Can snow and ice damage your timber garden gates?

11th Dec 2024 Rural wooden fence covered with freshly fallen snow.

When it comes to winter-proofing your garden, the first thing most people think of is garden fencing. While this is true, your garden gates can also take quite a beating from the elements during the colder months! The combination of frigid temperatures and the wild weather changes we see here up North, especially, can lead to issues like moisture damage, cracking, and alignment problems.

So, can snow and ice damage your timber garden gates? The answer is yes, they can. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to replace your garden gate every year. With a little TLC, you can keep it looking great and functioning properly throughout the winter months and for years beyond. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the potential damage that winter weather can cause and how you can protect your gate this season.

Moisture damage from snow and ice

Snow and ice can create a few problems for timber garden gates by introducing excess moisture. In small doses this is fine, but if your gates are not properly protected, it can be harmful over time. When snow builds up on your gate and melts, the wood can absorb the moisture, causing it to swell. When the temperature drops and the moisture refreezes, it expands inside the wood, which can potentially lead to cracks, warping, and even splitting. Plus, it can stop your gate from fitting flush against the posts, making it impossible to close properly. This damage can affect your gate’s functionality and significantly reduce its lifespan. The repeated cycle of freezing and thawing only worsens these issues.

Sealing your gate is the best thing to do to stop moisture from getting deep into the wood. It’s best to apply a weather-resistant sealant in the spring, late summer, or early autumn when the weather is still mild and dry. At these times, the sealant can bond properly with the wood, creating a protective barrier against moisture that essentially seals all the microscopic holes in the wood that water would seep into. This helps prevent the wood from absorbing excessive water, reducing the risk of swelling, warping, and cracking.

The freezing and thawing of the ground

The ground around your garden gate can also be affected by freezing and thawing cycles, which can potentially affect your gate’s stability. When the ground freezes, it can cause the posts of your timber gate to shift, leading to misalignment or even structural damage. And, as the ground thaws, it may not settle back evenly. This shifting puts pressure on the hinges and other hardware, potentially causing them to loosen or fail, making the gate difficult to open and close as needed. To prevent this, it’s best to install fence and gate posts in concrete securely and anchor them firmly in place, whatever the weather. If your gate becomes misaligned due to the ground shifting, it’s important to realign it as soon as you notice it before the damage worsens.

Rusty and stuff hardware

The hardware on your timber gate (like your hinges, locks, and bolts) can also really take a thrashing during winter. Snow, ice, and all that extra moisture can cause the metal to rust or corrode, which can make your gate stiff and tough to use. Over time, rust can weaken the metal to the point where it starts breaking down entirely. This can be especially frustrating if your gate gets a lot of use, as corroded hardware can stop it from closing or locking properly.

To keep everything secure and in good working order, it’s worth giving your gate’s hardware a regular once-over. Keep an eye out for any signs of rust or corrosion, and if you spot something, take the time to clean it up and add lubricant to keep things moving smoothly. Swapping out old hardware for weatherproof options made for outdoor use is also a great idea.

If you’re looking for a reliable garden gate to keep your outdoor space secure this winter, you’re in the right place! Our friendly team at Monton Fencing is ready to help. We’re a family-run fencing business with over 30 years of experience providing customers with sturdy garden gates. If you have any questions about any of our gates or even our timber fencing, get in touch with us today at 0161 788 78 38 or drop by our show yard in Eccles for a chat and to see our gates for yourself!

 

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