If you live in Utah, you already know how spring works here. One minute the snow melts, the next minute everyone in the neighborhood suddenly needs a new fence. Contractors get booked out. Lead times stretch. Prices tighten. And the phrase “I wish we had planned sooner” starts floating around backyard conversations.
At Western Fence Company, we see it every single year.
That is why winter and early spring fence planning is not just smart. It is strategic.
Fence Planning Season Is Real and It Starts Before Spring
Spring is peak fencing season in Utah. Everyone waits for the weather to turn, then everyone calls at once. Homeowners. Builders. HOAs. Property managers. All needing estimates yesterday.
Planning your fence project now means:
• Better scheduling availability
• Faster installation timelines
• Less stress when spring hits
• More flexibility in materials and design
• Your property is ready the moment the ground is ready
Fence planning before spring is how you stay ahead instead of scrambling.
Utah Fencing Is Not One Size Fits All
Utah terrain, climate, and city requirements matter more than people realize. A fence that works in one area may not be ideal in another.
At Western Fence Company, we specialize in:
• Residential fencing in Utah
• Commercial fencing in Utah
• Custom estate gates
• Wood fencing
• Vinyl fencing
• Chain link fencing
• Iron and ornamental fencing
• HOA compliant fencing solutions
We do not just install fences. We plan them properly for Utah conditions.
Why Homeowners Trust Western Fence Company
Western Fence Company has been serving Utah communities for decades. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, transparency, and doing things right the first time.
Our CEO, Jason McLaughlan, is deeply involved in the standards and culture of the company. Quality is not a buzzword here. It is the expectation.
When you work with Western Fence Company, you are getting:
• Experienced Utah fence professionals
• Honest recommendations, not upsells
• Clear timelines
• Durable materials built for Utah weather
• A team that actually answers the phone
Custom Estate Gates and Fencing That Make a Statement
Spring is when properties come to life. That is why so many homeowners choose to upgrade or install custom estate gates and fencing ahead of the season.
Planning early allows time to design something that is both functional and beautiful. Whether it is a custom gate that elevates curb appeal or a fence that secures your property while matching your home’s style, early planning gives you options.
And options are everything.
Waiting Until Spring Can Cost You More Than Time
When fencing demand spikes, schedules fill fast. Materials can become limited. And timelines stretch.
Planning now helps you avoid:
• Long wait times
• Rushed decisions
• Limited material availability
• Missed spring installation windows
Your fence should not feel like a last-minute project. It should feel intentional.
This Is Your Sign to Reach Out Now
If a fence is even remotely on your spring to-do list, now is the time to act.
Contact Western Fence Company today to:
• Schedule a consultation
• Get on the spring installation calendar
• Explore fencing and gate options
• Work with a trusted Utah fencing company
Spring is coming whether you are ready or not. Your fence should be.
This week at Western Fence, we talked a lot about winter fence damage. Not because we love bad news, but because Utah winters are very good at slowly ruining perfectly good fences.
Snow piles up. Wind pushes hard. The ground freezes, thaws, freezes again, and your fence posts quietly start questioning their life choices. By the time most homeowners notice something is wrong, the fence is already leaning like it had a long night out.
Winter is one of the most common times we see fence damage in Utah. Heavy snow adds weight to panels and rails. Freeze thaw cycles loosen posts. Moisture sneaks into wood and sticks around long enough to cause rot, warping, and long term structural issues.
Signs Your Fence Is Losing the Battle With Winter
• Fence posts that are no longer standing straight and confident
• Panels that wobble when the wind looks at them funny
• Gates that drag, stick, or refuse to close out of spite
• Wood that feels soft, cracked, or looks a little too weathered
• Metal parts that are rusting or pulling away
If this sounds familiar, the good news is many of these issues are repairable if caught early. This week we helped homeowners across Utah fix winter related fence damage before small problems turned into full replacements.
Why Winter Fence Repairs Matter
Fence damage does not usually happen all at once. It happens slowly, quietly, and at the worst possible time. Freeze thaw cycles weaken posts underground long before the fence actually falls over.
A quick winter fence inspection can extend the life of your fence, protect your property, and save you money. Fixing a leaning post now is much easier than rebuilding an entire fence later.
Looking Ahead
As winter continues, Western Fence will keep helping homeowners stay ahead of fence damage with honest recommendations, preventative repairs, and work built for Utah weather.
If your fence is leaning, shifting, or showing signs of winter wear, it might be time to give it some attention before spring makes things worse.
Western Fence proudly provides fence repair and fence installation services across Utah. Built to last. Even in winter.
When winter hits, fences and gates suddenly start to fail. Posts lean. Gates drag. Panels crack or warp. Most people blame snow, ice, or freezing temperatures.
The truth is winter damage is usually not caused by winter.
It is caused by shortcuts.
What Winter Really Does to a Fence
Winter brings moisture, freezing, thawing, and weight from snow. These forces test how well a fence was installed and how well it has been maintained. A fence that was built correctly can handle these conditions year after year. A fence that was rushed or installed cheaply cannot.
Frost heave is one of the biggest culprits. When moisture in the ground freezes, it expands and pushes upward. If fence posts are not set deep enough or properly anchored, they move. Once posts move, everything else follows.
Snow load can also expose weak points. Heavy snow resting on panels or gates adds stress. If boards are low quality or fasteners are poorly placed, failure is only a matter of time.
The Hidden Costs of Skipping Quality
Many winter repairs come with repeat costs. Resetting posts that were not deep enough. Replacing boards that warped because they were not rated for moisture. Fixing gates every season because alignment was never right.
These are not one time fixes. They happen again and again.
Over the life of a fence, the cost of repeated winter repairs can easily exceed the cost of doing it right the first time.
What Saves You Money Long Term
A quality install starts with proper depth and placement of posts. It uses materials that can handle moisture, freezing, and sun. It accounts for gate weight, movement, and alignment before problems start.
Maintenance also matters. A quick seasonal check can catch loose hardware, early movement, or drainage issues before they become expensive repairs. Small adjustments now prevent major fixes later.
Winter Is a Test You Can Pass
Winter does not destroy fences. It reveals whether they were built and cared for correctly.
When you invest in proper installation and simple maintenance, winter becomes just another season, not a repair bill waiting to happen.
Winter forces homeowners to practice patience whether they want to or not. Projects get postponed. Outdoor repairs get pushed aside. And fences quietly take advantage of the season.
Unlike storm damage that happens all at once, winter fence damage is gradual. Snow accumulation adds consistent weight to rails and panels. Frozen ground restricts movement while freeze thaw cycles repeatedly expand and contract the soil. Moisture becomes trapped around posts and below the surface, creating the perfect conditions for shifting and rot.
Most of this damage happens where you cannot see it.
A fence can look stable while posts are slowly loosening underground. Gates are often the first clue. If a gate starts dragging, sticking, or swinging differently than it did before winter, it is usually a sign that the posts have shifted. Leaning sections, uneven tops, and gaps at the bottom of panels are also common early indicators.
Patience often leads homeowners to wait until spring, and that instinct makes sense. Cold weather makes repairs uncomfortable and difficult. The problem is not waiting. The problem is assuming the fence is fine simply because it is still standing.
Spring reveals what winter started.
As the ground thaws, posts that shifted during winter may not settle back into place. Water damage that began below ground becomes visible. What could have been a simple repair may now require additional labor or replacement of sections that were weakened over time.
The most effective approach is awareness. Walking your fence line after heavy snowfall or during early thaw periods can help you spot changes before they worsen. Pay attention to gates, post alignment, and any areas where water tends to collect.
A professional inspection in early spring can identify issues that are easy to miss and address them before they escalate. In many cases, reinforcing or resetting posts early can significantly extend the life of the fence.
Winter teaches patience.
Your fence teaches awareness.
Both matter if you want your fence to last.
How can I tell if winter damaged my fence?
Look for leaning posts, uneven fence lines, and gates that drag or no longer latch correctly. These are often early signs that posts shifted during freeze thaw cycles.
Is it normal for fences to lean a little after winter?
Minor movement can happen, but noticeable leaning usually means the footing or soil around the post was compromised. It rarely fixes itself without intervention.
Why do gates show problems before the rest of the fence?
Gates rely on precise alignment. Even small shifts in posts caused by frozen or expanding ground can make gates stick or sag before other damage becomes obvious.
Can winter moisture really cause rot if the fence looks fine?
Yes. Moisture often collects below ground where it cannot dry properly. Rot frequently starts at the base of posts and is not visible until it has progressed.
Should I repair fence damage in winter or wait until spring?
Emergency issues should be addressed immediately. For most damage, early spring is ideal because the ground is workable and underlying problems are easier to evaluate.
How does a spring inspection help save money?
Catching shifted posts or early rot can prevent full section replacements. Small repairs early often extend the life of the entire fence.
Utah winters don’t play around. Between heavy snow, freeze–thaw cycles, and strong wind gusts, fences take more stress in winter than most homeowners realize. The tricky part? A lot of damage doesn’t show up until spring.
Here are the most common winter fence issues we see across Utah—and what you can look for right now.
1. Leaning Posts
When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, soil shifts. If posts weren’t set deep enough or properly reinforced, they’ll start to lean—sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
What to look for:
Posts that look “slightly off” now will be noticeably worse once the ground softens.
2. Loose or Popped Fasteners
Cold temperatures cause materials to contract. Over time, nails and screws can loosen, especially on wood fences.
What to look for:
Rails pulling away, boards rattling in the wind, or gaps that weren’t there in the fall.
3. Snow Load Stress
Snow sitting on fence rails adds weight that fences aren’t designed to hold long-term—especially privacy fences.
What to look for:
Sagging sections, cracked rails, or bowed panels.
4. Gate Alignment Issues
Gates are often the first thing to show winter damage because they rely on perfect alignment.
What to look for:
Gates that drag, don’t latch, or suddenly feel “heavy.”
5. Hidden Moisture Damage
Snow melts, refreezes, and seeps into wood grain. Cedar is resilient, but even cedar needs proper installation to withstand Utah winters year after year.
What to look for:
Darkened wood near the base of posts or soft spots once temperatures rise.
Most fence failures don’t happen all at once. They start in winter and show up in spring—when repairs are more expensive and schedules fill fast.
Catching small issues now can mean:
• Simple adjustments instead of full replacements
• Longer fence lifespan
• Fewer surprises when spring hits
If something looks off, it probably is.
Gates are often the most used and most stressed part of any fence system. They are opened daily, exposed to weather year round, and expected to stay aligned while carrying significant weight. When a gate fails, it usually is not sudden or mysterious. It is the result of a few common mistakes made at the beginning.
Here are the real reasons gates fail and what should be done differently.
Posts Set Too Shallow
A gate is only as strong as the posts holding it. One of the most common failures we see is posts that were not set deep enough for the weight and movement of the gate.
Gate posts need to resist not just vertical load, but constant lateral force from opening, closing, wind, and ground movement. Shallow posts shift over time, which leads to sagging, dragging, and misalignment. Once a post moves, the gate follows.
Depth matters. So does proper footing size and soil consideration. This is not an area to cut corners.
Hardware Not Rated for the Weight
Heavy gates require hardware designed to carry heavy loads. Decorative hinges or light duty hardware may look good on install day, but they are not built for long term performance.
Underrated hardware wears out quickly, bends under stress, or fails altogether. Proper hinges, latches, and fasteners should be selected based on gate size, material, and frequency of use, not appearance alone.
Gate Too Wide
Wide gates are visually appealing, but width dramatically increases leverage and stress on posts and hardware. The wider the gate, the more force is applied every time it moves.
Many gate failures happen because the span was pushed too far without compensating with structural support, reinforced framing, or additional posts. Good gate design balances access needs with structural reality.
No Allowance for Movement
All materials move. Wood expands and contracts. Metal shifts with temperature. Soil heaves and settles. Gates that are built too tight with no tolerance for movement will bind, drag, or twist over time.
Allowances for seasonal movement and daily use are not flaws. They are intentional design decisions that keep gates functioning smoothly long term.
Built for Looks, Not Load
This is one of the biggest problems we see. A gate can look beautiful and still be structurally wrong.
When design prioritizes appearance over load bearing requirements, failure is only a matter of time. A properly built gate considers weight distribution, internal framing, hinge placement, and long term stress first. Aesthetics should complement structure, not replace it.
The Bottom Line
Most gate failures are not accidents. They are predictable outcomes of poor planning, improper materials, or shortcuts during installation.
A well built gate should open smoothly, stay aligned, and perform for years without constant adjustment. That only happens when it is designed and built with structure in mind from the start.
If you are investing in a custom gate, make sure it is built for load, movement, and longevity, not just the photo on install day.
Because the gates you notice most are the ones that stop working.
When most people think about a fence, they picture the finished product — the clean lines, the solid gate, the way it frames a home or property. What often gets overlooked is how that fence is made, and why custom fabrication makes such a difference.
At Western Fence, fabrication isn’t an afterthought. It’s where every project truly begins.
Not All Fences Are Created Equal
Pre-manufactured fencing has its place, but it comes with limitations. Fixed sizes, limited styles, and little flexibility when it comes to unique properties or design goals.
Custom fabrication allows us to:
• Build to exact measurements, not “close enough”
• Match architectural details of a home or remodel
• Create gates, railings, and fences that work with slopes, grades, and challenging layouts
• Control quality at every step, from raw material to final install
Simply put, it allows us to build what actually fits — both functionally and visually.
Inside the Fabrication Shop
Our fabrication shop is where raw steel, aluminum, and materials are transformed into finished pieces. This is where ideas become physical, measurements matter, and details get the attention they deserve.
Every weld, cut, and finish is done with a purpose. Custom doesn’t mean complicated — it means intentional. When something is built in-house, we can adjust, refine, and perfect it before it ever reaches your property.
Why Clients Choose Custom
Homeowners, builders, and designers choose custom fabrication because it delivers:
• Stronger, longer-lasting structures
• Cleaner lines and better fit
• Unique designs that can’t be bought off a shelf
• Confidence that the fence was built specifically for their project
It’s not about being flashy. It’s about building something that works, lasts, and looks right for years to come.
Built on Trust
Every fence we fabricate represents trust — trust that we’ll build it correctly, install it cleanly, and stand behind it. That responsibility is something we take seriously.
From residential properties to larger construction projects, Western Fence approaches every job with the same mindset: build it right the first time.
The Bottom Line
A fence is more than a boundary. It’s part of how a property functions, looks, and feels. Custom fabrication ensures it’s done intentionally, not generically.
At Western Fence, we don’t just install fences — we build them.
It’s that strange week after Christmas and before the New Year. The decorations are still up, the calendar is quiet, and everyone is mentally saying, “I’ll deal with it next year.”
For a lot of homeowners, the fence is on that list.
Before the year officially turns over, this is actually the best time to take a look — not to start a big project, but to notice what winter is already showing you.
Here’s what to check while things are still slow.
1. Did Anything Shift When the Ground Froze?
Freezing temperatures cause soil to move, and fences feel it first. A post that wasn’t leaning in October might be slightly off now.
Why it matters right now:
Small shifts are easier to fix before deeper winter and spring thaw make them worse.
2. Are Gates Opening the Same Way They Did Last Month?
If a gate drags, sticks, or won’t latch smoothly, alignment has already changed.
Why it matters right now:
Cold weather exposes stress points early — before hinges or posts fail.
3. Are There New Cracks or Splits in the Wood?
Moisture freezes, expands, and leaves clues behind. Tiny cracks now can turn into bigger problems by spring.
Why it matters right now:
Sealing or addressing damage during this downtime saves repairs later.
4. Did Any Old Repairs Show Their Age?
That quick fix from last year? Winter has a way of testing honesty.
Why it matters right now:
Temporary solutions rarely survive multiple seasons.
5. Do You Want to Be Planning — or Panicking — in Spring?
Once spring hits, schedules fill fast. The people who plan now get options. The ones who wait get timelines.
Why it matters right now:
This is the calm before the busy season.
Before the Calendar Changes
You don’t need to fix everything this week. Just notice. Make a plan. Decide what “next year” actually looks like.
Because the best fence projects don’t start in spring — they start with paying attention now.
Western Fence
Built for seasons. Planned with intention.
If Christmas cards were fences, they wouldn’t be perfectly pressed or flawlessly scripted. They’d be a little crooked in places. They’d squeak when the gate opens. They’d be wrapped in holiday lights that almost all work and still proudly say, “Merry Christmas,” while quietly hoping no one leans too hard.
And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.
A fence tells a story. It shows where a home has been, how it’s been cared for, and sometimes how long something has been “good enough for now.” During the holidays, when everything is lit up and on display, those details become harder to ignore.
The truth is, many fences survive year after year by sheer determination. They hold lights, frame family photos, and welcome guests — even when they’re past their prime. But there’s a big difference between a fence that’s just getting by and one that’s built to last.
That’s where intention matters.
A well-built fence doesn’t just define a property line. It adds confidence to a home. It stands straight through wind, weather, and time. It doesn’t ask guests to step carefully or avoid leaning. It simply does its job — quietly and reliably.
At Western Fence, we believe your fence should be something you’re proud of, not something you apologize for. Whether it’s replacing an aging fence, upgrading materials, or planning for the future, the goal is the same: craftsmanship that lasts beyond one season.
So if this year your fence feels like the Christmas card — festive, familiar, but a little worn — that’s okay.
Next year, let it be the reason people stop and admire the home behind it.
Because a great fence doesn’t just make it through the holidays.
It shows up strong for every season after.
Merry Christmas
With Love
The Western Fence Company
Holiday Fences: The Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do)
The holidays are here, which means twinkle lights, hot cocoa, questionable fruitcake, and… fences. Yes, fences.
Stay with us.
Your fence works harder during the holiday season than you think. Between delivery drivers, surprise relatives, snowstorms, and that one neighbor who loves yard inflatables a little too much, your fence is the unsung hero holding the whole outdoor circus together.
So let’s give it a little love.
Here’s your Holiday Fence Survival Guide, complete with a festive checklist to help your fence shine brighter than your neighbor’s 12-foot inflatable Santa.
1. Delivery Season = Fence Season
Packages are coming nonstop. Make sure your fence and gate open, close, and latch smoothly so your deliveries stay inside your yard, not rolling down the street like rogue holiday gifts.
2. Snow + Wood + Time = Not a Christmas Miracle
Cold weather is rough on wood fences. A quick inspection now prevents headaches later, like surprise leaning, warping, or that one board that decides to fully give up mid-January.
3. Holiday Guests Notice Everything
Family members have a sixth sense for pointing out things you already know need fixing. Beat them to it. A sturdy fence gives your home that “I have my life together” look.
4. Lights Look Better on a Strong Fence
The only thing worse than untangling a pile of Christmas lights is hanging them on a fence that’s listing like a ship at sea.
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Your Festive Fence Checklist Before the Holidays Hit
Print it. Screenshot it. Pretend you thought of it yourself.
Here’s everything to check before the snow piles up and the guests roll in.
✔ Check for loose or wiggly posts
If your fence shakes like a chihuahua in December, it’s time for reinforcement.
✔ Tighten all your hardware
Screws, hinges, and latches like to loosen when temperatures drop. It’s basically science.
✔ Give gates extra attention
Are they dragging? Sticking? Squeaking?
Your gate is the front door of the fence world. Treat it well.
✔ Clear debris from around the bottom
Leaves and snow sitting against the bottom of a fence can speed up moisture damage.
Bonus: you’ll look productive to the neighbors.
✔ Do a quick vibe check for rot or rust
Wood fences: look for soft spots.
Iron fences: check for rust or flaking.
Vinyl fences: look for cracks or impact damage from last year’s epic snowball fight.
✔ Confirm your lights can hang safely
Heavy lights + weak fence = midnight disaster.
✔ Consider a little touch-up
A fresh board, a small repair, or a smidge of paint makes your whole yard holiday-ready.
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When to Call in the Pros
If your fence leans, drags, creaks, sags, or looks like it’s trying to escape the property… that’s where Western Fence comes in.
We repair. We replace. We build brand-new fences that can handle Utah winters, delivery drivers, and every inflatable snowman in a five-mile radius.
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Make This the Year Your Fence Stays Off the Naughty List
Give it a quick check, fix what you can, and call us for the rest.
Your holidays will be a little brighter. Your yard will look a little better.
And your fence will thank you silently by not falling over on New Year’s Eve.
Happy holidays from Western Fence.
May your cocoa be warm and your fence be sturdy.
Western Fence Co. is Utah’s oldest fence company. We are experts in both residential & commercial fencing as well as design and installation of all fencing types including chain link, wrought iron/ornamental iron, other types of ornamental fencing, wood, and aluminum.
We also carry and install automatic gate operators and have thousands of fencing products including hardware and fencing panels in stock! We even do custom CNC Plasma Cutting for artwork and railings!
