By Victoria 
Many people feel that fence installation should wait until the warmer months, but winter projects can be successful too! While freezing temperatures and frozen ground pose problems, they do not have to put your plans on hold. Here are some common winter fence installation issues and how skilled contractors like Commence Fence can help you overcome them.
Frozen Ground During Winter Fence Installation
Dealing with frozen ground is one of the most challenging aspects of winter fencing installation. Frozen earth makes it difficult to dig post holes and secure the fence.
Solution: Installation is still an option. Here’s why:
- The Installation of Concrete Is Still Effective: The concrete method, a conventional way of attaching fence posts, is equally effective in the winter as in the summer. This is because our posts can still stay solid and safe in winter by digging post holes below the line of frost . With the proper security measures, concrete can still be utilized at degrees as low as 20°F. Using straws or insulating blankets to cover freshly poured concrete creates the best curing and heat retention. Fast setting concrete mixtures suited for cold weather can further expedite the procedure.
- Frozen Soil Can be Penetrated: Devices like manual post hole digging machines, gas powered augers, and frost crushers can be used to break through frozen ground. These tools help in digging past the top, rigid layer of soil to the softer dirt beneath.
- Post Pounding Is an Option (But Not Required): While a post pounder is a very effective way of winter installs (driving posts straight into the soil without excavating), it is not the only alternative. The concrete method is a reliable solution if there’s no access to this equipment.
Material Challenges
Certain fencing materials, including vinyl or metal, might lose some of their mobility and strength in cold weather. Brittle materials have a higher risk of snapping or cracking during winter fence installation.
Solution: Contemporary fencing materials are made to work well under a range of climates.
- Vinyl Fences: Vinyl fences are extremely durable and resist breaking, even in icy conditions. In contrast to wood, it does not absorb moisture, preventing it from swelling or warping throughout the winter.
- Aluminum Fences: Aluminum fences are lighter and quick to set up, making them suitable for cold weather installations. Their powder coated coating prevents corrosion and rusting, ensuring long term use even in snow or ice conditions.
- Chain Link Fences: Even in winter, chain link fences remain pliable and simple to install. Their galvanized steel framework is rust resistant, ensuring year round durability.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Winter presents unpredictable weather, such as snowfall, sleet, and rain. These elements can make the workplace slippery and dangerous.
Solution: To overcome winter’s problems, plan ahead of time and be patient.
- Clear Your Workspace: Removing snow from the installation spot increases view and safety by creating a clean surface on which workers can operate.
- Use Tarps or Heating Sources: If snow falls during the process, a tarp can preserve the items and the ground you’ve prepared. Heat sources, such as compact propane heating systems, are another option to warm up small areas of ground.
- Work During the Warmest Times of the Day: Schedule your installation during the middle of the day, when temperatures are normally at their peak. This can make soil and materials more flexible.
Cold Temperatures Will Stop Progress
Cold weather can present difficulties for building and winter fence installation tasks. Low temperatures can disrupt the curing process, make some materials weak, and reduce working hours.
Solution: Here’s how cold temperatures don’t have to slow down your installation:
- The Frost Line guarantees Sturdiness: While the frozen ground in winter may appear to be a barrier, it actually adds to fence durability when installed correctly. By anchoring posts below the frost level, you reduce the chance of moving due to freeze thaw cycles. Your fence is going to stay stable and level until spring arrives, because of the solid base provided during installation.
- Timing is important. To make the most of the wintertime schedule work during daylight hours, when temperatures are a bit higher. Watching the weather forecast might help you avoid excessive cold or heavy snow, resulting in a more efficient winter fence installation operation.
Maintenance Tips for Winter Fences
- Taking good care of your fence after you install it in the winter helps it withstand harsh weather until spring. So, check your fence regularly for damage from frost and ice. Catching minor difficulties early stops them from becoming significant problems as everything thaws.
- Clean snow buildup quickly to avoid additional weight and water, which can cause warping or damage, particularly in wooden fences. Many plants go dormant in the winter, so take full advantage of this by cutting back any dangling branches or shrubs that could harm your fence during a storm.
- Also, look for any weak or missing screws and fix or replace them as necessary. Metal components can contract in cold temperatures, making them more likely to loosen. Applying a waterproof sealer or paint can provide a further level of protection from the elements, making sure your fence remains in good shape.
Conclusion
Winter fence installation may seem like a big task as the winter frost sets in. However, sometimes it can’t be avoided. That’s why, getting help from professionals and knowing the difficulties associated with installing a fence in the winter can help you plan and carry out the process more skillfully! Experienced fence installation companies do more than just put up fences. They support you through every challenge, even those related to projects in frigid climates.
So, for a successful fence installation, get in touch with Commence Fence.