Common Wood Fence Issues: When You Should Repair or Replace
The feeling evoked from a wooden fence gives homeowners a sense of privacy and protection. In addition to promoting a certain ambiance, one thing that’s common among wooden fences is that they can endure wear and tear from the moment they’re installed.
Wood is more sturdy than aluminum or vinyl in fencing, though the need to keep it in optimal condition means paying attention to the overall appearance.
There can come a point when a decision has to be made about whether wood fence repair is in order or if a full-blow replacement is the only alternative.
Below, we’ve listed some factors to help determine whether it’s a good idea to choose to repair or replace your fence.
Moisture Frequency
Areas with heavy rains or snow or homeowners who need to take precautions when doing what they can to avoid moisture are prone to issues with their wooden fences.
Those missteps can include failing to seal the fence against such possibilities. Moisture helps draw insects, a concern that can slowly eat away at the fence’s integrity.
Maintenance Matters
The earliest stages of discoloration, warped wood, and splintering should be tackled as quickly as possible. Ignoring the issue won’t make the problem go away and will end up turning what had been a simple repair into a more costly replacement that likely wasn’t necessary in the first place.
Your Current Situation
Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, consider a replacement if the idea is to move homes in a short time. This is because a brand new fence allows the person who purchases your home to avoid any repairs soon and is something that can be reflected in a higher selling price.
The Time Element
The busy lives that many people lead allow them little time to perform such maintenance or to handle any repairs on their own. That will inevitably lead to the issues noted above, which may be out of your control in changing.
If these circumstances are in place for an extended period, you can replace the fence to restart the clock on that lifespan.
Level of Repairs
In many instances, enlisting wood fence repair is all that’s needed to get everything back to normal. For example, only one post may be damaged, or a specific area might be showing signs of war or other concern. That means a total wood fence replacement can be in order.
Any small holes or cracks can be addressed by using either putty or wood filler. These fixes can be handled quickly, but there’s a good rule of thumb to determine when the amount of repairs should translate into replacement.
That’s when the number of repairs needed meets or exceeds 20% of the total amount of fencing. At that point, you’re likely throwing good money after bad.
Dealing with Common Wood Fence Issues
- Wood Rot
One of the most prevalent issues with wooden fences is rot. This occurs when the wood is consistently exposed to moisture and begins to decay. Clear signs of wood rot include sections of your fence with soft, discolored wood.
If the rot is localized and hasn’t spread extensively, you can repair your wood fence by cutting out the affected area and replacing it with new wood. However, it is also equally important to address the moisture source.
In addition, apply a wood preservative to prevent future rotting. However, if the rot is widespread and the structural integrity of your fence is already compromised, a replacement might be the better choice.
- Insect Damage
Insects like termites and carpenter ants can wreak havoc on wooden fences. If you see small holes, tunnels, or signs of insect activity on your fence, you’re likely dealing with an insect infestation.
If the damage is limited to a small section of your fence, you can often repair it by replacing the affected boards and treating the surrounding wood with insecticides. However, if the infestation has spread and caused substantial structural damage, replacing the entire fence may be more cost-effective. In this case, you may need professional help for local fence repair.
- Warping
Wooden fences can warp due to exposure to various weather conditions, moisture, and inadequate maintenance. Warping can lead to unsightly gaps and a loss of privacy.
If your fence boards are mildly warped, you can often repair them by re-nailing or screwing them and applying pressure to straighten wooden planks. Replacement might be the better option for severe cases, as warped boards can become a recurring issue. In addition, it is best to ensure proper sealing and staining to prevent future warping.
Remember that regular maintenance, including staining, sealing, and inspections, is essential to prolong the life of your wooden fence. Addressing these issues allows you to make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace your fence.
Warranty or No Warranty
In conjunction with the amount of repairs, your warranty status may help you make your choice. Some unintended damage takes place, such as when a wooden fence is vandalized.
Some situations may not fall under the warranty guidelines. You’ll likely have to use your homeowner’s insurance policy for that issue, assuming such circumstances are part of the coverage.
The Choice for Repair and Replacement
As Good as New is ready to help, whether the time has come for some wood fence repair or things have reached the stage where replacement is the only alternative.
We’ve been around for more than two decades, offer free estimates and quality references, and are fully insured to handle any expected events. Contact us to learn more.
