Are Wood Fences Weatherproof?

The decision on what fence material to install at your home is all about weighing many factors that may be important to you – from maintenance and cost to look and longevity. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the time and effort down the road to maintain your fence is often a key part of any homeowner’s decision. 

We often get questioned about wood fencing and a maintenance plan. First and foremost, a wood fence has many benefits that include the natural beauty of wood and the availability of different designs to fit your style. Stains, height and wood type all take a fence in a different style direction. We have options for your fence and gates that include: classic picket, scalloped picket, privacy, split-rail, post-and-rail, stackpole and shadowbox. 

If you decide to go with a wood fence, understand that a maintenance plan will keep it looking good and prevent warping, cracks and rot. Wood is wood and it needs to be treated and sealed to stay beautiful. Depending on if you have paint or stain on your fence, you probably also have a sealant on your wood fence. If water beads when splashed on your wood, then it is good to go. But is it actually weatherproof? Resistant is a better way to describe wood that is covered in a sealant as nothing is totally impervious to the elements of harsh weather in our Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region.

You can strive to do your best to strategize how to maintain the beauty of this natural material. Here are some tips and ideas:

1. Watch for wear: It is always vital to see how your fence is holding up, especially before and after each season. Different types of weather can cause different types of damage. If you see any issues, you can address them as soon as possible, so you won’t have long-term issues down the road.
2. Limit moisture: Water is the enemy of wood for sure! Do not have your water sprinkler set to hit your wood fence and do not let landscaping or plants grow on or near your wood panels.
3. Cleaning is key: If you notice any mold, mildew or excess of dirt on any of your fence panels, it is best to get out a pressure washer sooner vs. later. Pressure washing is part of owning a wood fence, but needs to be done from a safe distance and not in one spot too long to prevent damage.
4. Maintain stain or sealant: It is imperative to re-seal or stain your fence every two to four years, depending on the condition. This really makes it look new and breathes new life and years into your fence and investment.

Our Team Can Answer Your Questions

We are happy to have a conversation about your new fence! You can connect to us through our online contact form.