When winter rolls around people tend to put their outdoor projects on hold for various reasons. It’s too cold, the grounds too hard or there isn’t enough daylight are a few of the most popular. While these can have an effect on outdoor winter projects, they won’t prevent you from building a new fence. With a little planning, you can build your fence in the dead of winter and be ready to kick back and relax when the spring thaw hits.
If you want to build your new fence in the winter months, keep the following in mind:
- Make sure you have the right equipment for the job. The ground will be harder in the winter so it will be more difficult to dig post holes.
If you don’t think you can handle it on your own then you may have to contact an experienced fence contractor for help. - Check the weather as far ahead of time as you can. Look for a week of dry weather if it is possible. Working in mud is never fun and it makes things take longer. For instance, when you put your fence posts in place, you will be anchoring them in concrete. Damp conditions cause concrete to take longer to harden.
- Consider your fencing material. If you are putting up a metal or stone fence then weather proofing is not a big factor but it is crucial for a wooden fence. In the winter, rain might not be as big of a danger but snow can cause you problems. If it builds up in drifts against your fence it will trap the moisture against the wood. You need to make sure the wood is sealed and water proofed to protect it from rot.
- Regardless of the season, make sure to check your local zoning and home owner association rules. You never want to build a fence only to find out you have to take it right back down.
If you don’t think you can handle it on your own then you may have to contact an experienced fence contractor for help.