Whilst autumn brings a mix of beautiful colours, it also introduces a variety of weather conditions that can pose a real challenge to outdoor structures, especially wooden fences. These sudden changes in weather, from rain and wind to fluctuating temperatures, can put a lot of strain on these fences, leading to potential damage if they are not properly reinforced.
Here at BS Fixings, we know that using wood screws is a simple yet highly effective way to secure and reinforce your wooden fences, allowing them to withstand the unforgiving autumn weather and remain in one piece. In our bid to help you prepare your projects for autumn, we will explain how you can use these specialised screws to provide your fencing with much-needed extra security, helping you make certain that they will last throughout the coming months.
Autumn Weather Extremes
Before taking action to reinforce your wooden fences, it is important to acknowledge which weather conditions you are protecting them from. Here are some of the most notable weather extremes that can risk the structural integrity of your fences:
Heavy Rain and Moisture
One of the main challenges during autumn is the increase in rainfall. When wood becomes wet, it expands, and once it dries, it contracts. This constant expansion and contraction cause stress on the joints of the fence, potentially loosening nails or causing the boards to warp. Without proper reinforcement, this can lead to loose or detached boards.
Strong Winds
Autumn can also come with strong winds, especially as the season progresses towards winter. These winds can deliver large blows to your fence, particularly if there are already weak spots from moisture damage or age. A wooden fence that is not properly secured can sway, shift, or even break under high wind pressure, with strong gusts possibly even dislodging entire panels, creating large gaps in your fencing.
Fluctuating Temperatures
Autumn is known for temperature shifts, sometimes fluctuating drastically between warm, sunny afternoons and cold, frosty mornings. Like with heavy rain, these shifts in temperatures can also cause wood to expand and contract rapidly, again, leading to cracks, splits, and warping of the boards.
Preventing Damage with Wood Screws
To prevent damage from these autumn weather conditions, reinforcing your fence with wood screws is a reliable method. Wood screws create a more secure bond between fence components than nails or staples, ensuring that the structure remains intact through the season's toughest conditions. Here are some of the ways in which you can use wood screws to achieve strong fencing:
Strengthening Loose Fence Panels
One of the most common problems with older fences is that the panels can become loose over time. To prevent this, you can use wood screws to secure the panels more firmly to the posts. By driving screws through the fence panels into the posts, you can prevent them from shifting during strong winds. Make sure the screws are long enough to penetrate deeply into the post for maximum holding power. A simple reinforcement like this can significantly improve the overall stability of your fence.
Reinforcing Fence Rails
The horizontal rails that hold your fence panels together are crucial to the structure's stability. These rails can become loose over time, especially with temperature fluctuations. By using wood screws to secure the rails to the posts more securely, you can prevent them from sagging or becoming detached. This will not only keep your fence looking straight but also ensure it can withstand strong winds and the weight of wet panels during heavy rain.
Repairing Damaged or Split Boards
If any of your fence boards are cracked or split, autumn is the time to fix them before the colder, wetter months arrive. Wood screws can be used to pull the split pieces of wood together, effectively mending the damage. Screws provide a tighter and more durable hold than nails, ensuring the board remains strong even as it continues to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Make sure to use rust-resistant wood screws, as these will not corrode when exposed to the moisture that is prevalent in the autumn months.
Securing Fence Posts
The fence posts are the foundation of your fence, so making sure they are solid and secure is key to preventing damage from autumn weather. If you notice any wobbling in your posts, wood screws can help to stabilise them. First, check the base of the post for any signs of rot or weakness. If the post is still in good condition, use long, heavy-duty wood screws to secure the post more firmly to the supporting structure or braces. Reinforced posts will help prevent the entire fence from leaning or collapsing during strong winds.
Using Screws in Gate Hinges
Autumn winds can also put a lot of pressure on fence gates, causing the hinges to loosen over time. To prevent this, ensure that all gate hinges are securely fastened with wood screws. Using screws instead of nails will ensure the hinges stay firmly in place, even when the gate is being frequently opened or pushed by strong gusts. This is yet another simple reinforcement that can prevent gate misalignment or damage.
Autumn’s unpredictable weather can present challenges for wooden fences, but by reinforcing them with wood screws, you can prevent damage and ensure they stay secure. Whether you're dealing with heavy rain, strong winds, or fluctuating temperatures, taking the time to properly reinforce your fence now will save you money, time and effort in the long run.
Buy Wood Screws from BS Fixings
When it comes to finding the right wood screws for your fence maintenance, you can discover a large range of them here at BS Fixings. We offer high-quality wood screws in various sizes and materials, allowing you to find the right kind of screws for your fencing or other timber-based reinforcement. Here is an overview of what’s on offer:
A2 Stainless Steel Pozidrive Countersunk Woodscrews
The A2/304 Stainless Steel Posidrive Chipboard Screws are ideal for all types of wood, including softwood, hardwood, chipboard, and MDF board. In addition to their versatility in timber construction, they are also fully threaded, and corrosion resistant.
Hex Head Timber Screws Green Coated
The Green Coated Hex Head Timber Screws are heavy duty screws designed for applications such as fencing, decking, floor joists, and stairs. They feature a green organic coating which helps them withstand corrosion, as well as a lubricated thread for ease of penetration.
Vortex Silver Coated Exterior Screw - Tubs
The Vortex Exterior Screws come with a Magsho silver coating and are available in various tub sizes. Other features include a recessed double countersunk head and sawfix serrated thread technology.
Vortex Multi-Purpose Power Woodscrews ZYP
The Vortex® woodscrews range is the perfect choice for DIY projects and professional projects alike. With their zinc and yellow finish, Vortex power screws offer exceptional performance and versatility, they have a Magsho silver coating for superior protection against corrosion and wear.
This is only part of the range of wood screws that we offer. If you want to view the complete range as well as discover what else we offer, then be sure to browse our website today. If you have any questions, then don’t hesitate to email info@bsfixings.co.uk or call 03330 117818.
