Storm Damage
Hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions such as winter storms can cause enormous damage to your home, including the fence that surrounds it. Although you can always clear away the debris and rebuild the damaged areas, it is both smarter and less expensive to prevent as much of that damage as possible using good practices. Fences are prone to problems during wind and winter storms and should receive particular care.
Potential Sources of Damage
Here are some of the ways that winter storms can leave you needing fence repair:
* Debris can smash into your fence and cause serious damage. In some cases, the force of the storm might be great enough to knock over your fence, particularly if your fence has already been weakened in some way.
* Changes in temperature can cause the internal structure of your fence to change if it is built using wood. This not only damages its structure but also opens up opportunities for other problems such as mold and mildew. Similarly, the introduction of more moisture into wood can cause the same problems over prolonged exposure.
* If you are using a snow-plow to remove the snow, the driver can damage your fence if he or she is not careful. Similarly, leaving the snow piled up against your fence is a sure way to introduce more moisture into its material.
How to Prepare Your Fence for Storms During Winter
Here are some things to keep in mind before the onset of winter:
* Apply sealant yearly so that moisture cannot seep into your fencing material. Similarly, conduct visual inspections for signs of mold and mildew, jostle the posts to see if they’ve come loose, and tap suspicious sections to listen for internal rot. If you are unsure, fencing companies in CT can provide you with expert advice and help replace your fence with stronger fence material.
* Be sure to remove branches that loom over your fence, particularly the ones big enough to cause damage but still prone to breaking off. Also, speak to the driver of the snow-plow and set aside an area for disposal of the snow away from your fence.
Key Takeaways
* Winter storms can cause moisture to seep into your fence, cause damage outright, or even result in damage during clean-up.
* You can protect your fence by conducting regular maintenance, replacing damaged sections as needed, and clearing away dangerous debris.
