Wood fences are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold weather.

Wood may fracture, and the weight of a heavy snowfall can bring even the strongest of fences tumbling down at their weakest point.

We work hard with our clients to ensure that they are prepared for all sorts of weather, including the scorching sun and the dripping wetness of persistent rain, among other things.

With the arrival of colder weather, the situation remains unchanged.

When it comes to cold weather conditions and how to prepare a wood fence for the worst of the winter, our professionals are well-versed in their field.

In light of this, we’ve put up a quick-reference document for dealing with chilly weather situations.

The following are examples of how colder weather affects wood fences:

Damage caused by moisture such as rain and snow

Cracks are caused by temperature fluctuations.

The snow drifts are enormous.

It is possible that the soil will move.

Posts become more brittle in cold temperatures.

Let’s take a deeper look at how colder weather impacts the appearance of your wood fence.

Damage caused by moisture such as rain and snow

Moisture damage is a slow-moving problem, but once it gains control of your fence, it may do significant damage.

When it rains or snows continuously, the resulting water penetrates deeper and deeper into the wood.

In the event that it lodges within, and there is no drying sun or breeze, the soaked wood will start to decay.

When it comes to your property, we always recommend that you choose heat-treated wood and that you apply a coating of water sealant on a regular basis.

Because of the colder temperature, the wood will not be able to dry; thus, you will need to preserve it.

Although buying untreated wood is less expensive in the short term, it is not cost effective over the long term of a fence.

Cracks are caused by temperature fluctuations.

When the temperature begins to drop, you will notice another problem as a result of all of the water soaking into the wood.

The freezing water in the wood fence continues to expand. As the wood stretches, it will cause the fence rails and posts to fracture, especially when the temperature dips and rises, which will occur often throughout the winter months.

The wood is weakened by the frequent fluctuation in temperature between freezing and thawing. It is possible that the damage will not be noticed until the spring, when you apply pressure on a rail.

Ties and splits that have already occurred are obvious issue spots, and you will need to pay close attention to them.

After a band of cooler weather sweeps across your region of the world, the joins where the rails meet the fence may become loose as well.

The snow drifts are enormous.

This may seem like an obvious one, but it is no less important when preparing for colder weather.

Walls and trees will be brought down by a large snow drift. Combining this with a high wind may do significant damage to your fence.

If you want to decrease the impact of a snowdrift on your fence, there are a few things you may do. Boulders strategically placed throughout the fence, as well as the planting of trees and hedges, may provide some protection.

By shovelling snow away before it grows too large to be dangerous, you might potentially save yourself a lot of hassle.

It is possible that the soil will move.

The earth will split under the influence of shifting temperatures, just as the wood will.

The soil will divide and move as a result of the continual expansion and contraction of the earth.

The weight of snow and heavy rains can cause the earth to settle in spots, with sinkholes occurring in some regions as a result of the subsidence.

An unstable foundation caused by shifting soil, mudslides, snow and ice will compromise the structural integrity of a wooden fence.

Posts become more brittle in cold temperatures.

If you don’t fill up the gap between the post and the concrete that holds it in place, rainfall will leak in and become trapped.

Colder weather will cause the water to freeze, causing it to expand when it freezes and constrict when it melts.

The weight of the snow and the continual cold wind will cause your fence posts to become loose, putting your fence in danger of collapsing.

Always use caulk to cover the lip of the fence post hole to keep it from shifting in the wind and to keep water from seeping in as well.