Repairing or replacing a fence gives you opportunities to switch up the style, materials, and even location. Depending on where property lines fall, you could add a few inches to a foot or more to your yard by moving some posts. fence installation company your property will give you a lot of advantages but how will you handle the maintenance as you go along the way with the different types of weather we have.
A sturdy and visually appealing fence can add value to your home, enhance curb appeal, and even earn you points with the neighbors. But when it falls into disrepair, it can have the opposite effect. The thing is, signs that your fence needs repair can start small, turning into a big eyesore before you (or the neighbors) realize it. Here are the signs your fence needs repairs and how to handle them.
Signs That Your Wood Fence Needs Repair
- Heaving and Bending
One of the primary issues with wood fencing is the need for cement footings. You must dig post holes, fill them with cement, and sink your cedar posts in. The problem is that water—whether groundwater or street-level water—can seep into the cement casing.
- Cracking Near the Ground
If your fence is too low to the ground—or ground conditions have changed due to moisture or upheaval—the posts may touch the soil. Not only does this invite pests to move in (more on that below), but it also means moisture can seep into your wood.
Dry rot is another factor and one that can occur no matter how high your fence is from the soil. Dry rot is a condition that occurs when wood fences lose their natural oils. The result is exposed surfaces that become brittle and start breaking off due to fungi growth.
- Signs of Pests
Pests are another common issue with wood fencing. Termites, for example, love to nibble on your cedar and other wood fencing materials. Some visible symptoms of termite damage include:
Signs Your Vinyl Fence Needs Repair
Fence repair and painting tasks are fewer and far between with vinyl fencing. Still, no fence is immune to the powers of nature (or the neighborhood kids). Here’s what to look for in your vinyl fencing to gauge for repairs.
- Discoloration
The good news is, vinyl fences are typically easy to clean. Spraying them off with a hose or washing gently with a soapy cloth often removes dirt and stains. Sometimes, however, stuff starts to grow. Commonly, grass clippings and mud can encourage the growth of mold, algae, mildew, and moss.
In wet or mildew conditions, your fence might start changing colors with whatever is growing on it. But you probably don’t need to remove or replace the vinyl panels. Just wash with a simple bleach or white vinegar solution to neutralize the spot, and that’s it.
- Puckering or Holes
Even a small hole or puckered surface can cause an unsightly blemish on your vinyl fence. Overall, these fences are durable and don’t require much maintenance. But a tree branch crashing down could create a puncture, and other conditions can result in minor damage.
In most cases, small puckers aren’t a huge problem. You can sand down the surface, apply a sealant, and stop the spread of the hole. Existing holes, however, might need sanding, insulation, sealant, and paint to restore the fence’s integrity (and style).
Signs Your Ornamental Fence Requires Repair
Traditional ornamental fences use wrought iron, which is challenging to care for and tough to install. If you have a wrought iron fence, you need to check it for signs of damage and perform preventative maintenance, too. Here’s what to look for on ornamental fencing.
- Visible Rust
Because wrought iron fences contain ferrous metal, they are susceptible to rust. Iron can become weak as rust develops, and the first symptom is discoloration on the fence. Rust usually appears orange and crumbly, and it often occurs in the joint areas first.
- Dents and Bending
While wrought iron looks tough, it is vulnerable to bending and dents. Such dents and damage are usually easy to spot. The problem is fixing them. While many epoxy products can help the fence look better, traditional welding is a better solution to keeping the fence strong.
- Peeling Paint