Wood fences are beautiful, strong and durable, but they’re prone to some problems you should know about. Improper installation is the leading cause of wood fence issues, followed by weather damage. Luckily, we prevent the majority of issues with our top-tier service and materials. However, if you have a wood fence or are considering installing one, here are five common issues to know about and what to do to prevent them.
1. Warping
Wood fences warp because of moisture. When wood absorbs moisture and releases it unevenly, it causes the wood to shrink, bend, twist or curve. The resulting effect leaves your fence vulnerable and can create large gaps and cause breakage from the main fence structure.
Staining is the easiest way to prevent warping. Wood fence stains are designed to condition the wood fibers and act as a seal against moisture, so rain and snow run off your boards rather than soaking into them.
If you aren’t sure how often you need to stain your fence, check with its installer. Your wood type will also affect its vulnerability and maintenance needs.
2. Leaning Posts
A leaning wood fence is more than a frustrating eyesore — it can weaken your property’s defense. Cement-set wood posts are more likely to lean due to frost heaves, which occur when the soil underground expands and contracts due to temperature changes.
Wood rot can also cause posts to weaken, as they are most vulnerable to fungal growth at the base. Hiring a professional to install your wood fence is key. They can ensure your fence is set properly and offer tips to protect it against ground exposure.
3. Wood Rot
Wood rot is a common issue for fence owners, but it is preventable. You can install post guards to shield the wood from damp grass and soil. You can keep your grass cut shorter, avoid planting anything within 2 feet of your fence and use rot-resistant or pressure-treated lumber for your fence.
As with most wood fence problems, regular staining is the best preventive technique. Water-repellent stains with built-in sealants can keep your fence safe for years, even in the face of harsh weather.
4. Blowing Over
Unstable fences are more likely to collapse when they face strong winds. The only way to prevent this is to make sure you hire a trusted professional to install your fence. They make sure your post holes are dug to an appropriate depth and anchored properly to prevent shifting and weakened stability over time.
5. Bowing
Wood fences bend or bow due to moisture damage or poor installation. Even privacy wood fences need small gaps between the boards to prevent bowing; this is because wood naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. If the boards are placed too close together, the wood will bend over time because it doesn’t have the space it needs to “breathe.”
Get a wood fence that doesn’t come with a list of worries. Trust the team at Reagan Fence in Kansas City, MO for expert wood fence installation.
