Homeowners often ask if it’s possible to build a fence in the winter. Whether they’re closing on a home in January or their new rescue dog is jumping over a 4-foot fence, the need for a taller or new fence doesn’t always wait for spring.
The short answer is:
Yes, it is possible to build a fence in winter, but it depends on the type of fence and how we manage the unique challenges winter presents.
Fence Types for Winter Installation
Certain fence types are more suited for cold weather installation, including:
- Chain link
- Wood (with steel Postmaster posts)
- Ornamental steel
- Trex fencing
Vinyl fencing is not recommended for winter installation because cold temperatures make the material brittle and difficult to work with, increasing the risk of damage.
The Biggest Challenge: Ground Frost
The main obstacle when installing a fence in an Iowa winter is the frozen ground. Digging into frozen earth is tough, even with the help of heavy equipment like a skid loader. If your fence posts need to be set in concrete, the ground will need to be thawed first. There are a couple of ways we tackle this:
- Ground Heater Blanket: We use a Powerblanket, which is our preferred tool for thawing frozen ground. This equipment can thaw about 12 inches of ground frost in a day. During late February, it may take a couple of days to thaw the 24 inches of typically frozen Iowa soil. Even if it seems warm outside in early March, you might still have several inches of frozen ground beneath the soft topsoil. The amount of sunlight your yard gets can also affect how quickly the ground thaws naturally.
- Charcoal Fires: Another method we use is small charcoal fires, which are labor-intensive but effective. These fires are managed over several hours to help soften the ground. As a bonus, they often put us in the mood for grilled meats! Of course, safety is always a priority when using open flames.
Installing Without Concrete
For posts that don’t need to be set in concrete (like chain link, ornamental steel, or wood fences using steel Postmaster posts), we can use gas-powered post pounders. These can drive posts through frozen ground, though it will take longer than usual, especially if we encounter subsurface obstacles like rocks or roots. In those cases, we may need to thaw the ground to remove the obstacle.
Other Winter Challenges
Besides frozen ground, winter presents other challenges:
- Cold temperatures: Tools, batteries, and equipment don’t function as efficiently when it’s below 15°F. For safety reasons, we avoid working in extreme conditions such as snowstorms or hazardous road conditions.
- Slower progress: Winter projects typically take longer. A job that would take three days in June might take five or more during winter, factoring in time for thawing the ground, shoveling snow, and warming up between tasks. Naturally, this also means the cost of a winter project will be higher than a summer one.
Why We Still Take on Winter Projects
Despite the challenges, we enjoy the adventure and opportunity of working outdoors in winter. It helps keep our minds and bodies active, and we take pride in being able to protect your pets and kids, even in the colder months.
So, if you need a fence during Iowa’s winter, we’re up for the challenge. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer and cost a bit more than it would during warmer months.
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