Preparing Your Fence for Winter: Essential Maintenance Tips 

The weather can be unpredictable, but what’s certain is that winter is coming.  

A winter with freezing temps, icy buildup, heaps of snow, and gusts of wind is rough on your fence. Sagging, broken panels, loose posts, cracks, rust, and warping are just a few symptoms of environmental damage. 

Fortunately, winter fence issues can be minimized. Here are our essential tips for preparing your fence for winter.  

Pre-winter fence maintenance 

Late summer and fall are the best times to follow our general fence maintenance tips. Tighten hardware and trim away tall growth and branches that hang over the fence line. Clean or pressure wash your fence; if necessary, stain or seal the fence. 

The most important tip is to replace any broken or missing pickets and panels. The weight of ice and snow, as well as the force of any wind, can further stress the interrupted structure. 

You might also reinforce your fence with stabilizers or brackets if you anticipate harsh conditions. These supports add additional strength, so you won’t have to worry about resurrecting a falling fence during a storm. 

Winter maintenance tips 

During winter, clear snow and ice off and away from the fence line as much as possible. Check the fence after big weather events and inspect it for damage.

Post-winter fence maintenance 

Once inclement weather moves on, inspect the fence again and schedule or perform any repairs. Clear away dead branches or debris, and your fence will be ready for spring landscaping and maintenance. 

Winter maintenance tips for wood, vinyl, and aluminum fences 

PRO TIP: Know when to ask for help 

Fixing a falling fence or loose posts can be challenging for busy homeowners. Replacing panels or pickets can also be tough since area home improvement stores carry limited stock.  

But letting a damaged fence suffer through the winter will only worsen the problem. Consult a fencing professional in your area to get the issue under control while your fence is still viable. It saves you time and can even save you money in the long run. 

FAQ 

What is the best fence for cold weather? 

Vinyl and aluminum fences are low-maintenance and less susceptible to moisture or rust. Wood fences with metal posts also stay strong in colder climates. 

What is the best weatherproof fence? 

With today’s higher-quality materials, any well-maintained fence can withstand the elements. All fence types can survive harsh winters when you ensure they’re clean, sealed, and the area is clear of overgrowth, debris, and snow. 

If you don’t plan on performing maintenance, you might get the most mileage from an aluminum fence. 

How do you build a fence to withstand high winds? 

Fences with moderate gaps between panels or pickets can allow wind through. This way, the fence doesn’t have to bear the full force of the wind.  

It’s also helpful to choose strong posts and set them deeper. Consider using more posts and putting them closer together. Top Rail Fence can help you determine when is the best time to build your new fence during winter.