Building a fence may seem like a mild weather project, but experts in wood, vinyl, and aluminum fencing list several advantages to building your fence in the winter instead, starting with the fact there is significantly less demand for their services.
Homeowners seeking advice and installation of fencing for their yards come out in droves in the spring anticipating warm weather and opportunities to spruce up outdoor space. Fencing companies label spring and summer their busiest seasons, with work tapering off as weather cools in late fall. That makes the cold months ideal for getting your fence project done without the wait you may experience in the spring or summer.
But there are other advantages as well.
- Your yard and scaping will experience less disruption from the installation process because the ground is more firm and grass is dormant.
- Shrubs and perennials that need to be moved to allow for fence installation do much better when transplanted during cold weather.
- Your fence project is complete in the early spring, the ideal time to plant new shrubs and perennials to spruce up landscaping.
- You may get a discounted price on your fence project when you schedule it during the off season.
What you need to know
Freezing temperatures do present some challenges for fence building and fences in general. If you want to install your fence yourself, warmer temperatures and softer ground would be best. Professional builders use heavy duty equipment, such as a jack hammer or auger, to dig the post holes and frequently need to use additives to keep concrete from setting up too quickly.
It also helps to understand your options for fencing materials, especially if you have never owned a fence. Wood has been a mainstay for fencing, providing a natural look, privacy when desired and timeless beauty. But wood fences require maintenance to weather cold temperatures, rain, and snow, including wood treatment and sealers.
Vinyl fencing continues to grow in popularity because it needs virtually no maintenance. It also is now available in a variety of styles, colors, and textures that allow you to customize and get a wood look if you want. It does demand some attention, however, in regards to shoveling or blowing snow, since the vinyl can become brittle in the cold temperatures and crack under pressure.
Whether you choose wood or vinyl, for winter fence installation, hiring a professional, such as Thomas Fence, is the best decision you can make. The key is getting your installation work done before the ground freezes and temperatures become too cold for the materials and installers. The only real obstacles to winter installation are temperatures below 25 degrees and a significant amount of snow on the ground. Your technicians need to be able to see the ground to accurately install posts, so the ground must be relatively clear of snow.
If you are interested in fence installation this winter, contact Thomas Fence for an appointment or click here for additional information about Thomas Fence’s products and services.