How to Keep Your Fence Standing Strong in Extreme Weather

Your fence does more than mark your property lines—it protects your home, adds curb appeal, and ensures privacy. Extreme weather, like heavy rain, strong winds, snowstorms, and intense heat, can harm its structure. The good news is with proper preparation and maintenance, you can help your fence stand strong no matter the weather.

Here is a guide to choosing the best materials for your fence. It also covers how to maintain your fence regularly. You will learn about weatherproofing techniques to protect it from the elements.

Choose the Right Materials

The foundation of weatherproofing begins with selecting the right fencing materials. Not all fences are the same quality, and some materials handle extreme weather better than others.

Wooden Fences

Wood is a classic fencing material, but some types are more durable than others. For example, cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot and decay. Another excellent choice is pressure-treated wood, as it withstands moisture and insect infestations due to its treatment.

• Benefits: Traditional, attractive, customizable.
• Challenges: Prone to warping or rotting if not maintained properly.

💡 Pro Tip: When choosing wood, ask your supplier if they kiln-dry their boards after treatment. This process makes the wood more durable.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are highly resistant to weather conditions such as rain and UV rays. They don’t warp, rot, or rust, making them a low-maintenance option.

• Benefits: Long-lasting, moisture-resistant, won’t fade or crack under intense sun.
• Challenges: Vulnerable to severe impact during freezing temperatures.

Ornamental Metal Fences (Aluminum and Steel)

Metal fences are durable and long-lasting. Steel, especially galvanized or powder-coated, resists rust and holds up well against wind. Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and low-maintenance.

• Benefits: Tough, weather-resistant. Stands up best against high winds.
• Challenges: May require rust prevention measures if not coated.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Even the most weather-resistant fence can deteriorate without proper upkeep. Regular maintenance is the key to catching small issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Inspect Your Fence Quarterly

Walk along the fence line to check for weak spots, cracks, or signs of wear. For wooden fences, look for rot, discoloration, or insect damage. Inspect metal fences for signs of rust or loose fasteners.

• Tighten screws and brackets.
• Replace broken or rotting boards.
• Remedy leaning or wobbly sections immediately.

Clean Your Fence Thoroughly

Over time, dirt, mildew, and algae can weaken your fence. Cleaning it regularly helps prevent buildup that can cause long-term damage.

• Wood: Use a mild wood cleaner to remove debris. Avoid pressure washers as they can strip away protective coatings.
• Vinyl: Simply wipe it down with soapy water or a vinyl cleaner.
• Metal: Remove rust with sandpaper, repaint with rust-resistant paint, and wipe down with a damp cloth to clear dirt and grime.

Check out our How To Clean a Fence: Ultimate Guide for more tips.

Trim Nearby Vegetation

Overgrown plants or tree branches can damage your fence and invite moisture, leading to faster deterioration. Trim vegetation back to keep airflow around the fence and reduce moisture buildup. Check out our blog on how to trim vegetation around a vinyl fence.

Weatherproof Your Fence

Weatherproofing acts as a protective armor, shielding your fence from the harshest elements. Here’s how to weatherproof fences based on their material type.

Seal and Stain Wooden Fences

Applying a weatherproof sealant or stain is essential for protecting wooden fences from moisture and UV damage. Staining improves both durability and aesthetics.

1. Sand your fence to remove old paint or stain.
2. Apply a weatherproofing stain or sealant with a brush or roller.
3. Allow it to dry before exposing it to rain.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a UV-inhibiting sealant to prevent your wood from fading in the sun. Wood Defender has high quality stain and sealant products.

Use Rust-Proof Paint for Metal Fences

A coat of rust-resistant paint will protect metal fences from moisture and oxidation. Powder coating is another long-lasting option that provides extra durability.

• Before painting, remove all rust using a wire brush.
• Use a primer to add another layer of protection.

Install Reinforcements

For areas prone to high winds, reinforce your fence with extra posts or braces. Set the posts deep in the ground (at least 2 feet) with concrete footings to stabilize the structure.

• For wooden fences, consider adding cross beams or diagonal bracing.
• Vinyl fences may require metal reinforcements within the posts in hurricane-prone areas.

Prepare Your Fence for Extreme Weather

When you know severe weather is coming, take steps to prepare your fence beforehand.

Ahead of Heavy Rain

• Check that drainage around your fence is adequate to prevent water pooling at the base.
• Apply water-repellent coatings.

Ahead of Winds or Storms

• Remove any loose objects nearby that could hit the fence during a storm.
• Secure the gates and tighten all latches and hinges.

Before Snowfall

• Remove existing snow buildup from the base to prevent rot or moisture damage.
• Add extra sealing to wooden fences before temperatures drop.

During Extreme Heat

• Hose down wooden fences during heatwaves to prevent cracks caused by drying out.
• Use a UV protectant spray for vinyl fences to reduce fading.

Act Today to Protect Your Fence

Extreme weather doesn’t have to spell disaster for your fence. By choosing the right materials and doing regular fence maintenance, you can make your fence last longer. Using weatherproofing techniques will keep your fence strong for years to come.

Take proactive steps today! If you’re unsure how to get started, consult your local Top Rail Fence for expert advice. Your fence is an investment—protect it against nature’s wrath.