Total Fence Company - Skokie's Top-Rated Fence Installation

In Skokie, moisture seeps into wood fence pores. When temperatures drop below freezing, this water expands as ice, creating internal pressure. As temperatures rise and thaw, the wood contracts, leaving behind tiny cracks. Repeated cycles enlarge these cracks, leading to splitting and warping. This is especially common in untreated or low-quality wood.

Look for visible bowing, leaning, or sagging sections after heavy snow. Also check for broken or splintered pickets at the bottom where snow accumulates. Discoloration or rot near the base indicates prolonged moisture exposure. If your gate drags or doesn't latch properly, snow damage may have shifted the posts.

We recommend using pressure-treated wood or low-maintenance materials like vinyl and aluminum that resist moisture absorption. We also install deeper-set posts with gravel drainage to prevent frost heave. For existing fences, we apply waterproof sealants and replace damaged sections before winter to stop cracking and snow damage from worsening.