How to prevent your wooden fence from forming cracks.
Some cracks are natural and normal in wooden fences, but many large splits and cracks can negatively affect your fence’s structural integrity. You can avoid this by using high-quality wood that has already been seasoned. If wood fencing is installed on your property, you should naturally watch out for insect infestations or rot damage. Let’s break down how you should prevent your wooden fence from forming cracks.
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia can complete your wooden fence installation with the best materials and methods to ensure maximum longevity. View our previous fencing work!
Causes of Cracks on Wooden Fences
After a wooden fence installation on your property, you may discover checking during the first several weeks. Checks are the most common type of cracks found in wood. They naturally occur in seasoning, which occurs when the wood dries after being chopped. Checks form when the inside of the wood dries more slowly than the outer surface. However, this process may not occur until summer when the hot sun dries out your fence. Although these minor imperfections should not impact your fence’s structural integrity, it may be problematic if they continue to grow.
Tips for Preventing Fence Cracks
To avoid checks altogether, you can utilize seasoned wood. Consider using sealants that moisturize the wood’s surface to help it dry more evenly during the initial seasoning and as the fence experiences changing weather. Cracks can often occur because of the pressure on the wood, despite the causes.
The best way to prevent excessive cracks from developing is to choose a high-grade wood to ensure that your fence installation is completed correctly. Note: Thinner wood will most likely crack, indicating that fence panels are more susceptible than posts.
Consider a New Fence Installation
The quality of your fence installation will also help you avoid fence cracks and splits. For example, screws are a more secure method of installing fence boards than nails because nails are more likely to trigger splitting problems, especially if it’s done incorrectly. It’s best to pre-drill the holes before inserting the screws or nails because forcing the screws or nails into the wood can form cracks.
Ultimately, you can prevent many problems by adequately maintaining your wooden fence. However, significant cracks in wood fencing often have to do with wood selection and installation, unlike what you do after your fence installation. Therefore, consider replacing your fence board with a fresh one if it’s severely warped or cracked.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs!
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you are excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well-equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest.
