How Excessive Moisture Damage can affect Cedar Fencing

Wood is a completely natural material that is constantly affected by varying weather conditions. In the winter season, we typically experience higher levels of consistently wet weather. Wood fences can be particularly affected by excessive moisture in a negative way. In summer, fences have a chance to dry out quickly after rainy periods due to the warm temperatures and sun exposure. In colder and wetter months, fences tend to stay moist for long periods of time.

What are the negative effects of too much moisture on your Cedar fence?

Rot. What actually happens when wood rots? Simply put, a fungus takes hold within the wood fibers, grows, and breaks down the material, causing irreversible damage. Rotting is a rather natural process. We all know that wood does not last forever, but excessive moisture accelerates the process by creating an environment where fungus loves to grow rapidly.

Swelling/expansion. When wood comes in contact with water, it soaks it up like a sponge. When the tree was alive, it drank water, allowing it to flow up and down through the grain. Even though the wood is now dead, the wood fibers are still designed to take in and carry water. Water-soaked wood expands. This becomes a problem mostly with wood gates. They tend to be difficult to function in wet seasons.

Warping and twisting. This effect is not unrelated to the last point. Since wood material reacts to moist conditions by expanding, the shape of the wood may often change as well. When your wood fence finally has a chance to dry out and contract again after a long wet weather period, your posts, boards, and pickets may not remain in the same straight shape afterwards.

Discoloration. Discoloration is often a symptom of a bigger problem, such as rot or mold build up. If you notice some areas of discoloration on your fence, you may want to inspect those areas to determine the root cause so that you can take action against it.