March 14th, 2018What maintenance does my fence need after winter?

Spring time is just around the corner, and with the warm sunshine and blooming flowers also comes the necessary repairs that winter has left us with. Winter always takes a toll on fences and gates, with the constant freezing ,thawing and regular dampness. A fence is an important investment, and you want to make sure that you are doing all you can to care for that investment.

Do you know what to look for in your fence after winter has wreaked havoc on your property? Here are a few tips to help repair and spruce up your fence in the spring.

Inspect your fence

Before you jump to conclusions, be sure to do a thorough inspection of your fence. Look for things like cracks, leaning, weak points, and most commonly, rotting.

Rot can be one of the most damaging and common occurrences in fences over winter. Rotting typically occurs when the snow melts around the fence posts, and it is important to find it and deal with it before it spreads throughout the fence. Allowing rot to spread can not only be costly, but also dangerous, as it will weaken the integrity of your fence.

You should check all aspects of your fence, including wiring, posts, nails and screws.

When can you do fencing repairs yourself?

Once you have finished your inspection, you will need to make necessary plans for the repairs. Some fences receive only minimal damage throughout the winter months, and are small enough to repair on your own. If there is any damage to larger sections of the fence that look no longer stable, call A & G Fencing to assist with your repairs.

It is not recommended to repair any electrical issues on your own. While they may seem small in scale, they often lead to larger, more dangerous issues. Be sure to contact a professional to come take a look at electrical issues near your fence.

If you have a concrete fence, be sure to check for cracks, which can indicate a weakness in the integrity of your fence. Depending on the size of the crack, you may be able to fill it in yourself, but larger cracks and issues should be brought to a professional at A & G Fencing.

Don't forget about gates

It is also a good idea to check your gates to make sure that they have not sustained damage over the winter months. Depending on the type of gate that you have, the hinges or locks may need to be lubricated to keep them working smoothly and prevent to further damage. It is also important to clear the path of your gates opening and closing radius in order to ensure it will continue to work properly, as this can be a costly fix.

Fences not only raise the value of your property, they protect and stylize it. It is important that they are taken care of in a timely fashion and inspected each season. If you need a hand with any spring time fence repairs, contact A & G Fencing at 604-794-3181.