With September here, the days are starting to shorten, temperatures are becoming a little less predictable, and the first proper autumn weather is already making itself known. If you have outdoor jobs to finish, or you’re checking over work you’ve already completed, now is a good time to think about the fasteners and fixings holding everything together.
Whether you’re putting up a garden structure at home, maintaining a fence or decking, or working on an outdoor project for a customer, seasonal conditions can affect more than just the surface you’re working on. So, what should you look out for as autumn continues?
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Autumn increases moisture, which can corrode fixings
One of the most obvious changes as summer comes to an end is the weather. In the UK, September can bring anything from warm, dry days to heavy showers, with outdoor fixings repeatedly exposed to damp conditions as the weeks go by.
During this weather, water can collect around joints, gaps and fixing points, especially where surfaces don’t drain or dry quickly. If this moisture stays around a fixing for extended periods, it can contribute to corrosion in susceptible materials. Of course, that doesn’t mean every outdoor fixing needs replacing as soon as the weather turns. Instead, take a look at areas where water tends to collect and check that the fixing and the surrounding material are still in good condition.
2. Autumn temperature changes can put pressure on joints
Autumn weather isn’t just about rain – it also brings regular changes in temperature, with relatively warm afternoons followed by much cooler evenings. Materials respond to these changes by expanding and contracting. Where different materials are joined together, they may respond differently, which can place additional movement or stress on the joint.
How much this matters will depend on the materials you’re working with, the structure itself and how the fixings have been installed. A change in temperature doesn’t mean a fixing will become loose, but if a joint has started to move or develop a gap, it’s worth investigating.
3. Changing conditions can cause timber movement
If you’re working with timber outdoors, autumn is a useful time to keep an eye on how the material is behaving. Timber naturally takes on and releases moisture, so changes in weather can lead to changes in its dimensions, something you might notice around decking, fencing, garden structures or other outdoor timber projects. These repeated changes in moisture levels can cause movement around joints and fixing points, especially where the timber is already showing signs of wear.
Look out for cracks, splits or noticeable changes around existing fixings. If something that was previously secure is starting to move, you might be tempted to just tighten things and move on. Instead, take the time to check on both the fixing and the timber, as damage to either can affect how securely the joint is held together and tightening the fixing alone may not solve the issue.
4. Falling leaves can trap moisture around fixings
Falling leaves might not seem like a major concern when you’re looking at your fixings, but they can quickly build up once autumn gets going. When these leaves or any other organic debris collect around joints, recesses and fixing points, they can trap moisture against a surface, making it harder for the area to dry naturally.
As such, it’s best to keep those areas clear of leaves or build-up where you can. Giving decking, fencing, garden structures and other outdoor projects a regular clean-up makes it easier for water to drain away and, just as importantly, makes it easier for you to see what’s happening around the fixings.
What are the signs that an outdoor fixing needs checking?
During any season, it’s always good to give your outdoor structures a quick once-over to make sure they’re holding up properly, so you can spot anything before it turns into a bigger, more expensive problem. A quick visual inspection can tell you quite a lot.
When you’re checking an outdoor project, keep an eye out for:
- Visible corrosion or discolouration on fixings
- Damaged or worn fixing heads
- Fixings that appear loose
- Movement in a joint that was previously secure; pay particular attention to joints that experience regular use or movement
- Gaps developing between connected materials
- Cracks or splits around fixing points
- Areas where moisture or debris regularly collects
If your inspection highlights a fixing that’s damaged or has deteriorated, it should be replaced where the surrounding material is still suitable for a new fixing. If the timber or other material around it has also been damaged, the issue will need to be addressed more fully before a replacement fixing can be installed securely.
In doing so, it’s essential that you make sure the replacement is suitable for the material, application and conditions for outdoor use. For example, for outdoor timber projects, we’d recommend using something like stainless steel screws or decking and timber screws, depending on your job’s specific requirements.
Why is autumn a good time to inspect outdoor fixings?
Mid-September onwards is a useful point in the year to give outdoor fixings some attention. You’ve still got time to carry out maintenance before the wetter, colder part of the year becomes more established, while any issues left over from the summer can be easier to spot.
Taking a little time now can also help you prepare for the even harsher conditions ahead. If you’re looking for more information about protecting fixings through the colder winter months, you might also find it helpful to read our guide on fixings that last through winter and protect against damp and frost.
Whether you’re repairing existing structures or starting a project from scratch, we’re here to help. At RC Screws, we support DIY and trade customers all across the UK, providing premium fasteners and fixings you can rely on all year round. From collated screws and drywall screws to sealants and adhesives, we’ve got everything you need for your next job. Looking for a bit more information? Give us a call on 01254 917744, or stop by our Blackburn trade counter today!