Is your wood fence swelling and shrinking? Depending on the environmental conditions, your wood fence probably undergoes water absorption and loss several times per day. That’s a natural occurrence for wood, but it also causes swelling and shrinking. That, in turn, can lead to rotting, twisting, warping and other unsightly damage. Here’s how to avoid the problem and keep up on your wood fence maintenance in Carlsbad, NM.

Why wood swells, shrinks and warps

Wood is a porous natural material that is particularly sensitive to moisture. Even when it’s not raining, it will absorb the humidity in the air. Wood with high moisture content will swell as it absorbs water, then shrink as it dries. This can be affected by several factors. First, thicker pieces of wood take a longer time to absorb water or draw out. Temperature matters, too—warmer weather dries wood faster. If the wood is coated with paint, stain or a sealant, it will resist water. That means it takes longer to absorb moisture or dry out.

Which wood is least likely to swell and shrink?

The type of wood you choose will affect how much swelling and shrinking your wooden fence undergoes. Fir, cedar and redwood are all excellent choices. Fir is particularly stable once it’s cured, so you’ll probably never see shrinking or swelling. Cedar is incredibly dense, so it’s naturally resistant to swelling and shrinking. Finally, redwood has a natural chemical that prevents shrinking and swelling. It also has a straight grain that makes it a great choice for outdoor use.

How to prevent swelling and shrinking

Here are some tips to avoid the most common issues with wood fences:

• Choose the right wood: Choosing one of the water-resistant woods listed above will go a long way toward ensuring your fence stays flat and attractive longer. While wood fences are available in many different varieties, ask your fence contractor which wood they recommend for your particular climate
• Seal, paint or stain: You’ll need to apply a protective coating to keep your fence looking great. Pick a sealant with a mildewcide, water repellent and UV protection additive. This will keep your wood fence from absorbing water, swelling and then shrinking when it dries out. Reapply the sealant every year to maximize your fence’s lifespan.
• Keep up with maintenance: Make sure that you wash and seal your fence regularly to prevent damage. If you notice rotting, warping or otherwise damaged fence pieces, replace them as soon as possible to keep the damage from spreading.
• Keep away from water: Finally, keep your fence away from water as much as possible. Make sure your property drains well after rainstorms, and keep your sprinklers pointed away from the fence.

With regular wood fence maintenance in Carlsbad, NM, your fence will look great for years to come. Now that you know how swelling and shrinking affects wood, and how to avoid it, you’ll be able to enjoy your wood fence longer.

Need a new wood fence? Call Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC today to arrange a consultation.