There are a variety of factors that determine the lifespan of your fence – type of material, climate, storm exposure, age, and improper maintenance are a just a few of the culprits of fence wear.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take much investigation to tell if it’s time to replace your fence. All you have to do is set aside a few minutes to check for these key signs of wear:
- It’s bent – If your fence is no longer straight, it’s damaged. A warped fence means loose nails and split wood, and could indicate rot. Bent panels can put significant strain on the structure and cause heightened sensitivity to weathering, risking collapse. If your fence is noticeably warped, it’s due to be replaced.
- It’s changed colors – a change in color is an indication of aging. It is tempting to repaint a discolored fence, but it can be a sign that the material is damaged beyond aesthetics. When bright colors turn ashy and dull, or when whites get a yellow or rusty cast, they probably need to be replaced.
- It’s a safety hazard – is your fence threatening you with splinters, protruding nails, or rust? If you’ve got to throw on gloves and get a tetanus shot before you approach your fence, it’s got to go.
- You can see through it – if there are panels fallen over or sections missing entirely, it isn’t doing a very good job at creating privacy or protection, is it? Broken or lost sections are usually a sign that your fence is getting old or it’s suffered from storm damage. This tends to happen a lot around the corners of fence structures as they age. Replace it.
- It’s experienced a hurricane – a great fence can withstand a lot. But if it’s subject to significant winds or been battered by debris, there may be obvious or more subtle structural damage. Wood fences should be investigated for rot if subject to unusually heavy rain or flooding. If there is noticeable damage, it may need to be replaced. If there isn’t obvious damage but it may have been subject to severe conditions, it’s best to have a professional check it out.
Taking care of a fence is relatively low-maintenance, but it’s best to find out what upkeep is recommended for the type of fence you have or are looking into installing. If you have questions or would like to have your fence inspected by one of our experts, give us a call today. Secure Fence & Rail is your local fence contractor and we have years of experience and insight to make your experience truly simple and Secure.