Whether you just bought a new house or you’ve lived in your home forever, there will come a time when you need a new fence. Even though modern fencing material is built to last, it cannot last forever. Some issues can be repaired without a complete fence replacement, and others require a total teardown. But, how will you know when it’s time? What are the signs to look for?
1. Rotting
One rotten board is one thing, but if there’s generalized rotting in your fence, it may be time to replace it. With a wooden fence, you’ll typically notice rot in the areas where the fence is closest to the ground. This is where the boards experience the most sustained moisture, accelerating rot. You can prevent rot with regular maintenance and by applying a preservative. However, nature will eventually take its course and the rot will set in. If you see generalized rotting on your fence posts and boards, it’s time to think about replacement.
2. Leaning
Does your fence lean outward or inward? That may seem like an easy problem to fix, but that’s not always the case. You may be able to simply straighten the supports to get the fencing to sit upright. However, there may be a bigger underlying issue to take care of. The leaning may be caused by weakened fence posts, which will warp or crumble later on. Rather than putting a bandage on the problem, you’re going to be better of getting a new fence you know you can count on.
3. Split and Missing Boards
One split or missing board can be replaced. Lots of split and missing boards mean it’s time to start over. Even the best wood begins to crack and split after years under the sun and rain. The freeze-and-thaw cycle is another culprit that ruins perfectly good boards without exception. Split, warped boards perform poorly on your fence, not only ruining its aesthetic appeal but also resulting in structural problems.
4. Loose and Missing Fasteners
Screws and nails may become loose or even fall out of your fence over time. Although these can be replaced, eventually, the wood may not be able to withstand a new screw or nail. If your fence has grown wobbly due to loose and missing fasteners, at a certain point, it’s useless to try to replace them all. The structure of the fence has become compromised and you won’t be able to regain it by attempting to replace fasteners in deteriorating wood.
5. Repairs Are Too Costly
The main factor that determines when you should replace your fence? It makes more financial sense to replace than to repair. If you can, estimate the costs of repairs and consider whether you’re prepared to invest that amount of money into your fence. While many problems with a fence may be repairable, you will have to weigh the cost of repair against the age of the fence, and the likelihood of encountering more damage. If your fence is old, and/or the damage is widespread, you may discover that it would not be much more expensive to have the fence replaced than it would be to have it repaired. In addition, since a severely damaged fence is likely to present more problems down the road, replacement may be the most economical decision you could make in the long run.
If you are in need of wood fence replacement. Buckhead Fence Company is here to help. Simply call us at (470) 431-0079 with any fencing questions you may have or to receive a free quote.