A fence does a lot for a property. It defines the space, gives privacy, and adds curb appeal when it’s cared for. But as the seasons change, the weather can take its toll. Boards loosen, posts shift, and paint fades. If you’ve been glancing at your yard, wondering when to fix it, this guide from Mr. Handyman breaks down what to look for each season and what to handle before problems spread. Keep reading to see how a little attention at the right time can save you from bigger repairs later.
Spring
When winter fades, your fence shows everything it endured. Start the season with a full walk-around. Look for loose nails, cracked boards, or signs of rot at the base where moisture lingers. Wood swells in cold, wet months and contracts as it dries. That movement can loosen hardware and create gaps. Tighten screws, reset nails, and replace damaged boards before spring rains move in. If your fence has paint or stain, check the surface. Flaking paint or gray wood means the protective finish has broken down. Use a stiff brush to remove loose paint, then clean the surface with a mild detergent and rinse. Once dry, apply a fresh coat of exterior paint or sealant. This step is easy to put off, but it’s the barrier that keeps moisture out and extends the life of the wood. Metal fences need a different kind of care. Salt and moisture from winter can leave behind rust. Scrub affected areas with a wire brush and coat them with rust-inhibiting primer and paint. Check your chain link fence for loose ties and make sure each post is firm. While you’re working, look at the soil along the base. Winter freezing and spring thawing can shift the ground and tilt posts. Use a level to see if they’re straight. If one leans, dig it out and reset it in gravel or fresh concrete. Doing this early prevents sagging panels or gates that no longer latch properly.
Summer
By the time summer arrives, your fence faces an entirely new challenge. Heat dries wood, UV rays bleach color, and humidity encourages mildew. The goal now is to keep your fence strong under constant exposure. Wash the fence first. Use a garden hose with a sprayer or a low-pressure washer. The idea is to remove pollen, dirt, and mildew that have built up through spring. Wait a couple of days for the fence to dry before sealing. Use a stain or clear coat that’s made for your type of fence and guards against sunlight. It slows down fading and cracking. On wooden gates, spray a little oil on the hinges and latches. Heat makes metal move, and when it dries out, those parts stick. If you hear squeaks or see the gate sagging, tighten the screws or square up the frame. Take a few minutes now so you don’t have to deal with bigger fixes later. Check the sprinklers while you’re at it. If they’re hitting the bottom of the fence, aim them lower or move them back. Wood can rot fast when it stays wet, even if it’s treated. For vinyl, walk the line and look for panels that are warped or faded. Wash it with mild soap and water, since strong cleaners can dull the finish. If you have metal fencing, check that the coating still covers the surface. When heat wears it down, oxidation speeds up. Summer is a good time for bigger repairs, since dry weather makes it easier to replace boards, reset posts, or rebuild sections. Summer gives the best window to complete repairs that need stable ground and steady weather.
Fall
As temperatures cool, think of fall as your fence’s checkup before winter returns. The goal is to tighten, seal, and secure everything that will face snow and wind. Start by clearing plants and vines. Many climbers look nice through summer, but they trap moisture and add weight that weakens posts. Trim them back or remove them before frost sets in. Rake away leaves piled at the base since trapped debris can hold water and rot the lower boards. Next, check each post for stability. Soil shifts during hot months and loosens the ground around posts. Wiggle each one and pack gravel or soil tightly around it. A loose post will worsen once the ground freezes. Reseal or repaint any exposed wood. Fall conditions are cool and dry, without intense sunlight. If you sealed in spring, this might be just a quick inspection, but if the finish looks thin, apply another coat. A single afternoon of sealing now can keep winter moisture from working into the grain. Lubricate hardware one more time. Hinges and latches can stiffen as cold air arrives. Check that gates close tightly. Tighten any screws or bolts you find so the panels stay steady in strong wind. After that, take another walk around the fence. Watch for loose panels, cracked rails, or posts that aren’t sitting straight. Write down any fence repair work you want to tackle before the cold weather moves in. Taking care of it now means you’ll head into winter with confidence instead of scrambling through icy weather to fix damage later.
When to Call a Professional
Some repairs are simple. Anyone can tighten a latch or replace a few pickets. But if the fence leans heavily, has extensive rot, or the posts have shifted deep in the ground, it may be time for professional help. A handyman has the tools and experience to reset posts and rebuild gates quickly. If you plan other home improvement projects like deck repair, exterior trim, or siding updates, scheduling everything together can be more efficient. A professional crew can handle multiple exterior tasks in one visit, so your yard is ready for the next season without multiple trips or appointments.
