainting the steel or iron with rust-proof paint.
Electric Fences
In the chance that you have an electric fence, it can be tricky to winterize. In most cases, many will just turn their fences off in the winter. If you choose to keep the fence on during the winter months, a “hot/ground” system needs to be in place in order for it to stay electrified. In a “hot/ground” system, two parallel wires are installed with one running hot and the other running to the ground terminal. When both wires are touched, a shock occurs.
Winterize Moving Parts
If your fence has an entrance, then there’s most likely a gate that utilizes hinges and other hardware. Since these areas of your fence are built to move, they’re also more likely to need work before winter. Even if you have a recently installed fence, it’s a good idea to check hinges, latches, and gates before winter sets in, especially if you use your gates often. Seal and paint fence hardware just like you would a metal fence.
These tips should help you winterize your fence if it’s in need of treatment. Choosing quality hardware and materials will also go a long way in preventing damage, rust, and rot in your fence and gates. If you have any questions, talk to a contractor who offers deck and fence services for information on what materials you need to use exactly. Come spring, your fence will still be in great condition if it’s winterized properly.
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