A well-maintained fence is a great addition to any home. It offers privacy, secures your property, and makes your home look attractive. However, like every other thing on this planet, a fence is vulnerable to damage and deterioration.
When a fence starts to wear down, it can soon turn into an eyesore. Moreover, a worn-down fence might draw the attention of your homeowner’s association. Several associations require you to maintain your finances because a dilapidated fence can destroy the appearance of the entire neighborhood.
Thus, if your fence is starting to age, you can have two choices: repair the fence or replace it. To choose the right option, you need to closely inspect the fence, evaluate the damage, and decide how much you wish to invest in the future of your fence.
Should I Repair or Replace My Fence?
Whether you need to replace or repair your fence depends on a few key factors that are primarily associated with the condition of your fence. Don’t forget to consider the following points when making your decision.
1. Extent of Damage
The decision on whether you need to replace or repair your fence usually depends on what is wrong with it. For instance, if the paint on your fence is peeling off or if the stain is fading, you can repair the damage yourself.
Nevertheless, if your fence has more severe damage, such as structural issues with the foundation of the fence or massive mold and rot, it’s better to replace them instead of repairing them.
The 20 Percent Rule
A lot of fencing experts agree that a good rule to follow is to replace the fence when more than 20 percent of the fence is damaged and requires repairs. The material and style of the fence are going to determine how much of the fencing you need to repair. For example, if you have a wood fence, you might just have to repair a couple of pickets at a time. However, if you have a vinyl fence, you might need to replace entire panels.
Thus, make sure to inspect the fence properly and add up the damage. If over 20 percent of your fence needs to be repaired, it’s probably time to get a new fence. This rule might be slightly different for certain materials. For example, an aluminum fence can be costly to repair, but it’s also quite expensive to get a new one.
The 20 percent rule should ideally be used alongside a cost comparison. If replacing the fence is considerably costlier than repairs, even if 20 percent of your fence is damaged, you might want to keep your existing fence.
2. Condition of the Wood
This is one of the most important factors you need to pay attention to when deciding whether to replace or repair your fence.
Keep in mind that many materials, such as pressure-treated lumber, are not as effective in standing up to the natural elements as other fence materials, such as aluminum and vinyl. Thus, you need to closely inspect the fence to determine its condition. If you notice widespread cracking and splintering, you can get your fence repaired.
However, if the wood seems spongy or soft to the touch, it means the rot has weakened the lumber. In such cases, you need to look at replacement options immediately.
3. State of the Posts
Even if most of the wood is in good condition, it does not mean that the fence is going to be able to hold up for several years. You also need to determine if the posts or the pickets are in poor condition.
Fixing damaged pickets, or even replacing a couple of them, is much easier than fixing the posts. Thus, if the posts are rock solid and free of mold, you might want to consider investing the money or time into repairing a few compromised pickets. However, if the pickets themselves are damaged, you should probably invest in a new fence.
4. Age of the Fence
All fence materials will deteriorate with time. For instance, a wooden fence might last around 15 years, whereas a vinyl fence might have a life of 30 years. While this is a fairly long period, it doesn’t mean that your fence is going to last forever.
If your fence is approaching its life and requires work, you are better off putting your money into a new fence instead of wasting resources on the existing fence.
How to Maintain Your Fence?
Whether you choose to repair or replace your fence, it’s important that you know some important fence maintenance tips. This way, you can keep your new or recently-repaired fence in good shape.
1. Keep the Fence Area Clear
To prevent your fence from getting damaged, you must ensure there are no creeping plants or overgrown tree branches around it. Trim the creeping shrubs and the tree branches to make sure they don’t scratch your fence or cause the paint to chip off.
2. Apply a Sealant
Applying a layer of sealant to your fence, particularly if you have a wooden fence, is an excellent way to maintain your fence. A coat of sealant is going to work as a protective layer and prevent the damage inflicted by the natural elements.
3. Paint the Fences
Another great way to keep your fence in good shape is to paint them yearly. You can apply a coat of paint on your metal or wooden fences to avoid rusting or rotting problems.
Wrapping Up
Whether you need to repair your fence or repair it, DFW Fence Contractor in Fort Worth is here to help you out! Our team has massive experience and expertise in various kinds of fences, including wooden fences, iron fences, chain link fences, and much more!