Moisture is Not Your Fence's Friend
February 24, 2025
Excess moisture can prematurely decay your fence
Excess moisture is a sneaky enemy. It weakens your fence's structure and leads to expensive repairs. These costs can drain your wallet, just like a leaky faucet. Picture a strong wooden fence that is now splintered and sagging. It looks like an old face marked by time and weather, much like a book left out in the rain.
In areas with heavy rain, like the Pacific Northwest and Southeast, untreated fences can rot. This leads to costly repairs, much like an unexpected guest showing up at your door. In Lake Charles, Louisiana, this is even more true. The skies often weep, which leaves our fences battered and bruised.
History has shown us the devastating consequences of moisture damage in vivid Technicolor. Hurricane Katrina's storm surges in 2005 displaced thousands. Homes and fences were destroyed. In 1993, floods in the Midwest, caused by heavy rains and poor drainage, devastated communities. Families were left searching for shelter, like shipwrecked sailors clinging to debris.
Who can forget the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927? Overflowing waters caused millions in damages. They uprooted countless lives and left destruction behind, like a graveyard for broken dreams. These stories highlight the urgent need to protect our fences from moisture. It's like fighting off a swarm of hungry locusts.
Moisture seeps into wood, making the fibers swell. This is like an animal puffing up to defend itself. As the wood expands, it can warp and crack. These changes weaken the fence, like a thief stealing a prized treasure. This damage is like a slow cancer. It eats away at the structure from the inside, just like termites quietly destroy a house's foundation. Our fence company deals with this type of damage a lot.
In humid climates, extra moisture can quickly ruin your fence. It builds up like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining size and speed without control. By the time you notice the deterioration, it could be too late, leaving you drowning in repair bills like a sailor lost at sea.
That's why safeguarding your fence from moisture is non-negotiable, a matter of life and death. A waterproof sealant or stain acts like armor. It keeps water out and reduces damage risks, just as a knight wears a helmet and shield before battle.
Apply it once a year or every six months. This keeps your system protected, just like changing your car's oil helps it run well. It's as simple as putting on sunscreen before sunbathing to avoid sunburn. This habit quickly becomes second nature.
Think of this as a flu shot for your fence. It protects against weather damage and keeps it strong for years, like a loyal guard against intruders. Good drainage is equally vital, as crucial as having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen to douse unexpected blazes.
Installing a French drain or reshaping your yard helps water flow away from the fence. This prevents pooling that can cause problems, just like a levee stops a rising river. In rainy areas, the French drain protects your home. It works like an archer guarding castle walls.
Opting for hardy materials like cedar or redwood delivers an added layer of defense, as if calling in the cavalry to reinforce the front lines. These strong woods have natural oils that keep out moisture and pests. They act like a superhero cape for your fence, protecting it from damage.
Cedar has thujaplicin, which protects against insects and water. This makes it ideal for humid climates, where the air feels thick with moisture, like in a sauna. Regular inspections help you find problems early. It’s like a doctor spotting an issue before it gets worse or a detective finding clues at a crime scene.
By taking these steps, your fence can last for years. It will show its strength and your care. It will be as sturdy as an oak tree against the winds of change. Let our fence company, Fence Pro Lake Charles, help you prepare your fence for the moisture and humidity of this region.
You might also like
Ah, the infamous sagging wood gate—a charming quirk of Lake Charles living. When nature's finest material meets the test of time, it seeks its own path. Trees shed their age like leaves, leading to drying, cracking, and the occasional rogue rot. Therefore, wooden gates can’t cling to perfection forever. But fear not! We've got some savvy tips to help keep your gate standing proud for years. Too Much Weight: A hefty gate can weigh you down—in more ways than one. If the gate leaf is larger than 5 feet, it risks drooping. At Fence Pro Lake Charles, we won’t install a single gate leaf beyond that width unless it boasts extra support, such as a sturdy wheel. Some woods are just too dense for large gates. That's where cedar enters the scene, light as a whisper and tough as nails. It's our go-to choice for gate craftsmanship—be it wholly or in parts. Pressure-treated wood can be heavy, but cedar is the light champion. It’s perfect for privacy fences. Want to know why cedar reigns supreme? Dive deeper here. Age : Time is the great equalizer, and wood is no exception. It will inevitably crack, twist, and age with elegance (or not), which can complicate gate operations. Gates have a busy life, swinging open and shut, bearing the brunt of life’s daily hustle. They take on more stress than their fence partners. So, you might need to replace them before the rest of your fence is ready to retire. Weather: Oh, the whimsical dance of the weather! Wood thrives on moisture but can swell like a sponge under rainy skies, transforming your gate into a stubborn sentry. When the clouds open, you might find your gate becoming an unwelcome puzzle. Never fear, however—it will regain its poise after a good drying spell. Keep a handy helper, like a bungee cord, for those times when your gate plays hard to get, especially when furry friends are at stake. How we can help: Your gate is the heartbeat of your fence, pivotal for everyday operations. If you’re grappling with gates that groan under age or sag like an old hammock, Fence Pro Lake Charles can swoop in to replace just the gates and posts. It’s an economical way to breathe new life into your fence, without a complete overhaul. We know the ground has its way of settling, and we’re here to spring into action when misalignment strikes. Need an adjustment? Call us today, and let the experts assist you!
Wrought iron: a term that means “worked iron," originating from old English. To create this marvel, raw iron undergoes transformation through smelting and oxidation. Here, pesky carbon and other impurities bid adieu. The resulting iron—pure and refined—gets hammered, cooled, and shaped into slender bars, ready for artistic feats. Blacksmiths, with the patience of poets, heat and shape each curve and detail. The pieces intertwined via welding, crafting intricate fence panels and majestic gates. History of Wrought Iron Fencing For millennia, iron has shaped tools and weapons, bending to humanity’s will. The medieval era saw wrought iron change. It now decorates protective gates and adds flair to grand castles. Skilled ironworkers crossed the Atlantic in colonial times. They brought the secrets of wrought iron with them. By the 1800s, wrought iron surged, yet its production remains labor-intensive. So, this treasure turned into a symbol of wealth, especially in the South, where elegance thrived. Advantages of Wrought Iron Fences Wrought iron fencing stands in a league of its own. Each piece a handcrafted masterpiece, elusive to factory production. Its strength and durability are unmatched, ensuring beauty and resilience. Disadvantages of Wrought Iron Fences Yet, as time marches on, wrought iron succumbs to rust, corroding, flaking, and fading. Its luxurious luster comes at a cost—remains a pricey indulgence today. Finding skilled craftsmen for true wrought iron is increasingly rare, even for those with deep pockets. Installation? A task fit for a knight! Wrought iron’s hefty weight makes it challenging to manage. Each section requires precise welding on-site, achieving a flawless fit. The reward? A stunning fence or railing to last decades, but labor and costs can spiral. Modern Iron Fences Handcrafted iron may be dwindling, but modern alternatives have emerged. Today’s iron fencing often blends several materials, not just pure iron. This contemporary approach boasts rust and corrosion resistance, outlasting its storied predecessor. Iron now meets security needs. Designs are simpler and mimic aluminum's sleek look. They also keep the strength of welded iron. The Newest Alternative If you seek a wrought iron look, aluminum is your best bet! Lightweight, budget-friendly, and a cinch to install, aluminum shines for residential fencing. While more streamlined than its antique counterpart, intricate designs still abound. Plus, various grades—residential, commercial, industrial—offer different strengths. Fence Pro Lake Charles can help you with your new metal fencing today! Get in touch and let us know how we can create the fence of your dreams!
Insects can be the ultimate destroyers of wood fences, especially in warm, humid climates like Louisiana. Imagine this: on a sunny summer afternoon, your stunning wood fence, once a proud addition to your property, begins to crumble. You're left scratching your head, wondering when everything went wrong. Fortunately, this heart-wrenching scenario is avoidable with the right knowledge and materials. At Lake Charles' premiere fence company, Fence Pro Lake Charles , our wood fences boast insect resistance. But remember, insect-resistant doesn't mean insect-proof. Even the mightiest woods can succumb to these minute marauders. Here in Louisiana, our insects are plentiful and determined, with the perfect breeding ground in our warm, humid climate. The Insect Suspects: Unmasking the Culprits Meet the termites, silent assassins that feast on your fence posts. They're attracted to cellulose, the wood's core, creating intricate tunnels as they munch away. This crafty, slow destruction gradually weakens your fence. And when you least expect it, it strikes! Picture a termite infestation in Louisiana costing you upwards of $3,000 in damages. That's a financial burden you never saw coming! Then we have the carpenter ants, sneaky invaders burrowing into your fence posts. While they might not snack on the wood directly, their tunnels pave the way for structural disaster. Water slips in, gradually weakening your fence—a ticking time bomb ready to collapse. Their handiwork can turn sturdy posts brittle and frail, leaving your property vulnerable. For instance, the Formosan termite, a common Louisiana pest, can eat through a fence post in just a few months! Let's not forget the carpenter bees, the noisy troublemakers that drill holes into your wooden walls. Their handiwork allows moisture to seep into fence posts, causing decay over time. It's like witnessing a slow-motion train wreck, and you're utterly powerless. Picture a post that’s soaked from constant moisture. Now, imagine it cracking in a strong wind. This shows how much damage these insects can cause. In Louisiana, carpenter bees are a common problem, especially during the spring and summer months. Cedar Wood: Nature's Powerful Insect Repellent Cedar is the superhero of the wood world, armed with natural insect resistance honed over centuries. Its aromatic oils not only prolong its life but also serve as a shield against pesky invaders. Used by ancient Egyptians for their temples, cedar remains a testament to durability. Their enduring structures highlight the wood's ability to withstand the test of time. In fact, the ancient Egyptians believed cedar had sacred properties, which is why they used it to build their majestic temples. Pressure-Treated Wood: The Enhanced Defender Enter pressure-treated pine, the sturdy champion of fencing. This quick-growing wood, fortified by treatment processes, enhances stability for years. The chemicals act as a vigilant bodyguard, warding off pests, mold, and rot. It's like having a trusty protector guarding your fence against nature's onslaught. Our pressure-treated pine fences use copper azole. This chemical keeps insects away and stops fungal growth. The Insect Repellent vs. Insect Proof Myth: Separating Fact from Fiction We can supply wood products that repel insects, but let's keep it real—no wood is entirely insect-proof. Over time, even cedar and pressure-treated woods surrender their protective prowess. Age brings vulnerability, as hungry pests prepare for attack. It's like the wood wears a thin armor that eventually wears away, leaving it exposed to predators. This truth highlights the essential need for maintenance! Regular inspections and treatments can prolong the life of your fence, keeping those pesky insects at bay. Insect-Resistant Treatment Options: A World of Choices Numerous products can help repel insects effectively. Regular stains and sealants aid, while special additives combat direct insect invasions. Whether you lean toward chemicals or natural options, the choices are vast. From wood oils to eco-friendly sprays, the possibilities are practically endless. For instance, eco-friendly borate-based products can create a protective barrier. This broad array of treatments showcases our ongoing battle against these tiny foes. At Fence Pro Lake Charles, we recommend our signature cedar oil treatment, proven to repel insects naturally. Better Options for the Insect-Wary: Choosing the Right Fence for You For those wary of bugs, consider vinyl, aluminum, composite, or chain link fences. Each offers a stylish range from modern to classic. We guarantee you'll discover the ideal insect-resistant fence. This will free you from worries about wood-loving pests. Imagine having a breathtaking fence that stands the test of time, free from the anxiety of insect damage. With these options, you'll enjoy peace of mind, knowing your fence withstands the relentless onslaught of insects. Plus, our fence company's team of experts can help you choose the perfect fence for your style and budget.