Wood is a completely natural material that is constantly affected by varying weather conditions. In the winter season, we typically experience higher levels of consistently wet weather. Wood fences can be particularly affected by excessive moisture in a negative way. In summer, fences have a chance to dry out quickly after rainy periods due to the warm temperatures and sun exposure. In colder and wetter months, fences tend to stay moist for long periods of time.

What are the negative effects of too much moisture on your wood fence?

Rot. What actually happens when wood rots? Simply put, a fungus takes hold within the wood fibers, grows, and breaks down the material, causing irreversible damage. Rotting is a rather natural process. We all know that wood does not last forever, but excessive moisture accelerates the process by creating an environment where fungus loves to grow rapidly.

Swelling/expansion. When wood comes in contact with water, it soaks it up like a sponge. When the tree was alive, it drank water, allowing it to flow up and down through the grain. Even though the wood is now dead, the wood fibers are still designed to take in and carry water. Water-soaked wood expands. This becomes a problem mostly with wood gates. They tend to be difficult to function in wet seasons.

Warping and twisting. This effect is not unrelated to the last point. Since wood material reacts to moist conditions by expanding, the shape of the wood may often change as well. When your wood fence finally has a chance to dry out and contract again after a long wet weather period, your posts, boards, and pickets may not remain in the same straight shape afterwards.

Discoloration. Discoloration is often a symptom of a bigger problem, such as rot or mold build up. If you notice some areas of discoloration on your fence, you may want to inspect those areas to determine the root cause so that you can take action against it.

 

How can you prevent or counteract these negative effects?

 Choose Pressure treated wood

        If you are confident you want wood fencing, pressure treated will provide the most resistance against moisture damage. The chemicals injected into the wood are meant to preserve the wood and prevent moisture from penetrating the fibers.

Add a “kickboard”

Some suggest the use of a kickboard in defense of excessive moisture. A kickboard is a pressure treated trim board that is placed along the bottom of your otherwise not pressure treated fence. This board takes the brunt of the moisture where the moisture is the worst: along the ground. A kickboard is one small addition that can add more lifetime to your wood fence.

Keep your fence line clean

Debris build up around your fence encourages excessive moisture to hang around. Prevent leaves and other debris from piling up along your fence line so that it can properly dry out.

Treat your wood fence with a sealer

When your wood fence is very dry, take the opportunity to apply a stain or other external sealant to block out moisture. When applied correctly and consistently, sealers can considerably lengthen the life of your wood fence. Learn more about treating your wood fence here. 

Go with a non-wood fence material

There are many other material options that are virtually immune to moisture and excessive moisture damage. Choose from chain link, aluminum, vinyl, or composite for your long-lasting, rot free fence.