How to Save Money with Fall Fence Repairs Before the Winter
The summer heat has a way of leaving boards loose and leaning. Or perhaps you have put a hand to a post and found it wobbles, or the gate does not swing like it once did? Do not be in the habit of letting such things go; they are unlikely to remain minor come winter.
We at Bear Roots Fence Company know this all too well. A Hawkins County, TN concern, we are a local operation that caters to the Tri-Cities and the communities thereabout. Should your fence require some work prior to the cold weather, give us a ring at (423) 537-4615.
There is no better time for tending to your fence than fall. The weather is mild and work is more agreeable, and what you put right now will see your property through the tougher months. We have put together an account of why repairs in the fall are economical and what one should be on the lookout for before the freeze.
What Winter Does to a Fence
A fence endures considerable stress from the cold. Damage is often insidious, building up until the point of failure.
In winter you will find:
- The ground freezing and thawing will displace posts
- Moisture makes its way into wood cracks and freezes, to split them further
- Weak gates and panels are put under strain by the weight of snow and ice
- Any loose boards or damaged parts are hard pushed by the wind
- Rot and rust are hastened by standing water at the base of the post
It is a fact that a little trouble in October becomes a collapsed run or a lean by February. And replacing the whole thing is a much steeper bill than a repair done in good time.
The Financial Case for Fall Repairs
You are simply out less money for addressing matters in the fall. An early catch of a loose post is an easy fix. Let it be through a hard winter and it may bring down the adjacent panels, making of one task several.
By nipping problems in the bud you keep your expenses in check rather than having to make an emergency replacement when the ground is frozen and the elements are not co-operative.
Early action has its rewards:
- To reset a post before the frost has a hold on it
- Put in new boards or seal the old ones so moisture cannot get in and freeze
- Make sure a gate is aligned and tight so ice can not jam it
- See to it that post bases are free of debris and water
- Replace the odd section here and there instead of the whole line down the road
Tell-Tale Signs Your Fence Needs Some Work
If in doubt as to whether your fence is fit for winter, a stroll along the line will be informative.
Be on the alert for:
- Posts that are not firm in the soil or have a wobble to them
- Wood that is warped, pulling away or has split
- Chain-link or aluminum showing rust
- A gate that is difficult to latch or drags
- Softness in the wood at ground level about the posts
- Where panels have separated that were once flush
One or two of these spotted early can be the difference. Attend to them and winter will have less opportunity to do its damage.
Fall Care Varies by the Fence
Each material has its own way of coping with winter and requires the proper attention.
With wood fencing, which is prone to moisture, you want to seal any cracks and change out damaged boards before it is too late. Vinyl is resilient but can crack if hit when it is cold, so a check of the connections is wise. There is no rotting to speak of with aluminum, yet one should tighten up fasteners and bent pieces. As for chain-link, it is durable enough but rust and a loss of tension can set in.
Bear Roots Fence Company is versed in all of the above, from wood to chain-link, and we can assess what is really called for on your fence before winter comes.
Give Bear Roots a Call This Fall
Installation, design and construction, demolition and repair are all part of what we do for both commercial and residential clients. We extend a free estimate on our services without exception, so there is no obligation in finding out what your fence is in need of.
Our hours are 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week for your convenience. Since 2023 we have been proud to put in the work for Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Rogersville, Bean Station, Mooresburg, Greeneville and the rest of East Tennessee.
Make no mistake and wait for the first freeze to tell you your fence is in bad shape. Contact us at (423) 537-4615 and put your fence in order for the season.
