Some cracks are natural in wood fencing, but many large splits and cracks can negatively affect your fence’s structural integrity.
If wood fencing is installed on your property, you naturally watch out for insect infestations or rot damage. But, a more prevalent problem is also worth preventing: cracking. Some cracks are natural in wood fencing, but many large splits and cracks can negatively affect your fence’s structural integrity. The following factors might be the cause of your wood fence cracking and how to prevent them.
How Does Wood Fencing Cracks Occur?
Checks are the most prevalent type of cracks found in wood. Checking naturally happens in seasoning, which occurs when the wood dries after being chopped. Checks develop when the inside of the wood dries more slowly than the outer surface. After a wood fencing installation, you might discover checking during the first several weeks of your fence’s lifespan. However, this process might not occur until summer when the hot sun dries out your fence.
After several weeks, the fence should stop cracking. These minor imperfections shouldn’t impact your fence’s structural integrity, but if they continue to grow, you might have a problem.
Prevent Fence Cracks
It’s you want to avoid checks altogether, you can use seasoned wood. Sealants that moisturize the wood’s surface can help it dry more evenly during initial seasoning and as the fence experiences changing weather. Moreover, cracks can occur due to the pressure on the wood, despite the causes of the pressure.
The best way to prevent excessive cracks from forming is to select a high-grade wood to ensure that your fence installation is completed correctly. Thinner wood will likely crack, indicating that panels are more prone than posts.
Receive a Quality Fence Installation
Your fence installation’s quality will also help you avoid fence cracks and splits. Screws are a secure method of installing fence boards than nails because nails are more likely to trigger splitting problems, mainly if done incorrectly. It’s ideal to pre-drill holes before inserting the screws or nails because forcing the screws or nails into the wood can cause cracks.
Consider a New Fence
You can prevent many problems by properly caring for and maintaining your wood fencing. However, cracking in wood fencing often has to do with wood selection and installation, unlike what you do after your fence installation. It’s best to replace your fence board with a fresh one if it’s severely warped or cracked. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia can complete your wood fence installation with the best materials and methods to ensure durability. Check our previous fencing work!
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs!
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you are excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well-equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
