Make sure you clear the surroundings
You may have heard us say this before in previous posts, but it’s always worth reiterating: If you have any trees standing near your fence, trim back any overhanging branches that are in danger of being blown off and falling on your fencing during a spot of bad windy weather. Falling branches can damage your fence panels, leading to costly repairs.
Additionally, any leaves, twigs and debris hanging around your fence will trap moisture from rain, snow and ice and speed up the process of wood rot or decay (especially if it’s left sitting for long periods). So it’s essential to keep the spaces around and in the crevices of your fence as clear as possible. The decomposition of this material can also leave nasty stains – which no one wants!
Avoid putting up leaning decor near your fence
With the Christmas season approaching, it’s important to keep your property safe, especially if you’ve got a fence around it. This is just a reminder to be careful when decorating your fence. While it might be tempting to lean ladders or heavy decorations against it while creating your festive landscape, doing so could cause damage or weaken the structure, especially in the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable. Instead, why not hang garlands, wreaths or fairy lights that won’t put unnecessary weight or pressure on the fence panels? That way, you can still make your outdoor space look lovely and cheerful without causing any harm to your fence.
Manage snow and ice build-up
If you live in an area where snow and ice are common, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your fencing panels during winter (and this goes beyond December). If snow and ice build up against your fence, it can accelerate the deterioration of your panels, especially if they are old. Any cracks or splits can worsen if left to the mercy of the elements. Although a sealed fence can resist damage to some extent, clearing the snow and ice as soon as possible with a soft bristles brush is the best port of call to prevent any unnecessary damage.
Keep on top of your regular maintenance
It’s integral to maintain your fence regularly during the winter season. Doing so lets you catch and fix minor problems early on before they become bigger, more costly issues. Taking care of little cracks or loose panels enables you to effectively maintain the appearance of a fence and extend its lifespan. And, if repairs become necessary, replacing a single panel or board to contain the damage is always better than replacing the entire fence! So, every now and then, it’s worth popping your head out into the garden and just giving your fence the once over to ensure everything is as it should be!
That’s all the basics covered! Still, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts for advice. And, if you’re looking for a new fence or some replacement fence panels, you’re in the right place! We have an excellent selection available here at Welch Fencing. You can browse our website or give us a call at 01772 336476 to learn more!
