Winter is Coming
In Colorado, the shift from fall to winter can be brutal. Snow piling up against your fence acts like a slow-motion weight test, while freeze-thaw cycles try to heave your posts out of the ground.
Clear Debris
Before the first snow, clear leaves and organic matter from the base of your fence. Wet leaves trap moisture against the wood, accelerating rot over the winter months. A clear fence line also allows snow to melt away faster.
Check for Weak Points
Shake your fence. If a panel is loose now, a heavy blizzard or 60mph Chinook wind will find that weakness. Secure loose boards with screws (nails tend to back out over time). If a post is rotted at the base, it needs to be braced or replaced before the ground freezes.
Snow Removal Caution
When shoveling or plowing, avoid piling heavy snow directly against vinyl fence panels. In extreme cold, vinyl becomes more brittle, and the weight of a snowbank can crack it. Throw snow away from the fence line.