Stop the Rot: Prevent Fence Post Failure Before it Begins

STOP the Rot

Prevent fence post failure before it begins.

In 2021, the U.S. fence market was estimated at USD 8.20 billion, with an expected 5% compounded annual growth rate from 2022 to 2030. These numbers are based on increased demand for new housing construction, and a growing demand from the commercial, residential, and agricultural sectors.

This data was released by Grand View Research, in, “U.S. Fencing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Material (Metal, Wood, Concrete, Plastic & Composites), by Application, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030.” According to the report, wood fencing material made up the second largest revenue share in the U.S. in 2021. It’s expected to spur the market by a 3.2% growth rate in the residential sector alone. Key benefits such as low maintenance, affordability, and its natural appearance are the main drivers for this sector.

Of all the fencing materials available today, the report noted that among composite and other forms of recycled fencing materials, wood is considered one of the most popular eco-friendly fence building products. With a regular maintenance schedule, the average lifespan for wood fencing is approximately 8 to 12 years. This makes wood fences a high-value investment that’s worthwhile to maintain.

Most fences going in the ground today are pressure-treated. These preservatives help protect wood against most environmental damage. However, because of health and environmental concerns, pressure-treated lumber has undergone a significant reformulation over the past decade. While new pressure-treated lumber still provides a level of protection, it is diminished in its efficacy and longevity.

“This coupled with damages inflicted by lawn care equipment leaves new pressure-treated lumber further exposed to inclement weather and other harsh elements above ground,” says Al Martins, director/owner of Fence Armor® “This concentrated attack on wood posts above and below ground level will significantly shorten the lifespan of new pressure-treated wood posts the moment they enter the ground.”

GROUND ROT AND ITS AFFECT ON WOOD POSTS

Martins explains that ground rot occurs within the first 6 inches of topsoil, the place where oxygen, moisture, and fungi thrive. The nutrients already in the soil, accompanied by temperatures above 10°C or 50°F, create the perfect atmosphere for rot to feed, grow and take hold of wood posts. Over time, these conditions degrade post strength, causing premature post failure.

Beyond the first 6 inches, rot and decay cannot occur because temperatures are well below the level where nutrients, fungi, and oxygen can survive and grow.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR WOOD IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Wood is loved not only for its natural beauty – It’s an environmentally friendly, living entity that, when handled with proper sustainability, replenishes itself. At the end of its life cycle, it rots away naturally, without adding to landfill. And unlike steel and concrete, wood requires far less water in its production.

In addition, wood emits minimal CO2 as well as greenhouse gases. Putting this into perspective, consider that the global steel industry is responsible for 7.2% of the world’s total greenhouse gas submissions – an estimated 1.4 billion tonnes per year. Together the materials and the industries that produce them can be damaging to our environment.

By comparison, roughly half of the dry fibrous mass of wood is carbon. This means that wooden posts strike an environmental balance by outweighing their production emissions.

There is an environmental pressure on our wood source. Consider how many trees and forests will be cut down to make fence posts. All that felling and manufacturing can be damaging to the environment. This is where Fence Armor® and Postsaver® make a difference, simply by adding fence post protection to the equation. Prolonging a fence’s lifespan by an additional 20 years can result in a significant positive environmental impact.

The environmental benefits don’t end there. Postsaver Pro Sleeves also stop the leaching of any preservatives in the wood back into the soil. There will also be less need to spray around the posts or add extra chemicals to protect the wood. Longer-lasting fence posts and less reliance on chemicals can only be good for the environment.

EFFECTIVELY PREVENTING IN-GROUND ROT

Postsaver’s Pro Sleeve is comprised of a dual-layer protection system. The first exterior, highly durable, thermoplastic outer sleeve surrounds a bituminous interior liner that provides vapor and water-proof protection. The Pro Sleeve is placed around the post’s vulnerable in-ground section, then heated using a heat gun or blow torch that serves to shrink the sleeve and adheres the interior bituminous layer to the post. Together, this provides an impenetrable, air-tight, and water-tight seal, locking moisture and fungi out - and wood preservatives in.

Tested since 1994, Postsaver Pro Sleeves have proven to be an effective, preventive measure. When applied to new wood posts before installation, they can extend the post-life by approximately 20 years – which is a product guarantee.

Postsaver Pro Sleeves can be used on replacement posts as well. Simply remove the failed post and install a new post fitted with Postsaver Pro Sleeves at the ground line section.

STOP THE ROT — FULL STOP

Martins says Fence Armor’s Signature Series™ combines the protection of Postsaver Pro Sleeves with Fence Armor Post Guards and Post Caps, providing triple protection that extends the life, beauty, and health of new and existing wood fences. “You can add an extra layer of protection with EXPERT Stain & Seal oil-based wood stains, designed to lock wood’s natural oils in and add more conditioning oils for a longer-lasting protective barrier against rot, weathering, and more. We’re proud of the range of innovative products we offer that prolong the life and beauty of all wood fences.”

Fence Armor has been crafting fence prevention and protection products since 2008. All products are made in North America or in the UK. Learn more at www.fencearmor.com.

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