The right fencing can be a useful and aesthetically pleasing addition to any home property.
Keeping it useful and attractive involves noticing when fence repairs become necessary and then addressing them before the damage makes replacement the only option.
Pay attention to these signs that attention from a fencing repair company is needed to return an ailing fence back into a sturdy, appealing fencing installation!
What Are Some Signs That Fence Repairs Are Needed?
Residential fencing does not last forever, no matter what it is made of, so homeowners must constantly be looking for problems that require repairing.
Over the years, homeowners should periodically inspect their fences to look for damage that can be easily repaired before causing more serious problems that can affect the integrity of the entire structure.
Minor fence repairs like broken boards, pickets or other components, wood discoloration or rotting, individual leaning posts or warping boards, sagging gates, and similar concerns should be handled as soon as they are detected.
Damage caused by accident to one or even a few sections of a fence can also be fixed by a professional fencing repair company without the need to replace the entire installation.
The main concern when dealing with any kind of localized damage is repairing it promptly to prevent it from worsening.
When Should Fencing Be Replaced Rather Than Repaired?
Although it is usually possible to repair most fencing damage, there are also times when the damage is so severe or affects enough of the entire fence that replacement is the better option.
These are some of the instances when fencing companies recommend replacing the whole fence rather than paying for extensive repairs:
- Widespread Rot - The most common age-related problem that can broadly affect a wooden fence and reduce its structural soundness is rot in its multiple forms. Fencing repair companies find that wet rotting caused by algae and mildew can soften and deteriorate wooden components, while dry rotting caused by UV damage or insect infestations can make it brittle and weak. In either case, a fence that suffers this damage over much of the installation should be replaced rather than repaired, as there is no way to strengthen posts and boards or pickets that are deteriorating this way.
- Splintering and Cracking - Wood, PVC, and other fencing materials may splinter and crack after years of exposure to the elements. When the damage is widespread affecting many sections of the fencing or if the posts are splitting, fence repairs may not be enough to correct the problem, making replacement more reliable.
- Leaning Posts - A leaning fence is a key indicator that there is a major problem with the posts. Leaning suggests either a poor installation or posts have rotted or broken below the ground surface, both of which are concerns that require immediate attention. When more than just a few posts are affected, a whole new fence is usually the best option so new posts can be properly set and a structurally sound new fence can be built.
- Physical Damage - A fence that is damaged physically somehow should be assessed for its overall condition before automatically making repairs. Sometimes, the most cost-effective option when facing accidental damage such as that caused by a car or fallen tree is to replace the whole fence if it exhibits other damage and only has a short life left to it.
Discuss Fence Repairs With A Skilled Fencing Repair Company
Fencing that shows signs of damage that can affect its structural soundness and appearance needs attention to resolve issues actively causing damage.
To determine the extent of the problem and the types of fence repairs necessary, a local fence contractor can help.
An experienced fencing repair company can assess the current condition of a fence and cause of damage, then help customers decide on the most cost-effective and beneficial option for either repairing or replacing it.
