You did your research, read the reviews, and decided to invest in a vinyl fence for your property. Great choice! Our vinyl fencing is an affordable and effective way to add privacy and personality to your home. That’s why, as the highest-rated St Louis Fence Company, we are proud to offer many different styles of vinyl fences in our inventory. The only issue; a St. Louis winter.
Fear not! You’re working with one of the most durable and weather-resistant materials on the market. With proper care, your vinyl fence will last for years with minimal upkeep.
Today, we’re sharing a few simple ways you can keep your fence looking and working great all year long.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!
1. Start with a Solid Surface
Before the chill gets into the air to stay, go ahead and inspect your vinyl fence for any signs of visible damage. That way, when frost forms on its posts and rails and biting winds whip at its surface, it will be able to withstand the elements.
It’s essential to keep in mind that while vinyl is a rugged and robust material, it can be damaged or even destroyed in extreme conditions. If yours is already compromised before winter even begins, you’ll increase your risk of damage. While it’s unlikely that you’ll notice any warping or splitting, check for other signs of deterioration, including chipping, cracking, or fading.
These areas will only become more brittle as the temperatures drop lower, so go ahead and repair or replace them as soon as possible.
2. Clean It Up
Even if you don’t see any physical damage to your fence, you might still see a few smudges or spots on its surface. If so, it’s best to clean them up as soon as you notice them. This way, once it gets too cold to attend to such outside chores, your fence will be shining like new!
Though this is a minor, cosmetic step, it can go a long way toward making your fence look its best. Most imperfections will wipe right off with gentle soap and hot water, though more stubborn stains might require a little more elbow grease. Whatever you do, avoid harsh cleansers, such as bleach.
3. Pull Up Invasive Plants and Cut Back Trees
You might think of the creeping plants growing through your fence posts as more of a summertime woe. While this is the case, dead plants can also ruin its aesthetic appeal. They can even scratch your posts as they turn brown and prickly!
If you can’t pull the growth up by hand, treat the area around your fence with a gentle weed killer. Or, you can prune this area back to make sure your gorgeous fence takes center stage.
Then, look up!
Do you have tree limbs that hang over your vinyl fence? If so, these could soon become weighed down by sleet and snow. When this happens, they’re more likely to break off and fall.
To stay as safe as possible, trim them back before winter comes. In addition to the threat of breakage, these limbs will also contribute to the amount of water that builds up around your fence, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
4. Don’t Forget Leaf Maintenance
Many homeowners think that once autumn gives way to winter, fallen leaves will cease to be an issue.
However, take caution when handling any leftover leaves that do remain. While it can be tempting to rake them all to the perimeter of your property, that will cause them to pile up along the edge of your fence. Even if you don’t manually put them there, the leaves could still migrate there naturally due to the direction of the wind.
If you leave these piles to sit, the leaves could decay over time and damage the surface of your fence.
How? They’ll retain moisture around your posts, which can exacerbate existing damage or cause new weak spots. They’re also an ideal space for scratching, gnawing, and disruptive critters to nestle into! To mitigate this risk, stay on top of your leaf piles and remove them as soon as they start to form.
5. Take Steps to Discourage Mold
Do you live in a part of the country that experiences a heavy amount of rainfall during the winter months? If so, have you started to notice unsightly mold or lichen growing on your fence? As the rain hits the posts, it brings pollution and dirt along with it.
Over time, this can encourage the growth of such organisms.
Although most prefer the warm, moist environment of summer, they can still persist into the fall and winter months. This is especially the case if your region receives a lot of rain, but temperatures remain relatively mild.
Rather than scrubbing this area until you’re sore, it’s best to treat the issue right at its core.
Fortunately, you don’t need abrasive chemicals to get the job done. Rather, a simple solution of water and vinegar should be all you need to combat all the spots. For effective results, dilute one part vinegar in five parts water. Then, pour this into your garden sprayer and aim it at the areas where you notice the growth.
Gently use the bristles of a broom to work the solution into the spots. Then, rinse each area by spraying it with the garden hose.
5. Keep Snow Away
Do you anticipate seeing a lot of snowfall this winter? If so, it’s important to understand the damage that this can do your vinyl fence.
If you take a laidback approach and allow the precipitation to pile up against your posts, it can cause the vinyl itself to become brittle and more susceptible to cracking or chipping.
To reduce this risk, try to remove any snow from the area around your fence as soon as possible, creating a barrier all the way around the structure. As you shovel it, move the snow to the middle of your yard. That way, it’s less likely to drift over time and pile back up near your fence.
If snow accumulates on top of your fence, brush it off with a broom. Never use a snow shovel to clean around your fence, as it’s easy to miss your mark and pummel your posts instead!
Another snow-related point to mention? If you’re using a snowblower around your fence, aim it away from the posts. This will help prevent you from inadvertently blowing snow onto the very area you’re trying to keep clear!
6. Choose Decorations Wisely
Few things look as festive or inviting as a residential fence all decked out for the holidays! However, before you add heavy wreaths, signs, and other decorations to yours, consider their weight.
If they’re super heavy, delegate them to another part of your exterior that’s better able to withstand their weight. Remember that regardless of how they feel right now, they’ll gain weight if snow accumulates on top of them. Take this into account when decorating and if possible, stick with light and straightforward touches wherever possible!
This also applies to winter gear. Rather than propping your sleds, ladders or other equipment along the edge of the fence, move them to the garage. Otherwise, they could accumulate snow and ice, adding extra, unwanted weight.
7. Keep an Eye on Your Fence
We’re naturally indoors more in the wintertime.
As such, it can be easy to lose track of how your vinyl fence is holding up. As much as possible, remember to check your fence for damage and take action if you notice any. By proactively monitoring it, you can stay on top of any maintenance or repair issues required.
As your St Louis Fence Company – You’ll Find The Perfect Fence
Now that you know a little more about the steps required to maintain your vinyl fence all winter long, are you ready to install one at your own home? If so, you’re already on the right track.
Vinyl is one fencing material that’s built to hold up over the years, as long as you do your part as a diligent homeowner.
When you’re ready to transform the look of your property, contact our team at St Louis Fence Company today. We’re industry experts well-versed in the fence, rail, deck, and lighting sectors. Reach out today for a free estimate and give your outdoor space the makeover it deserves.
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