Warping fence boards are an all-too-common problem for many homeowners! It can be an especially frustrating problem to have after investing in a beautiful wood fence. Before this happens to you again, read on to learn why fence boards tend to warp and how you can prevent it from occurring in the future.
What Causes Fence Boards to Warp?
Moisture is the culprit in the case of warpage. Even though wood is known for its incredible strength, it is also an extremely fibrous material that easily soaks up water. When wood absorbs water, it expands. As the wood dries, it shrinks. If a moist piece of lumber dries unevenly it creates stress, which causes the board to warp.
Wood fences that are newly installed often still have some moisture left in the lumber, especially if a fence is built using only AC2 pressure treated material. There is an initial dry time for a new fence (often a week to a couple of months depending on the lumber and the moisture content) that is needed before stain and sealer can be applied. It is possible for boards to warp during this dry time. An occurrence like this is unfortunate, but one of the reasons we recommend only cedar and other fence materials that have a lower initial moisture content.
If you have had your fence for a while and warping has just recently occurred, it is most likely that your boards have reabsorbed moisture and have dried unevenly.
How can you prevent your wood fence from reabsorbing moisture and most importantly, how can you prevent warping?
Keys to Protecting Your Fence From Warping
Seal your wood fence. This process requires time and expense, but it will save you a lot of frustration in the long run. Properly sealing your fence ensures that the wood is protected from absorbing moisture and being harmed by the sun’s rays. Remember that your fence is constantly exposed to the elements. If you want to keep it looking vibrant, give your fence a little TLC.
Please do some reading before sealing your fence for the first time. It is important that your fence is dry enough for the process to work, and you don’t want to do it twice! Test the moisture level of your fence and be sure to purchase a good quality sealant for your project.
Choose the right kind of wood. We are passionate about high quality materials and for good reason! Choosing a type of wood that resists moisture, repels insects, and isn’t likely to warp is worth the investment. Cedar and any hardwoods are fantastic material options due to their durability and strength.
Make sure your fence is installed correctly. A fence that is improperly installed is going to face some challenges. A wood fence needs to be solid and sturdy, and correctly fastened. A fence that has too much flexibility is more likely to warp.
