5 Important Fence Repair Tips
Regular wear and tear or unexpected damage can compromise your property’s security and aesthetic appeal. This fact makes wood fence repair and maintenance crucial for homeowners.
However, there is so much to consider when you need fence repairs done. In this guide, we’ll go over the top five fence repair tips to help reduce maintenance costs and ensure your property’s curb appeal.
Important Factors to Consider
Before hiring contractors from a fence repair company, there are several essential details homeowners need to consider.
Here are some points for you to keep in mind:
- Check your Deed Restrictions and/or with your HOA so you can share any requirements with fence contractors. Do not assume that the contractor has that information.
- The most popular picket materials are Pine and Cedar. Cedar is more expensive, but it has oils and acids in the wood that make it undesirable to many insects.Cedar also warps less than Pine. Steel posts do cost more than wood posts. Unlike wooden posts, metal cannot be eaten by termites, nor do they rot like wood can.
- Ideally, your fence is better off not touching the ground. Kick Boards (also referred to as baseboards and rot boards) close the gap between your fence and the ground while protecting your fence from rot and termites. They also help keep a pet from breaking fence pickets.
- Sun and rain leach out the natural protection a wood fence has, turning it gray over time. Staining does not protect a fence forever. You need to re-stain your fence every few years, but that is cheaper than rebuilding.
- If a price sounds too good to be true – it is! Always ask for a detailed bid in writing. It may take a fence repair company a little more time to get that to you, but you will know what you are really paying for. This also helps if you are splitting the cost with neighbors.
Top 5 Fence Repair Tips
Proper fence maintenance boosts curb appeal, ensures longevity, and saves you from costly fence repairs. Investing time and effort into preserving your fence goes a long way. Here are wood fence repair tips that will help preserve your property:
1. Determine the Damaged Area
Begin your repair process by thoroughly inspecting the fence for any visible damage. Look for loose boards, missing nails, or signs of rot or decay.
Identify the specific areas that need attention and mark them. This step is crucial in planning and efficiently addressing the problems.
2. Remove Damaged Sections
Once you’ve identified the damaged areas, focus on removing the affected sections. This could involve prying off loose boards, extracting damaged nails, or cutting away rotted portions.
Be cautious during this process to avoid causing additional damage to neighboring sections. Use tools like a pry bar or saw to disassemble the damaged parts carefully.
3. Tend to the Rails
Please pay special attention to the fence rails, as they provide essential support. Check for any sagging or warping, which can compromise the overall stability of the fence.
If you notice issues with the rails, reinforce them by adding support brackets or replacing damaged sections. Ensuring the proper alignment of the rails contributes significantly to the fence’s strength and durability.
4. Inspect and Treat for Rot
Wood fences, especially in damp or humid climates, can be susceptible to rot. Inspect all wooden components for signs of rot, including discoloration, softness, or a musty odor.
If you identify rot, promptly address it by removing the affected areas and treating the wood with a suitable wood preservative or fungicide. This prevents the spread of rot and extends the lifespan of your fence.
5. Protect with a Weather-Resistant Finish
Once you’ve completed the repairs, take proactive steps to protect your fence from future damage. Apply a weather-resistant finish, such as a quality sealant or paint, to shield the wood from the elements.
Regularly reapply the finish according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain the fence’s appearance and protect it from the sun, rain, and other environmental factors.
We’re Here To Help With Your Fence Repair
As always, we hope that you have found this information helpful. If you have questions or would like to have a FREE estimate on your fence or deck repair project in the Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin area, please call us at 888-988-AGAN or fill out our online contact form.
