Types of Fences Ideal for the Canadian Winter

Whether it’s time to replace your fence or install one for the first time, Canadian winters can be pretty frustrating to deal with if you don’t use resilient, high-quality materials. The Ideal Fence team has plenty of experience in this area, and we’ve come up with a list of fence types that are capable of withstanding driving rain, sleet, wicked snowstorms, ice buildup and more! Let’s take a look:

Wrought Iron

Looking for a fencing solution that’s beautiful and winter-proof? There’s a reason wrought iron fences are so popular aside from their elegant looks — they’re ultra-practical! Strong, rigid, and durable, this material can withstand many years of wintry abuse and still look like new. In addition, maintenance is minimal, and you can expect it to remain strong for much longer than some other fence types, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and moisture in general. Plus, wrought iron fences look stunning in the snow and can raise the value of your property due to their aesthetics alone!

Aluminum

Aluminum fencing is affordable, easy to maintain, and reliable enough to handle many a frigid winter in Eastern Ontario. With their anti-rust capabilities and cost-effectiveness, they can be an excellent solution for a quick, budget-friendly fencing fix before the snow hits. As long as the materials are of higher quality and it is installed by a professional, there’s no reason an aluminum fence can’t remain in great shape for several years.  

PVC Vinyl

PVC vinyl fencing products we offer at Ideal Fence, are perfect for facing even the fiercest of winter storms. Extremely strong and durable, it is built from materials that are easy to keep clean and maintain. Many residential and commercial customers of ours choose PVC vinyl fencing for their latest projects because of its ability to stay strong, secure, and stylish. Available in many colours and designs, they can be made to be more visible to passing cars during near-whiteout conditions.

Vinyl Coated Chain Link Mesh

Want a fencing solution that allows the wind to pass through yet still is highly durable? A vinyl-coated chain link mesh fence is a great option. Steel is extremely strong if appropriately treated, capable of withstanding intense cold, wind, and ice buildup without sacrificing structural integrity. It’s also easy to keep clean and maintain, and with a vinyl coated chain link mesh fence, you still get ample security as well as winter resistance.

Now that you know about the best fencing for cold climates, let’s take a look at how you can help your fence last through our winter season.

Trim Away Any Overhanging Branches

Any precarious tree branches that hang over your fence should be trimmed back. Once the snow and ice arrive, they can place a lot of additional weight on those branches, increasing the risk of them snapping and damaging your fence. Eliminate the risk by cutting them prior to the winter weather arriving.

Avoid Piling Leaves Near Fence

Though it might make sense to create piles of leaves to nourish the soil as they decompose in your yard, piling them near your fence can end up attracting and trapping in moisture. This can lead to warped, rotted, or rusted fence posts, and it can also attract insects. If you want to recycle the leaves, use a lawn mower to mulch them up to sprinkle evenly across your yard rather than creating large, heavy piles.

Avoid Piling up the Snow

The same thing applies to snow. When snow piles up next to the fence, it increases the chance of damage. The weight from the snow can cause the fence to lean and shift, and the moisture can also lead to issues with rot and rust during the spring season.

Put Yard Equipment Away

Storing any items on or up against the fence is another invitation of moisture damage. Whether it’s garden tools, pool equipment or other gear, tuck them away in the shed or garage.

Don’t Ignore or Delay Repairs

If you notice some minor damage to your fence in the spring, don’t ignore it. Delaying even those minor issues can make your fence more vulnerable in the long run. For example, if the fence is leaning and the posts have weakened or a section has wood rot, perform the repair or call a fence expert to deal with it. This can prevent minor issues from developing into serious and most costly problems in the future.

Give Your Fence a Good Cleaning

After each winter season, one good habit to get into to help your fence last as long as possible is simply giving it a basic cleaning with a pressure hose. You may need to use a little bit of detergent and bleach if there’s any mould or mildew on the fence.

If you need a fence that’s as winter-proof as possible for today and many years down the road, Ideal Fence has a solution fit for your budget and needs! Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality fencing products, materials and professional installation services.