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.
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