Even if you just bought your house or have lived there for a long time, checking your fence on a regular basis is important. As long as they are built and maintained properly, fences can be a beautiful and functional addition to any home. The fact remains that no fence, regardless of its design or material, can last forever. Our fences at Buckhead Fence Company are built to last for decades, especially if they’re properly maintained. However, all fences have their limitations. It may be necessary to replace the fence at some point.
Fences don’t just collapse all at once. Fences tend to deteriorate over the years. So when should you consider a new fence? Usually, fences can be repaired. Proper maintenance includes a reasonable amount of repair work. Eventually, it won’t be worth it to repair a fence; a new fence will be necessary. Making the decision isn’t always easy. In this article, we’ll show you how to know when that time has come.
There are holes in your wood fence
The lifespan of a wood fence can be very long if it is installed properly. This is the aim of Buckhead Fence installations. Our materials are top-of-the-line. In spite of this, even the best wooden fences are subject to the same forces as all other organic materials. The sun, rain, heat, and cold gradually erode the wood of a wooden fence over the years. Wood-boring insects, such as termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees, can cause damage. Wooden posts and boards can rot out if they are in contact with fungi and plants. Every wooden fence will eventually need to be replaced once these factors combine over a long period of time.
It’s a good idea to have your wooden fence repaired if you can see through it in any way. If only one or two boards have holes, then you may need to replace just those boards. On the other hand, if there are large holes throughout the surface, then it is likely to be a sign of extensive damage. When multiple boards of a fence have holes, it is evident that the fence is failing. There is probably more damage than you can see, whether the holes are caused by pests or rot. Repairing the affected boards may not repair all the damage. In that case, pulling down the fence and replacing it might actually be less expensive than continuing to repair it. Therefore, a new fence is needed.
Rust marks cover a large portion of your steel fence
Fences made of steel are as beautiful as they are fickle. Steel fences are often coated with special materials to resist rust, but it is still advisable to have them inspected for rust spots annually. Inspections must be followed by sanding to remove rust and then painting with rust-resistant paint. Do not overlook small rust spots as they will only become worse over time. Eventually, rust eats away at the metal of your fence, causing it to literally fall apart. Generally, rust appears when two metal pieces have been soldered together. Rust can begin to deteriorate a fence at its seams if you let it get out of control.
It is inevitable that there will be some rust, and it is treatable. Extensive rust, though, is an indication that it is time for a new fence. Rust treatment often leads to a less reliable joint than the original, even when the rust is spot treated. A fence that has been repaired too many times can also seem splotchy. Even the most durable steel fences will eventually wear out. You may want to consider getting a new fence if you notice rust on the entire fence.
Leaning fence
The purpose of a privacy fence is to provide a strong, tall barrier. Children and pets are kept within their boundaries. You can block unsightly views from outside your property and keep prying eyes away from your privacy. Privacy fences are the most commonly found residential fences in the United States. As a nation, we are concerned with privacy and property rights. Therefore, when your fence begins to fall apart, you should do something about it.
If your fence isn’t standing straight, it may be time to consider a new one. It is quite rare to be able to repair a leaning fence by the time it gets to that point. Several factors can cause a fence to lean. It is usually the posts that are to blame if a fence leans. A fence is held in place by posts, which are typically anchored into the ground with cement over a gravel base. Posts are held upright by cement, but the cement itself is poured into a hole in the ground. The post-it holds and the cement footing may tilt if the ground shifts.
Flooding or water-soaking the ground may cause the ground to shift. Roots from trees can also cause posts to move.
The ground can shift a post hole if it isn’t dug deep enough during freezing and unfreezing. (In reality, that was the installers’ fault. Post holes should be drilled at least below the freeze line.)
Despite having strong bases, rotten posts can cause a fence to lean. The weight of your fence may begin to lean if your posts or rails are affected by rot.
A dented or damaged metal fence can also lean, in addition to having problems with posts.
Discoloration of your wood fence
Wood fences can be beautiful. Staining the wood is a popular alternative to painting it so homeowners can enjoy its natural beauty. Clear sealants may even be used to preserve the fresh wood’s natural appearance. You should reapply the finish on your wood fence every year to keep it protected from the elements, regardless of the finish type you choose.
As with any organic material, wood will deteriorate over time. Usually, even something as seemingly harmless as sunlight will wreak havoc on your fence. Wood fences can degrade over time due to UV rays that affect people, which is why dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen. When a fence is exposed to UV rays, it begins to lose its color and gradually bleaches to a light gray color. However, the color change is only the most visible symptom. During the process of graying, fences also lose structural integrity and become drier. It may start splintering or become more prone to chipping, splitting, and breaking. See if you can find any other signs of damage or weaknesses in your fence if it has turned colors. Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. You probably need a new fence if your fence is gray.
Significant accident damage
It is time to replace your fence if your fence has been significantly damaged. Perhaps this should go without saying. Homeowners often think they can simply make repairs and then move on. It really depends on the size of the fence, how much damage it has sustained, and what type of fence it is. Due to their ability to be repaired in sections, wooden fences are the most durable to accidental damage. When it comes to significant damage, metal fences often fare poorly, since the damage rarely confines itself to the immediate area of the accident.
The fence may have suffered significant accidental damage—a tree may have fallen on it or a car may have smashed through it—in which case an entire replacement is necessary. It’s hard to tell how the surrounding area was affected, no matter how much damage you repair. Mechanics may cause further damage if posts and footings become weak. Moreover, there is no perfect solution to repairing a damaged fence, and matching a new fence to an old fence can be difficult. Consider a full fence replacement if you want your fence to match throughout. It is possible that you don’t need to replace all of a long fence, such as a rural fence or a fence around a large property or business.
If you need a new fence, here’s where to go
If you’re in need of a new fence, you’ve already found the best place to get it. Check out Buckhead Fence Company today. We build quality fences that will last, and we have a wide range of styles and materials to choose from. Browse our gallery to find out more. We’ll provide you with a free quote when you’re ready for your new fence!