As South-East Queensland moves into winter things are cooling down rapidly and those hot and muggy days are replaced by cold, wet weather that can have an impact on your timber fencing. The severity of this impact can depend on the treatment of the timber used to build the fence as well as what steps have been taken in terms of upkeep and maintenance. This is further complicated by the long stretches of rain we have been experiencing so far this year.
When night starts to fall and the temperatures plummet any water in the wood begins to expand as it freezes. While this obviously requires very low temperatures it does present a threat to the integrity of your timber fence. Slight fluctuations are expected when building a timber fence so how much of an impact shifting temperatures have on your fence will depend on the build quality as well as how cold it gets in your area.
Timber fences are typically treated in order to help prevent moisture damage but issues can occur when the fence does not get enough sunlight in order to dry out before the next soaking. Eventually the moisture begins to rot the wood which is obviously bad news for your timber fence. The use of heat treated timber will help combat this threat to your fence and you can take it step further by having a coat of water sealer applied before the wet/cold season hits.
Just like the timber used to make your fence, the soil beneath is prone to fluctuation in temperatures which leads to it expanding and contracting. As this happens the soil can start to drift and this threatens the foundation of your timber fence. If you notice bumps or sections of loose soil around your fence it is advised that you contact a professional fencing contractor in order to have an assessment carried out.
Cold weather is seasonal across South-East Queensland so you don’t need to plan your fence around surviving it. Having said that, there are a few fencing materials that stand up better to the cold and fluctuating temperatures when compared to timber. The first would be Colorbond which is a tried and true fencing solution for those wanting something that will probably be standing longer than they are.
Another option is aluminium which, like Colorbond, is coated to prevent the effects of wet and cold weather. It also does not warp which makes it perfect for areas that experience dramatic shifts in temperature during the colder months. Another great option is chain link fencing which can withstand high winds as well as being almost impervious to cold and wet weather provided the right material is used for the fasteners.
Your fence is an investment just like the rest of your property so making sure to get it right makes sense. All of the timber we use is treated to help it withstand the elements it will be exposed to in South-East Queensland. Our approach to quality labour during the installation process means the foundation of your fence will be protected against shifting soil and we will always take these aspects into consideration when providing any advice about your fencing options.
To talk with a fencing consultant about what fence is right for your needs give Northside Fencing a call on (07) 3491 4100. You can also head on over to our contact page to touch base with us online.