Cold Weather Care For Wooden Gates
As we move into the winter months and the temperature drops, the weather can be tough on wood. Here at Juke’s Timber Solutions, we’ve been making wooden gates for many years, and we know the secret to a long-lasting gate is proper care, especially when the weather gets chillier.
A little effort now will save you time and money later, and ensure that your gate remains a beautiful, functional entry to your property for years to come.
Read on below as we explore some of the best cold-weather care for wooden gates.
A Deep Clean Is Essential
Think of this as prepping your canvas before you start any other work. Throughout the year, your gate will accumulate dirt, grime, moss, and mildew. If you fail to properly clean your gate and then continue to seal this debris in, the moisture will get trapped, accelerating rot, especially in freezing temperatures.
Simply use a mild soap mixed with warm water and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the entire surface, working with the grain of the wood. Then, rinse the gate thoroughly with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting. Once all the soap is rinsed off, let the gate dry completely before you move on to sealing.
Check For Trouble Spots
Once the gate is clean and dry, this is a good time to give it a thorough inspection. Catching small issues now prevents them from worsening over the winter and turning into major repairs. Even small cracks can expand in freezing temperatures, weakening the structure over time.
Pay attention to horizontal sections where water hits the gate, looking out for cracks and splits. Any small cracks can be filled with wood filler.
If you find patches where the existing finish has flaked or splintered, lightly sand the surface to smooth it. This will give you a clean, key surface for the new sealant to adhere to.
Check For Fungal Growth
Winter means damp, and this is a perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow. This fungus can break down the wood over time, ruining the look of your gate. If you spot any signs of growth, apply a fungicidal wash to prevent further growth. This step will prolong the life of your gate.
Sealing Against Moisture
Sealing is the most critical step. As wood naturally expands and contracts with moisture, the cold, damp weather in the winter months can cause damage to the wood if it is not protected.
A high-quality oil-based stain or a clear wood preservative, designed for exterior use, will penetrate the wood and protect it from the inside out.
To apply this seal, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it in long, even strokes with a quality brush or roller. Ensure the entire surface, including the top and button edges, is covered. Once completely dry, add a second coat for maximum protection.
Water Pooling
As water is a big threat to wooden gates, especially in the winter months, ensuring that water drains away properly is key. If your gate is installed in an area where water tends to pool, consider adding gravel underneath it. This will prevent puddles from forming and freezing around your gate and posts, further preventing rotting and swelling.
When Snow and Ice Come
Even once the gate is sealed, it’s best to keep an eye on it throughout winter, especially when snow and ice come along.
Don’t let large snow drifts pile up against the base of the gate, as this can risk moisture soaking into the wood near the ground. Make sure to clear the snow away.
If you’re using a de-icing product near the gate, ensure it is safe for wood. Salt-based products can affect both the wood and the gate’s hardware.
If your gate has frozen shut, never force it open. You may risk splintering the wood or damaging the hardware.
Check The Hinges
The strength of your wooden gate will be increased with the hardware. However, the cold and moisture can affect the metal components too.
Applying a water-resistant lubricant to all moving parts, such as the hinges, latches and bolts, will prevent rust, stopping those annoying squeaking noises and ensuring smooth operation, even in freezing temperatures.
Over time, with temperature changes, screws can get loose. Use a screwdriver to gently tighten any loose hardware; however, be careful not to overtighten and strip the wood.
The cold weather can also cause the ground below your gates to shift, affecting the gate alignment. Keep an eye on how your gate hangs during the winter months, and if it starts to sag or won’t close properly, check that the hinges are properly adjusted.
With these few simple steps, you can relax and enjoy the season, knowing that your wooden gate is fully protected against the worst of the winter months. This way, you can save yourself costly repairs and keep your gate sturdy and in good working condition. If you’re looking for a little more advice and guidance on how to protect your wooden gate before the winter weather sets in, get in touch with our team today.