Preparing Your Wood Fence This Winter

If you're a Minnesotan, you likely take great pride in your backyard's condition and overall look. Nature is a central part of our lives in this part of the country, and we certainly know how to make the most of our outdoor spaces! 

So, after the hard work of keeping grass trimmed and green, gardening, maintaining your wood fence, and making sure the weeds and leaves were cleared all summer and fall, don't lose that progress as winter looms around the corner. That's right, dear homeowners: it's maintenance time. 

When you have a wood fence in Minnesota, you can only trust its durability, stability, and beauty when well-maintained. Our winters can ruin wood's beauty and performance, whether you have a wood fence, cedar shake roofing, wood siding, or other natural wood exteriors on your property. 

You must be proactive to safeguard your wood fence against snow and sleet so it's ready to serve you next spring. With help from the wood fence experts at KNO Woodworks in Minneapolis, your wood fence can easily exceed its lifespan, even through harsh Midwest weather. 

Take a look at the following tips for protecting your home's wood fence this winter!

Prepare for Falling Limbs

Winter storms can take a toll on our homes and yards. From heavy snow piling up on the roof to storms knocking trees and limbs onto nearby houses and cars, it can get rough out there for your wood fence. Falling tree limbs are a serious threat to your fence – regardless of type or material – during winter.

To avoid having your wood fence damaged by falling tree limbs, make sure to trim the branches around your yard before the snow has a chance to overload them. After the snow begins to fall, keep an eye on your trees to prevent further problems. 

If you incur extensive damage, you may be in for a new wood fence replacement come spring. 

Weatherproof Your Fence for Moisture 

Snow is bright, white, slushy, and just plain wet. Homeowners in Minnesota genuinely have a love-hate relationship with the massive amount of snow that falls every year. No doubt, part of the hate lies in the potential property destruction by moisture buildup. 

Snow and ice landing and living on your wood fence allow mold and mildew to grow and spread and could even lead to rot. Unlike moisture in the spring and summer, there is little to no chance your wood fence can dry in time to prevent damage, so it needs a little help before winter. 

Apply a coat of oil-based wood stain before the snow falls, and this will help keep moisture from sticking and causing damage. 

Keep an eye out for issues associated with moisture buildup throughout the winter months. If you aren't sure how to apply a wood stain properly, connect with a Minneapolis wood fence specialist to prepare your home and fence for a long, cold winter.

Prepare for Shifting Soil

The soil beneath your fence might shift when the ground thaws during and after winter. This can spell danger and damage to your wood fence because it could change the structure altogether. To prevent issues related to shifting soil, call a wood fence professional in Minneapolis to prepare for this eventuality. 

Reinforce Weak Points

While wood is a highly durable material, your posts and panels can weaken over time, and one of the most common problems you can face with the system is sagging. Leaning fences not only lowers the aesthetic appeal of your property but also affects the rest of the components, as the weak areas put pressure on the sections still intact. 

If you have an uneven gate frame, loose hinges, rotting posts, or any other areas of concern, reinforce them to keep the system functioning properly and looking great for years to come.

Keep the Fence Clear of Buildup

Anyone in Minnesota knows how extreme our snow storms can be here, so once they start rolling in, chances are, you will be out shoveling walkways or driveways. Keeping the snow away from the fence is critical, especially if it's heavy and wet. 

Doing a little extra work to redirect the buildup away from the fence could prevent bending, cracking, and damage to the system.

Don't Put Off Repairs 

No one likes dealing with repairs, but your fence is a large investment in your home, and massive snowfalls and freezing cold can break it down quickly. 

It's not uncommon for the fence to slightly change shape when the temperature gets colder, but this can knock out natural holes in the wood and create knotholes that can attract pests. Even with weatherproofing, you could also be up against your fence paint coating, wearing down from the snow and rain and leaving the material vulnerable to the elements. 

If you're dealing with rust, broken planks, damaged masonry, or your coating is wearing thin, don't put off the repair and reapply coatings as needed because ignoring the issues will be more costly in the long run. 

Get Your Wood Fence Winter-Ready With KNO Woodworks!

The wood fence experts with KNO Woodworks want to ensure that homeowners across Minneapolis, MN, take suitable measures to protect their fences all winter long. Since 2012, we have been exceeding our client's expectations and delivering precision craftsmanship that you can depend on for years to come!

With winter right around the corner, our wood fence specialists are here to help; you can reach us online or give our office a call at 612-226-5172 today!