Garden DIY is pretty commonplace in the summertime. Anyone with an outdoor space is making the most of the warm days to mow the lawn, plant new flowers, or put up the shed they’ve wanted for years! It’s also the time of year when we get the most interest in our composite fencing, which isn’t a surprise. But what about winter? That’s something that our experts are often quizzed about here at North Valley Composites. So if you’re wondering “Can I still put up composite fencing in winter?”, here’s everything you need to know?
1. Can you install composite fencing in winter?
Let’s start by clearing this up first. Yes, you can install composite fencing in the colder months of the year. Many people actually prefer to wait until the winter to plan their new garden landscape and put up their fencing as there are fewer insects around, you’re not going to get as sweaty, and you can say goodbye to sunburns! However, it can’t be too cold, or it can lead to issues with the installation. For starters, it can make you clumsier and slower to react, which can make the entire job far more tricky – and more dangerous, should you drop a board.
2. How cold is too cold?
In general, you shouldn’t put up fencing in temperatures lower than 3 degrees C. If it does drop lower, the concrete or post mix you need to set won’t do so properly in 24 hours. You may also find the planking is too cold to bend and becomes brittle, making installation a lot more complicated. Luckily the English winter isn’t too chilly, and the weather can frequently stay around 5-10 degrees C, even at night.
3. Will freezing temperatures cause wood to rot?
If you’re worried about damaging the wood by putting it up during colder weather, you’ve probably thought about wood rot. With humid weather and freezing temperatures not an ideal mix for wood, you could see it begin to rot once it’s up. But, if you treat it before installing, you can prevent this. Once your fencing is up, it’s also vital to keep it clear of snow and fallen leaves.
4. Can you install fencing in the rain?
To be honest, we wouldn’t recommend installing fencing in the rain during the winter months. Not only will it be a lot more unpleasant and cold for you, but it also presents a lot of challenges. Digging the holes for fence posts can be trickier, and getting your wood soaked before it’s installed could lead to damage. If you can leave it for a dry day, do!
5. Can you install a fence in the snow?
Winter is one thing, but snow is an entirely different matter! There’s no doubt that snow makes installing a fence trickier, especially for panel fencing. If you’re determined to put the fences up regardless, be sure to clear the snow away from the area so you can see what you’re doing clearly.
Installing composite fencing in winter can definitely be done, but remember these considerations to ensure the job goes smoothly. And if you need materials to get your fencing up, we can help. We have an extensive range of fencing materials at North Valley Composites, from composite fence boards and panels to gate boards and fencing accessories. Take a browse through our collections or give us a call on 01282 677300, and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Your top 5 questions about installing composite fencing in winter
Garden DIY is pretty commonplace in the summertime. Anyone with an outdoor space is making the most of the warm days to mow the lawn, plant new flowers, or put up the shed they’ve wanted for years! It’s also the time of year when we get the most interest in our composite fencing, which isn’t a surprise. But what about winter? That’s something that our experts are often quizzed about here at North Valley Composites. So if you’re wondering “Can I still put up composite fencing in winter?”, here’s everything you need to know?
1. Can you install composite fencing in winter?
Let’s start by clearing this up first. Yes, you can install composite fencing in the colder months of the year. Many people actually prefer to wait until the winter to plan their new garden landscape and put up their fencing as there are fewer insects around, you’re not going to get as sweaty, and you can say goodbye to sunburns! However, it can’t be too cold, or it can lead to issues with the installation. For starters, it can make you clumsier and slower to react, which can make the entire job far more tricky – and more dangerous, should you drop a board.
2. How cold is too cold?
In general, you shouldn’t put up fencing in temperatures lower than 3 degrees C. If it does drop lower, the concrete or post mix you need to set won’t do so properly in 24 hours. You may also find the planking is too cold to bend and becomes brittle, making installation a lot more complicated. Luckily the English winter isn’t too chilly, and the weather can frequently stay around 5-10 degrees C, even at night.
3. Will freezing temperatures cause wood to rot?
If you’re worried about damaging the wood by putting it up during colder weather, you’ve probably thought about wood rot. With humid weather and freezing temperatures not an ideal mix for wood, you could see it begin to rot once it’s up. But, if you treat it before installing, you can prevent this. Once your fencing is up, it’s also vital to keep it clear of snow and fallen leaves.
4. Can you install fencing in the rain?
To be honest, we wouldn’t recommend installing fencing in the rain during the winter months. Not only will it be a lot more unpleasant and cold for you, but it also presents a lot of challenges. Digging the holes for fence posts can be trickier, and getting your wood soaked before it’s installed could lead to damage. If you can leave it for a dry day, do!
5. Can you install a fence in the snow?
Winter is one thing, but snow is an entirely different matter! There’s no doubt that snow makes installing a fence trickier, especially for panel fencing. If you’re determined to put the fences up regardless, be sure to clear the snow away from the area so you can see what you’re doing clearly.
Installing composite fencing in winter can definitely be done, but remember these considerations to ensure the job goes smoothly. And if you need materials to get your fencing up, we can help. We have an extensive range of fencing materials at North Valley Composites, from composite fence boards and panels to gate boards and fencing accessories. Take a browse through our collections or give us a call on 01282 677300, and we’ll be more than happy to help.