Wood fences are among the most popular due to their traditional look, and their natural beauty. However, wooden fences do not last forever and will begin to deteriorate over time. While routine maintenance and repair can extend the life of your fence, there will come a day where you will need to have it replaced. Yet, how will you know if the fence has reached the end of its life, or if it can be repaired? Learn more as we go through this article and be informed as to when will be the perfect time to replace your fence.
There are a few key signs you can look out for that can indicate that it may be time to consider having your fence replaced. And here are just a few of these signs that can indicate the need for a new fence installation.
- Broken/Damaged Boards
One of the easiest signs to detect that can indicate that your fence may need replacement is if you notice broken and/or damaged boards. Over time, deterioration, as well as wear and tear, can cause boards to become damaged. While individual boards can be easily replaced, if there is a problem with multiple boards, and the damage appears to be widespread, then you may want to consider replacing the fence entirely, as this can be a sign that your fence is aging and structurally unsound.
- Signs of Insect Damage
Insect damage can be fatal to a wooden fence, as it can result in its structure being compromised. Signs of holes, gnawing, or boring in your fence can indicate the presence of an insect infestation. It is important to be on the lookout for such damage in your fence, because if you catch the infestation early, you may be able to eradicate the insects and have the fence repaired; however, widespread damage may require replacement.
- Leaning/Sagging Fence
Another sign that your fence has aged past its prime is if you notice that it has begun to sag, or is even leaning to one side or another. While occasionally this problem can be remedied by replacing one or more of the fenceposts, if multiple fenceposts are warped or damaged, then this is likely a sign that the wood of your fence has begun to weaken. Additionally, sagging fenceposts can lead to the warping of the boards in your fence, which may mean the structural integrity of your fence has been compromised. If this is the case, then you will continue to experience problems with your fence, and it will likely be in your best interest to have it replaced as soon as possible.
There are many signs that can indicate that your fence may be in need of replacement. At the end, when you catch the damage and the age of your fence will likely determine if it needs to be replaced. It is for this reason that you should consider making inspecting your fence part of your regular routine for maintaining your house so that you can catch any damage as soon as possible. Contact us to find out more about the signs that can indicate the need for fence replacement, as well as to find out about having your fence replaced.
Total Repair Costs
Ultimately, when you discover damage to your wooden fence, you will have to decide whether or not you want to attempt to repair the damage. 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.