CAN YOU INSTALL FENCE IN WINTER?
We get this question often during this time of the year in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The Pro Fence Design response is YES, of course.
A misnomer about winter fence installs is that frozen ground is too difficult to dig through. For any self-respecting fence installer with a post digger in hand, it is an easy and quick chore. In Southern Connecticut, rarely does the ground freeze beyond 12” nowadays. As soon as the installer is beyond this tougher soil, it is clean sailing down to the standard 30” depth.
There are two challenges for winter installs though - and both are easy to hurdle.
First, your install crew will still need access to water thus if any outdoor spigots are closed off, they will need to be turned on. This is normally just a rotation of the water valve in your basement. Second, mixing concrete in sub-zero temps requires an additive to stop the concrete from freezing before it goes into the post hole. Experienced installers know the tricks of the trade and come prepared for it.
Cold temperatures are great for concrete curing too. Concrete produces a lot of heat when it cures thus a bit of chill in the air is a welcome benefit.
The nicest thing about winter installs is that you, as the homeowner will get to enjoy your fence as soon as the weather turns. Also, if you want to let your pet outside while you stay warm inside during these months, a new fence in winter is always welcome.
