Harsh weather during winter can lead to damage to external surfaces and materials such as your timber driveway or garden gates.
The combination of cold, rain, snow and hail can lead to your gates becoming damaged, stained or marked. Luckily, BK Timber has put together some handy tips to help keep them looking like brand new.
It is crucial to understand the sorts of damage that can happen during winter as it will help you prepare in advance and protect your wooden gates.
Sometimes the damage can be just cosmetic, although there are occasions the structure can compromise and lead to a lower lifespan. Here are some telltale signs to look out for –
1. Discolouration – Because of rain and other bad weather, gates can sometimes become discoloured during the winter months.
2. Cracked Wood – When wood is extremely damp and then dries the surface can become cracked and worn which hurt’s their appearance.
3. Fungus – One of the biggest threats to timber gates in winter is the risk of fungal growth. If left untreated, domestic wooden gates can experience fungal growths which will harm your wood’s integrity.
4. Spongy Wood – Gates can also become soft and spongy, which makes it easier to suffer from wear and tear when just being generally used.
In the next section, we are going to share advice on how you can protect your gates from these pitfalls.
Check the Gate’s Condition and Fix Existing Damage – Ensure you have thoroughly checked the state of your gate before winter kicks in. Make sure the posts are fully secured and replace if required. Check for softwood, rot and insect damage in case your gate has already been damaged. Remember, these issues will only get worse if not attended to before winter.
Clear Ice and Snow Buildups – If ice and snow rest on the surface of your gates they will end up becoming spongy, discoloured and cracked. During the winter it is a good idea to clear off any ice or snow repeatedly, especially after a storm or snowfall.
Protect the Wood – The best kind of protection you can give your wooden gates is to give it another layer to resist the elements. Using a high-quality preservative will defend your gates from decay, mould and fungi throughout the winter. Knowing the best treatment will largely depend on what sort of gate you have and the type of timber used.
If you are unsure which preservative is best, ask one of our team at BK Timber who will be able to give you some recommendations.
If you have any questions about protecting your timber gates this winter, please do not hesitate to contact BK Timber today.
We are Staffordshire and Cheshire’s leading supplier of garden and driveway gates.
