Winter is coming, and depending where you are in the United States, this can present some challenges for fencing contractors tasked with creating fences, gates and other landscaping structures capable of withstanding some pretty extreme weather conditions.
From salt spray in coastal locations to extremes of cold, snow and ice load, or high winds, the design, construction, materials and hardware you choose for your fencing projects can be the difference between a fence that lasts for decades, or one that succumbs to bad weather prematurely – leaving the fence AND your reputation in tatters.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the key considerations for professionals looking to construct fences with advanced durability, including your options for materials and hardware capable of withstanding whatever winter throws at them.
How does winter weather affect fences and gates?
Wood is a popular, affordable and versatile material for fencing projects, but if not constructed and maintained effectively, it can be vulnerable to winter weather. This means selecting wood that has natural or man-made protection against the elements, especially moisture. Typical problems that occur with fences that are made from poor quality materials and hardware include rotting, splitting, sagging and insect infestations. Read below for advice on which wood species and treatments offer the best weather resistance.
Metal fences are non-porous, but can still be affected by moisture, causing them to rust, especially in coastal areas where salty sea air can quickly eat through galvanized, powder coated and painted finishes. And even vinyl fences, which are impervious to moisture and corrosion, can be adversely affected by weather conditions including heavy snow and ice loads, or high winds.
As a fencing professional, you’ll already know the typical winter weather conditions for the location you work in, and the problems you commonly see when going to replace a fence or gate that has failed due to weather. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the things you can try to mitigate for winter weather to ensure your fencing jobs provide many years of durable performance.
Which materials are best for winterproof fences and gates?
There are three main options for building garden gates and fences on residential properties – wood, metal and vinyl. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of each:
Wooden fences
Wood is the most commonly used fencing material and for good reason – it’s readily available, reasonably priced and extremely durable, especially if well cared-for.
For a more durable fence, specific wood species like cedar or redwood are often selected – these are regarded as the gold standard for fencing because even though they are technically softer than, for instance, teak, they offer a higher degree of natural resistance to rot and insect infestation.
Pressure-treated wood is an alternative option that can be more affordable. During this process, the wood is placed in a vacuum chamber to remove all moisture from it, before a preservative is introduced and pressurized, forcing it deep into the pores and fibers of the wood. After pressure treating, the wood needs to be treated with a moisture-repellent paint or stain on a regular basis.
Metal fences
Aluminum is commonly used for fencing because it’s strong, corrosion resistant and also lightweight, making it easy to work with – but steel fence panels may also be used when additional strength is needed. Typically, metal fence panels will be painted or powder coated during production, meaning they can be installed with no need for additional finishing. Over time, however, these coatings may wear off or get damaged, meaning the fence needs to be repainted. At Abbey, we offer a range of high-quality metal fence paints, including zinc paints – look for products with a high solids content to ensure optimal protection against corrosion and wear.
Vinyl fences
Made from extremely durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl is a highly durable material and can last a long time with very little maintenance required. Exceptions to this rule are UV bleaching, which can arise with cheaper materials that are not UV resistant, and very rarely, cracking of the vinyl in extreme cold temperatures – but again, this is usually associated with lower-quality fencing products.
Which fasteners and hardware are best for weatherproof fences?
The fasteners you use to construct a fence are critical to its structural integrity in the long term, while durable hardware will ensure gates continue to function and look great for long periods of time.
When it comes to nails and screws/scrails, there are various different types or grades to look out for. let’s take a closer look:
Uncoated nails
Uncoated nails, also called bright nails, don’t have any coating on the bare metal. These are the cheapest fasteners and are never well suited to fencing applications that will be exposed to the elements – they are prone to rusting and can cause staining of the wood called bleeding, where the metal reacts with tannins in the wood, leaving behind brown or black stains.
Electro-galvanized nails
Electro-galvanized nails are produced by placing uncoated nails in a solution of zinc salts and then passing an electric current through the solution, which causes zinc particles to bond with the steel. This process produces a very thin zinc coating on the nail that offers some protection against corrosion, but is typically not durable enough to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. EG nails are sometimes used in extremely arid conditions.
Hot-dipped galvanized nails
Hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) nails are produced by placing steel nails into molten zinc at very high temperatures that provoke a metallurgical reaction, bonding the zinc mechanically to the iron in the steel. This delivers a thicker zinc coating that is much more durable than electro-galvanized, with a longer lifespan even when exposed to harsh environments.
Stainless steel nails
Stainless steel is a chromium iron alloy that is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Regarded as the gold standard for outdoor fasteners, stainless steel nails are suitable for use even in coastal locations where salt water corrosion would otherwise be a problem, and won’t react with the tannins in wood to cause bleeding.
Aluminum Nails
Aluminum nails are also very good for fencing, since they offer equivalent corrosion resistance to steel nails. Aluminum is a softer metal, so these nails typically come in a larger wire diameter to provide the necessary strength. They mainly come in zero degree, so whether you can use them or not typically depends on your nailer. Aluminum nails can sometimes work out more affordable than stainless steel nails.
Weatherproof hardware
For fence and gate hardware capable of withstanding harsh winters, it’s advisable to choose the most robust finish available within your budget for the project. Our GATEPRO hardware is made to withstand a range of climates. Here’s a quick look at the various finishes we offer:
Zinc (E-Galvanizing)
This is a good basic finish that can be used in locations with a drier climate, that don’t experience harsh winters
Standard Black Finish
This finish is created using an electro-galvanizing process with a quality black powder coating which gives an extra level of protection, and is the most commonly used finish for gate hardware. It is durable for most areas of the US, but for coastal areas, we would recommend one of the finishes below.
Hot Dipped Galvanized (HDG)
HDG gives great protection against rust and is considered a good choice for coastal or damp climates.
Premium Shell
This is a proprietary Abbey Hardware finish which consists of a Hot Dipped Galvanized finish with our quality black Polyester Powder Coating on top. Ideal for coastal areas and locations with harsh winters, it offers superb rust resistance combined with the aesthetics of the black hardware. The black polyester powder coating on HDG is a little more prone to chipping, but can easily be touched up when needed.
304 Stainless Steel
Many of the options for vinyl hardware come in 304 Stainless and have the option of white or black polyester powder coating. This is a great option for any climate, and will last for years to come.
Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel
This beautiful stainless steel hardware is the gold standard for coastal climates and will last for many years without rusting.
Tips & tricks for durable fence construction
Aside from the materials, fasteners and hardware you use to construct a fence or gate, there are some other best practices to consider when you need to be sure your work will stand the test of time and bad weather.
Making sure you set posts deep enough is an important consideration, since shallow foundations will leave fences vulnerable to high winds, snow load and also frost heave where frozen ground causes the posts to move around. The frost line differs depending on location – for instance in California it’s only around five inches, whereas in Nevada it’s around 23 inches. Investing in a quality post digger or earth drill makes sinking posts quick and simple even when more depth is needed.
It is recommended to take steps to optimise drainage around gates and fences so the posts aren’t standing in water for prolonged periods of time.
High winds are one of the biggest challenges in fencing. When privacy is a priority, a classic picket fence made from cedar or redwood boards and high quality hardware components will provide all-important screening combined with excellent durability – you may choose to add some additional cross-bracing for added strength.
However, in particularly exposed locations, metal fences are often the safest bet – they are naturally stronger, and their sleek design allows the wind to pass right through, making them more wind tolerant. Metal fences also offer excellent security.
For stronger gates, the addition of a gate frame ensures robust construction that won’t warp or sag over time, while a drop rod or cane bolt prevents gates from rattling or even blowing open in gusty conditions. For double gates that meet in the middle, an extra long 36” or 48” cane bolt can make all the difference. Of course, it’s always important to have good quality hinges, locks and latches – and Abbey Gatepro won’t let you down!
Essential winter maintenance for fences and gates
Last but by no means least, appropriate fence maintenance is key to ensuring your projects stay structurally sound and looking smart for many years to come. Advise residential customers about the importance of keeping moving parts lubricated and free from dirt or debris, and offer guidance on the best products for ongoing maintenance.
Need help sourcing quality, durable fence hardware?
At Abbey, we’re a one-stop shop for fencing professionals looking to load up on premium, high quality fencing and gate hardware, fasteners and tools. From hinges, latches and nails to post diggers, staples and paint, we supply everything you need to build durable fences, except the wood. Get in touch today to find your nearest Abbey dealer, or to enquire about setting up a trade account.
