Professional fencing companies are able to install a new timber fence at anytime throughout the year but for the DIY-er, there can be times when it will be easier than others.
Weather conditions to avoid when installing a new timber fence?
- It’s generally better to avoid extreme weather conditions, for example digging frozen ground can be hard work without specialist digging equipment. Using household tools on frozen ground will not only take a lot longer but can cause injury too.
- Heavy or persistent rain may result in post holes filling with water which will impact the strength and integrity of the timber posts, and it is much harder to dig holes in mud! Also, wet, muddy soil could result in your posts being much less stable when cemented into the ground.
- Avoid installing a new fence in the middle of a heatwave! Using pressure treated timber fencing will give some protection against moisture and humidity but extreme heat may cause the timber to split or warp and it is vital to treat the timber with a quality product like the Protek range of wood treatments to reduce the risk of this happening. Applying a protective wood stain will also prevent heat discolouration.
Best weather conditions for installing a timber fence
Ideal conditions for installing a new timber fence are dry and mild which is why the DIY-er will usually opt for spring and summer. Unfortunately in the UK, weather is unpredictable, and dry, mild weather can occur throughout the year, and often in the May-September period, making the spring and summer seem the best time to install a fence. However, there are merits to installing a fence at other times.
Installing a timber fence in autumn or winter
- By the time we get to autumn and winter, much of our gardens and landscaping has become dormant, allowing disruptive work like fence installation to take place with the minimum of disturbance and damage to plants and shrubs. Where shrubs need to be cut back to accommodate a fence, this can be carried out without any long lasting damage when it is dormant.
- If a new fence is installed later in the year, by the time spring rolls round, you will be able to enjoy your garden straightaway. Relaxing in your garden or tending the beds can be done immediately, without having to wait for the fence to be completed, giving you maximum time outside, doing what you want.
- Fencing contractors may be fully booked, with long waiting lists of clients wanting spring and summer installations, so picking autumn and winter may help you to beat the rush and get the job done more quickly.
- With snow being more likely later in the year, it’s worth noting that some fence types, like post and rail fencing can be installed with snow on the ground. For fencing with timber fence panels, although snow will not affect installation, it must be cleared from the ground where the panels will sit before installation.
Having chosen your new timber fencing, the best time for installation depends on personal circumstances and preference. If using a professional fencing contractor, any time of the year can be suitable, but when installing your own fence, it may be wiser to avoid those periods where extreme conditions could adversely affect the installation.
Our extensive timber fencing department contains everything you or your contractor will need to install the perfect fence, and our expert sales team is always on hand to help and advise. Simply call us on 01205 359188 or email your enquiry to sales@withamtimber.co.uk