Wood fences are amazingly durable, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible.Here are some tips on how to prevent cracks in your wooden fence this summer.
Wood fences are amazingly durable, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible. Moisture can wreak a lot of havoc on your wood fences. In the summer, moisture from humidity and summer storms can build up inside the wood and cause it to crack. Luckily, preventing cracks in wood fences is easy to do. Here are some tips on how to prevent cracks in your wooden fence this summer.
Why Do Cracks Form?
One common type of crack that can form is known as checking. Checking results from the drying process after the wood is first cut. However, the wood dries at different rates on its surface than it does underneath the surface. Wood dries more slowly below its surface. Because of this difference, excess moisture can cause wood to take longer to dry.
Checking is most common when a fence is brand new. In the scorching heat of summertime, however, the checking can become more apparent because wood dries out more often. Summer storms frequently bring heavy rains with them. While the rain will evaporate, new checks can form and existing checks can get even worse.
Using the Right Materials
Seasoning is another part of the process that prepares wood for usage in fences. Seasoned wood doesn’t only smell better, it can protect the wood from checking or cracking. You may need to reinstall new panels into your fence. When you do this, be sure to still use seasoned wood, as unseasoned wood is vulnerable. Another way to protect your fence is to use sealant. High-quality wood is your best option for fencing, although lower quality wood is acceptable for forming fence posts. Higher quality wood is less prone to cracking, especially during installation.
Reduce the Risks of Wood Cracking During Installation
When installing your new wood fence, both screws and nails can work as fasteners. Screws do a much better job holding the panels together. However, both of them can potentially cause the wood to split if you’re not careful. Be sure the nails you use aren’t pointy. Also, make sure the holes for your screws or nails are drilled in beforehand. Drilling holes right before you add the fasteners can cause even more damage to the wooden fence panels.
If you find that your fence continually cracks and splits, perhaps an entirely new fence is in order. But frequent and thorough maintenance can avoid this process altogether. Remember, what happens to wood fences before installation matters more than what happens to it after.
Get in Touch with Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach Today!
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry, and can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that bests suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700, drop in, or contact us on our website to learn more about spring fence construction! You can keep up to date with offers and information from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach on Facebook, Google+,Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
