Can I Install an Iron or Aluminum Fence in the Winter?

While we seem to have a nice warm front blowing through Ohio today, about 60% of the country was under snow right around the holidays.  Which begs the question of ‘can I install iron or aluminum fence in the winter with snow on the ground?’.

The answer is YES, you can install fence when the white stuff is afoot.  The cold weather does not affect a fence installation whatsoever (other than maybe some frosty appendages).  In fact spring, with all the rain can be a worse time to do your installation depending where you live.

A big concern is frozen ground.  As long as you use a power auger (powered post hole digger) to dig your post holes then it won’t pose a problem.  While using one isn’t mandatory, even the strongest fella will admit that digging post holes by hand (especially on a big project) isn’t too much fun.  Your back, arms and shoulder will find the rental price well worth it.  As for concrete setting up in frozen ground, it will do so just fine.  However, it may set a little slower in the cold.  Be sure you mix it a little on the dry side to avoid ice as much as possible.  Be sure to check your concrete is setting up firm before hanging any panels or gates.

There are only two situations that would prevent you from installing a fence in the winter:

1. If there is constant rain or snow melt and your post holes fill up with water.

2. If there is more than a few inches of snow and you can’t run a string line.

The best part about putting a fence in during the winter is you will probably get a better deal on a fence during the “off” months since most companies are trying to reduce inventory.  Same goes for installers as this is their slow time of year.  60% of fence sales are in the Spring months. So if you wait until then, the discounts will be nonexistent and everyone’s schedule will be full.

So don’t be afraid to tackle that fence project or order your materials in the winter months.  It could be your best time of year to do so!