How To Keep Horizontal Fence Boards From Warping on Your Milwaukee Yard
Wood fences with horizontal boards create a unique aesthetic that instantly elevates any property. Despite their timeless look, wooden boards tend to warp over time, impacting your fence’s structural integrity.
You’re in luck if you’re wondering how to keep horizontal fence boards from warping. Yutka Fence is the go-to fence company in Milwaukee, so the team knows what it takes to keep fencing looking its best for longer. Here, Yutka Fence professionals explain why your horizontal boards are warping and what you can do about it.
Why Is Your Fence Board Warping in the First Place?
Before looking for solutions, you need to understand what’s causing the problem. When it comes to warping fence boards, the main issue is water retention in wood.
Although wood is durable, it can absorb and release water, which makes it expand and contract. As the air’s moisture levels fluctuate, so does your fence board’s shape, resulting in warping, bowing, and other issues.
Keep Your Fence Boards From Warping With These Steps
When your wood fence boards start warping, it’s generally best to just replace them. However, it is possible to prevent warping and avoid the hassle altogether.
Keep reading if you’re ready to learn how to keep horizontal fence boards from warping.
Seal Your Fence Boards To Protect Them From Moisture and Milwaukee’s UV Rays
One of the best ways to prevent warping is to increase your wood fence’s water resistance, which you can do by sealing the fence.
Applying a quality sealant does more than protect your fence from moisture. It can also boost UV resistance, which further strengthens your wooden fence. Remember that for best results, you should re-seal your fence every two to three years.
If you recently installed your fence, wait a month or two before applying any sealant.
Use Water-Resistant Fence Boards for Your Wood Fence
If you haven’t installed your fence yet and want to be proactive about warping problems, consider the type of wood you will use. Milwaukee fences can use several types of wood, each with different moisture resistance levels. For example, cedar, fir, and redwood are the best options for moisture-resistant fences.
Pressure Treat and Season Your Wood Fence Boards
Knowing how to keep horizontal fence boards from warping may include pressure treating and seasoning the wood. Even if you don’t opt for cedar, fir, or redwood, such techniques can provide strength and resilience while adding a clean aesthetic to your property. Here’s what these processes entail:
- Pressure-treated wood: Pressure-treating wood involves adding chemicals to strengthen it and make it more pest-resistant.
- Seasoned wood: Seasoning the wood involves drying it out, which is typically a six-month process.
You should pressure treat or season the wood for your fence before installation.
Use the Right Construction Techniques
Learning to keep horizontal fence boards from warping requires you to think about more than just the material. Improperly constructed fences are prone to more issues, and that includes warping. To properly install horizontal fence boards and prevent splitting, professionals should use ring shank nails or screws instead of smooth shank nails.
Properly Store Any Extra Fence Boards
If you have extra boards after installing your fence, you must store them properly. Storing these extra boards in the proper type of storage can protect their structural integrity so they’re ready to use when needed.
For the best moisture protection, store your boards by stacking them with the heaviest ones on top. You should also cover your stack with a tarp to protect them from rainwater and other outdoor elements.
Reach Out to Milwaukee’s Fencing Experts at Yutka Fence Today
Walking out into your yard and seeing a warping fence is never fun. Thankfully, you have several ways to prevent this problem and protect your fence’s structure and overall look. If you’re ready to install a durable fence or want help exploring your options, contact the experts at Yutka Fence.
From high-end privacy fences to stunning pool fences, the Yutka Fence team does it all. With free estimates and year-round installation services, they make it easy for you to get the fence you need without the hassle.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the benefits of choosing an aluminum fence for your home or want to learn how to keep horizontal fence boards from warping, the professionals at Yutka Fence are ready to help. Contact the team today to learn more about how to get the perfect fence for your Milwaukee yard.