Winter is undoubtedly the toughest season for your timber fencing, with heavy bouts of rain, snow and frost that can all take a toll on the garden. If you’ve started to notice cracks or any other signs of wear and tear in your concrete base panels or gravel boards, as they’re also known, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible.
Concrete base panels might seem like a small part of your fence structure, but the role they play in protecting and preserving your boards isn’t one to be overlooked – especially with the weather being as unsavoury as it is at the moment. If you’re wondering what some of the benefits of replacing your concrete are, we’ve included them in this handy list for you!
1. Prevent rot and structural damage
They may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when installing a fence, but gravel boards are an essential component in your fence setup. These barriers sit between your fence panels and the ground, and help keep the bottom of your fence safe from moisture.
If the baseboards at the bottom of your concrete fence are cracked or if you don’t have any baseboards at all, your fence may be at risk of rot. Without concrete baseboards, water can easily damage your fence, which can lead to even bigger problems down the line. Over time, this moisture can lead to rot and decay, weakening the structural integrity of your fence and compromising the security of your outdoor space.
2. Give your fence’s stability a boost
Winter weather here up North can bring some of the harsher conditions, and this constant battering from rain and ice can quickly expose weaknesses in your fencing, particularly if your gravel boards are past their prime. Damaged or missing boards leave your fence vulnerable, as they no longer provide the support needed to keep everything secure and upright.
For that reason alone, it’s a good idea to replace any worn-out concrete base panels now – it will give your fence a much-needed stability boost, making sure it’s ready to face whatever the remainder of the winter weather throws its way. New gravel boards will reinforce the base of your fence, helping it stand firm against strong winds and the shifting ground that accompanies frosty weather. It’s a simple, proactive step that can save you from dealing with costly repairs – or worse, a fallen fence – when the storms roll in.
3. Extend your fence’s lifespan
Just like any other garden structure, your timber fencing is an investment, and the better you take care of it, the longer it’s going to last. While it’s common knowledge to seal the exposed parts of our fences from the rain and ice with concrete base panels, the portion of your fence that’s permanently set into the ground doesn’t have that same level of protection.
When your fence is stuck in the moist earth, it’s exposed to constant dampness, which, over time, can cause serious damage. The function of concrete base panels is to shield your fence panels from any direct contact with damp soil. That’s why replacing damaged or missing gravel boards as soon as you notice adds an extra layer of defence and ensures your fence stays strong and looks its best for years to come. Not only that, but it can save you quite a bit of money in the long run!
4. Avoid unsightly stains from mud and water
The winter weather can also really do a number on the aesthetic of your fence. When gravel boards are broken, or missing, mud and water can splash up onto the lower parts of your fence, leaving behind stains that can be tough to clean, especially if they’re really set in after a long winter of bad weather.
Over time, this constant exposure to the elements can make your fence look tired or run down, even if it’s a relatively new fixture. This may not be at the forefront of your mind in winter when you’re spending most of your time indoors. However, when it’s time for barbecues and days in the garden with friends and family in a few months, you’ll start to notice the stains and splotches a lot more – especially if they won’t come off. A fresh set of concrete base panels will not only keep your fence free from stains, but also make everything look more polished and put together, just in time for spring!
Replacing your concrete base panels might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to winter garden maintenance, but it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your timber fencing. This simple step will keep your fence looking its best through the season and beyond, enhancing its durability and aesthetics.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we offer a variety of sturdy gravel boards, including a classic, smooth option and a more textured ‘rock-faced’ pattern, which gives your fence a touch of variation, blending function and style. With over 50 years of experience serving the North West, our friendly team is ready to assist you, whether it’s for a major garden overhaul or just some helpful tips. If you have any questions, just give us a call today at 01942 727 314 – and we’ll be happy to help however we can!
