Top tips for protecting your fence against water damage

Installing Fence Post Caps

With wood being such a porous material, any water it is exposed to will be absorbed, and one of the most direct forms of contact when it comes to fences is the top of the fence post.

This much direct exposure to water can cause the wood to split, warp or even mould, so it is important to protect them as much as possible. This is where Fence Post Caps or Tops come in, these often metal caps will protect your fence posts from moisture exposure. You can even find these easy to install caps with unique designs and appealing finishes, so they can serve a decorative purpose as well as a practical one.

We stock a number of Fence Post Caps suitable for any project, you can find out more here.

Installing Fence Post Shoes

While the top of the fence post receives the most direct exposure during rainfall, the aftermath of heavy rain will mostly affect the bottom of the posts, due to being surrounded by moist ground and leading to the same issues previously mentioned.

While replacing your wooden posts with concrete or metal posts would be the more robust option, the easier solution that can be just as effective is installing Fence Post Shoes. These fixtures are designed to be inserted on to the bottom of a fence post, to prevent issues but to also make the entire fence itself easier to install.

Find out more here about our range of Fence Post Shoes.

Opt for pressure treated panels

There are methods you can use to keep increase the longevity of your fence panels, the most popular choice being using timber that has been pressure treated.

Pressure treating involves placing the timber in a vacuum and exposing it to various chemicals and preservatives.

Even though pressure treated timber and the subsequent panels are slightly more expensive, investing in these types of panels will be worth it when your fence panels inevitably last longer.

How do I know if my fence has water damage?

It is important to know the signs of a water damaged fence, as this means you can resolve the issue quickly, and diminish the risk of the structural integrity of the fence being compromised.

Signs of a water damaged fence include:

·         Sagging fence posts

·         Leaning fence posts

·         Rotten wood

·         Any sections of fence that are collecting water

Fences are an integral part of the security and privacy of many domestic and commercial properties, and if you follow these simple steps, you can protect your fence against the elements to keep it durable and looking fresh for as long as possible. To find out more, you can shop our range of Fence Hardware here.