Wood and Vinyl Fencing Des Moines IA | Call Archer Fencing

Des Moines’ freeze-thaw cycles are the main culprit. Water gets into the ground around fence posts, freezes, and expands, which can heave the post upward or shift it sideways. That’s why we see so many leaning posts and sagging gates after winter. High winds from spring storms also snap pickets or blow panels loose, especially on older or untreated wood fences.

Look for rot at the base of wood posts, loose or missing nails, and gaps between pickets. If one or two panels are damaged but the posts are solid, repair is usually enough. But if several posts are wobbly or the wood is brittle throughout, replacement will be more cost-effective in the long run. In Des Moines, we also check for frost heave—if a post has lifted more than a couple of inches, it likely needs to be reset.

Vinyl is a top choice for the Des Moines area because it doesn’t rot or warp and handles freeze-thaw cycles well. Chain link is also very durable and won’t crack in extreme cold. If you prefer wood, pressure-treated pine or cedar with a high-quality sealer can work, but you’ll need to plan for re-sealing every two to three years to prevent moisture damage.