🍁An Autumn Checklist for Bulldog Customers 🍁

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As the leaves turn and the first frosts approach, now is the perfect time to give your garden fencing and gates the essential TLC they need to withstand the coming winter weather.

A little maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later, ensuring your Bulldog investment remains sturdy and looking great for years to come!

Here is your essential autumn checklist for preparing your timber fencing and gates for the colder, wetter months.

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1. The Autumn Inspection: Look for Weak Points

• Before you do anything else, conduct a thorough inspection of your entire boundary.

• Check the Posts: Gently push your fence posts. Do they wobble? Leaning or loose posts can be compromised by winter winds and ground heave (where soil expands due to freezing water). If a post is loose, consider re-securing it or reinforcing the base.

• Inspect Panels & Boards: Look closely for any cracks, splits, or warping in the timber. Even small cracks can let water in, which, if it freezes, will expand and cause much larger splits. This is the time to replace any badly damaged boards or panels.

• Examine Fastenings: Check all nails and screws. Are any loose or showing signs of rust? Tighten screws and consider replacing rusted nails with rust-resistant alternatives.

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2. Clean and Clear: Remove Moisture Traps

•Dirt, leaves, and plant growth can trap moisture against the wood, which accelerates rot and decay – especially in damp winter conditions.

• Trim Foliage: Prune back any climbing plants, shrubs, or tree branches that are touching or overhanging your fence or gate. Heavy snow or strong winds can cause unstable branches to snap and damage your structure.

• Clear the Base: Rake up and remove all fallen leaves, soil, or garden debris that has accumulated around the bottom of your fence line. This prevents constant contact with damp material, which is a major cause of post-and-panel-base rot.

• Washing: Give your fence and gate a good clean. Use a stiff brush or a garden hose (a pressure washer on a very low setting) to remove dirt, mildew, or algae.

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A note on Neighbours:

If you are using a liquid wood preservative or stain, be aware that the product can sometimes soak through to your neighbour’s side of the fence, especially if it’s a slatted or lap panel design.

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It is always courteous to have a friendly word with your neighbour beforehand. Simply let them know what colour or treatment you are planning to use, and when you intend to do the work. This simple step prevents surprise stains and keeps relations friendly!

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3. Protect and Preserve gates:

Unless your timber is pressure-treated,  a fresh coat of protection on your gates will significantly extend its lifespan, acting as a crucial barrier against rain, frost, and snow.

• Apply Treatment: Use a high-quality wood preservative, exterior wood paint, or stain that is formulated for outdoor use. This should be applied generously with a brush, ensuring it penetrates the wood grain and covers all surfaces.

• Focus on the Corners and Cracks: Pay extra attention to the base of the gates, the tops of the gates, and any corner joints where water tends to sit and gather.

• The Best Time to Treat: Aim to apply your preservative on a dry day when the temperature is consistently above 10°c  to allow it to dry and cure properly before the really cold weather hits.

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4. Gate Tune-Up: Keep it Swinging Smoothly

Gates are moving parts and often need special attention before winter to prevent stiffness and sticking.

• Check Alignment: Ensure your gate hangs straight and closes smoothly without dragging on the ground or sticking to the post. Misalignment can worsen over winter as the ground shifts.

• Lubricate Hardware: Apply a silicone spray or a Teflon-based lubricant to all hinges, latches, screws, and moving metal parts. This prevents stiffness and seizing up when temperatures drop below freezing.

• Check Latches and Catches: Make sure the latch securely fastens the gate. In high winds, a loose-fitting gate can repeatedly bang against the post, causing rapid wear and structural damage.

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By dedicating a little time this autumn, you’ll be giving your Bulldog fencing and gates the best possible chance to weather the winter, remaining an attractive, secure, and long-lasting feature of your garden.

Happy Gardening!

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