Spring
Spring: check after the thaw.
Freeze-thaw cycles are hardest on posts. Once the snow melts, walk your fence line and look for anything that shifted over the winter.
- PostsLook for leaning or loose posts and heaved concrete.
- HardwareTighten hinges, latches and loose screws or brackets.
- VinylWash with mild soap and water to remove winter grime.
- GatesCheck that gates still close and latch without dragging.
Summer
Summer: protect from the sun.
Utah's high-altitude sun and dry air are hard on wood. Dry summer weather is the best time to stain and seal cedar, which most fences need every two to three years.
Point sprinklers away from the fence. Constant spray, especially with Utah's hard water, stains wood and vinyl and speeds up rot at the bottom of wood fences.
Fall
Fall: get ready for winter.
Clear leaves and debris from the fence line, trim back plants and vines that hold moisture against the fence, and have any automatic gate checked before snow season.
- Gate operatorsTest safety sensors, remotes and keypads, and replace backup batteries.
- Slide gate tracksClear tracks and rollers so they're ready for snow and ice.
- Hinges and latchesLubricate moving parts so they don't stick in the cold.
Winter
Winter: snow and salt.
Don't pile shoveled or plowed snow against the fence. The extra weight and moisture can push panels over and rot wood. Keep swing gate paths clear so gates can open without straining the operator.
Ice melt salt is hard on metal fences and gate hardware. Rinse off salt spray when you can, and touch up chips in powder coat before rust can start.
Automatic gates
Keep automatic gates running smoothly.
Test the safety sensors regularly by starting the gate and breaking the beam; it should stop or reverse. Keep photo eyes clean, and have the operator serviced once a year so small problems don't turn into a stuck gate.
Keep reading
Related pages.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Don't see your question? Send it with your estimate request and we'll get back to you.
How often should I stain a cedar fence in Utah?
Usually every two to three years. Utah's sun and dry air fade and dry out wood faster than wetter climates, so regular sealing keeps cedar from graying and cracking.
How do I clean a vinyl fence?
Mild soap, water and a soft brush or sponge work for most dirt. Avoid harsh abrasives and high-pressure blasting that can scratch the surface.
Why is my fence leaning after winter?
Freeze-thaw can heave posts that weren't set deep enough, and snow piled against the fence adds weight. A leaning fence usually needs the affected posts reset.
How often should an automatic gate be serviced?
At least once a year, plus regular safety sensor tests. A yearly service catches worn parts before they cause a breakdown.
Does ice melt damage metal fences?
Salt can speed up rust on steel and wear on hardware. Rinsing off salt and touching up chips in the finish keeps metal fences and gates in good shape.
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