Old enough to replace? Or salvageable enough to repair?
If you have an older or damaged fence in your yard, it can be difficult to decide whether it’s a better idea to repair or replace your wood fence. While it’s almost always possible to repair a wood fence, it’s often a better idea to replace the whole thing for better security and greater peace of mind. So, should you repair or replace your wood fence?
Common Wood Fence Problems
There are many common problems that wood fence owners should be aware of. These problems, which can typically be repaired, include:
- Wet or Dry Rot: These sections should be cut out with a saw and replaced with fresh wood
- Termite Damage: Depending on how badly the wood fence is damaged, you might be able to repair the damage. In many cases, the wood fence will need to be replaced instead.
- Rusted or Missing Nails: These nails should be replaced.
- Sagging Fence Posts: Fence posts can sag as a result of damage within the fence post itself or the hole that the fence post sits in. If the post is rotted, it should be replaced. If the hole that the wood fence post is sitting in is too large, fill it in with gravel or concrete.
- Missing Rails or Panels: As long as the missing areas aren’t too large, you can replace these.
- Sagging or Wobbly Fence Panels: This may happen as a result of many different things, from insect infestation to weather in the neighborhood, so the wood fence might need to be repaired or replaced.
How Can You Prevent Future Problems?
Whether you have to repair or replace your wood fence, there are several ways that you can prevent future problems.
- Ensure the wood is completely dry before building a fence or replacing a section
- Use pressure-treated wood
- Use a stain or paint to protect the wood itself
- Don’t use galvanized nails if you live near saltwater
- Install wood fence posts deep in the ground, at least 2 feet
Choose Hercules Fence Richmond!
Whether you want a charming picket fence or a colorful vinyl fence to protect your pool and keep your property and family safe, Hercules Fence has the expertise and equipment to repair or construct your dream fence. Whether it’s a minor repair or major replacement, we would love to help your vinyl coated chain link fencing better serve your family. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they’re residential or commercial, for the right price. Give us a call at 804-752-7992 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
