Safety is the #1 priority.
Not just for humans, but for horses too!
That’s why Fencing is a fundamental part of housekeeping. And when it comes to picking fences for horses, we Americans love white picket wooden fences. No one can deny that these traditional wooden fences are functional yet aesthetically appealing.
But the problem is like wooden anything they don’t last forever.
With time horse owners face some common wooden horse fence problems like rotting, warping, weathering, sagging, etc. In this article, we will discuss these common problems associated with wood horse fences and solutions for each one.
First, let’s see common wooden fence problems
Wooden fences have a natural and rustic appearance that can complement the look of a horse farm or stable.
……..a country house looks we all crave!
Easy customization, easy repair, cost-effective fencing method, insulation- there are tons of benefits of horse wooden fence.
Oh, the most important- Environment-friendly!!!!!
While there are some potential benefits with wooden horse fences, there are also several problems to consider:
- Rotting.
- Warping.
- Cracking.
- Breaking.
- Insect infestation.
- Weathering.
- And sagging.
Related: Discover the top 6 low-cost horse fencing ideas! Save money with these affordable, yet effective solutions for keeping your horses safe and secure.
Rotting:
Probably the most common problem of having a wooden fence!
The thing is when the wood is exposed to excessive moisture, Wood fence rotting occurs. It leads to wood decay also. When this happens, the entire structure of the fence gets weaker.
And the result? Sudden collapse!
Wood fence rotting happens for a variety of reasons including……
- Poor construction techniques,
- Inadequate maintenance,
- And exposure to inclement weather conditions.
How to solve it?
In general, three types of wood rot can affect wooden fences:
- Wet rot (which typically occurs when too much water accumulates on or around the fence),
- Dry rot (caused by a lack of air circulation),
- And white rot (which is caused by excess humidity).
As fence owners, the first thing you should do is look for signs around your homes to recognize the potential damage of wood rot. Then, take steps to protect their fencing from further damage. Besides this, you can try some tricks to slower the rotting process like…..
- Use rot-resistant wood.
- Paint or stain the fence.
- Apply a wood preservative to the fence.
- Try to keep the fence dry.
- Use a sealant.
Keep in mind that no method is completely foolproof but with proper care and maintenance, rot may eventually slow down.
Related: Looking for the perfect wood horse fence design? Check out our list of 5 options that are sure to fit your needs. Learn more now!
Warping:
It is a common problem that can affect the structural integrity of your fencing. Warping occurs when wood panels are-
- Exposed to changes in temperature
- And moisture levels
When those things like this happen, it causes the fence to expand and contract. With time, it turns into a distorted appearance.
How to solve it?
Pressure-treated woods such as cedar and redwood have natural properties that make them resistant to warping and decay.
More importantly, try good installation techniques.
For example- proper spacing between posts, try it, dude, you will be surprised by seeing the result. This also helps prevent the wood from expanding with changes in temperature or moisture levels.
Cracking:
Cracking is the end result when the wood absorbs water and then contracts when it dries.
Eventually, it split and cracked over time.
The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent wood horse fence cracking from occurring.
How to solve it?
Ensure your wooden fences are properly treated before installation. What we mean by treating is actually reducing moisture absorption and expansion rates.
Regular maintenance can make a huge difference- trust us.
Also, have a look if there are any Trimming back hanging branches or other sources of shade. Those may contribute to increased moisture levels around your fences.
Insect infestation:
Wood fence insect infestation causes serious damage to your fences and horses if not addressed properly.
What’s worse? It can’t be treated without the help of professionals.
The most common wood insects are-
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- And beetles
All of the animals eat wood and can quickly destroy wooden structures like fences.
How to solve it?
Take preventive measures such as-
- Regular inspections,
- Sealant treatments
- And/or applying insecticides.
Schedule inspections will allow you to detect an infestation early. On the other hand, sealants will help keep water out which prevents moisture from seeping into the wood structure.
Sagging:
Sagging occurs when the weight of the lumber causes the posts to lean. Not only this makes the fence ugly, but it also reduces the effectiveness of the fence.
How to solve it?
You can try reinforcing existing posts with additional lumber or metal braces. This will help to increase stability and eliminate any leaning.
Another option is to install new posts at regular intervals along the length of the fence line. When there are more posts, it will give extra support which may slow down the sagging.
In conclusion
Wooden horse fences are often a practical, inexpensive way to keep your horses safe and contained.
Yes, like any natural material, they have some cons too.
But With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, wooden horse fences can last for many years to keep your horse secure.
