Part of a fence’s value is in what it does for a lawn’s appearance– presentation is important, after all. But if your fence has been subject to the elements, its natural beauty or structural integrity may have given way to weather damage.
Debris
Rainstorms bring huge gusts of wind that can topple sections of a fence or bring debris that clutters or disfigures the fence. Trash can be tossed over from the side of the road and plastered over, creating an unsightly appearance. While this can be fixed easily in most cases, certain forms of debris are more difficult to cure, such as papery films coating themselves to your fence and spattering its planks with wet ink, such as from a newspaper flyer.
Rot
In addition to the more direct fencing hazards a storm can bring, heavy rainfall can soak a fence through, creating a humid environment ripe with the conditions for rot. Rot is formed from when decomposers– fungi, in this instance– grow within the wood, a process accelerated by warm, wet surroundings. While this process is natural and necessary for a healthy ecosystem, it’s not something you want to invite in your front yard. Fungal spores can push through the cracks of the paint to form white, lumpy nodes, spongy to the touch. The surrounding timber appears darker in coloration than is natural for that form of wood.
Discoloration
One of the first signs of weather damage to look for is the presence of faded or chipped spots over the planks of your wooden fence. Paint can naturally chip and flake over time, but deterioration is most often at the hands of adverse weather conditions. And while sunlight may have been necessary for your fence while it was still alive and uncut, sunlight now only serves to disfigure its appearance. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can sun-bleach paint, robbing the wood of its rich, dark brown color, and fading it pale. If you live in a sunny climate, sunspots can be a concern. Be on the watch for dry rot, which can occur even without the need for moist timber. Dry rot is dark and warps the affected areas into brittle flakes of wood that can be broken easily.
Broken Planks
Harsh storms harbor many dangers to people and fences alike. Signs that could indicate weather damage include charred wood or even missing segments to a fence if the storm is severe enough. After a severe storm, be sure to inspect your fence. Monitor it for any signs of overnight disrepair. The sooner you’re aware of the problem, the sooner it can be fixed– the same goes for any form of fencing damage, for that matter. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the status of your fence, or if you want to replace one, give us a shout! We’d be happy to help you over the phone (1-800-221-6425) or one of our convenient locations in Swainsboro, Vidalia, Statesboro, or Sandersville.
