A fence is there to mark your property line, increase your security and privacy and helps improve your curb appeal. If your wood fence has been damaged in any way, it’s important to repair it. Otherwise, the function of the fence will deteriorate over time, leaving you with a larger problem and likely having to replace it, costing you more money. Read on to learn about 5 wood fence repairs to consider this summer.
Broken
Your fence can become broken from age, weather, an accident, and all sorts of other elements. In any case, if your fence is broken you don’t necessarily have to replace the entire thing. Depending on the severity of the damage, you could get away with just repairing the broken part. However, if the entire structure has been impacted, then it’s best to replace the whole thing. If you’re unsure of which option is best for your fence, consult with a Pro today.
Cracked
There are two potential ways your wooden fence could get cracked, one natural, and one human-made. In the case of a human-made crack, make your best judgment call on whether to replace the board completely or not. If the crack is small enough, you can either leave it or try to fill it in with wood filler or epoxy.
The other way cracks can be made is through the natural drying of the wood. As this process happens over time, the cracks may start small, but if they continue to grow to a significant size, you should consider replacing your fence. Large enough cracks can impact the structural integrity.
Tip: If you are building a new fence, it’s best to use seasoned wood (treated wood fence). This way you won’t be fooled by a ‘perfect’ looking fence only to be cracked in just a few months.
Leaning
If your fence is leaning, you will most likely be able to see it. However, if the lean is slight, it can be harder to spot. You can check your fence to see if it is leaning by applying some light pressure. If it is noticeably giving in it is most likely damaged. It’s best to repair this issue as soon as possible. If you leave it, it could become much worse, eventually falling over completely.
A leaning fence can be caused by aging materials or shallow post placements. The great thing is, once the issue is located, it can be repaired. Once the posts that are leaning are located they can be restabilized. Get connected with a Pro to locate the damage and repair your fence posts today.
Rotting
Wood fence panels are prone to rotting, especially if they are old or exposed to extreme moisture. If you suspect your fence is rotting, it’s best to confirm right away. A rotting fence questions structural integrity and can become a hazard. To test if your wood is rotting you can take a screwdriver or other like object and press it into the wood. If it sinks in then it means that it is rotten. Unfortunately, you cannot repair rotting wood, and you will have to replace it. If only a piece or two are rotted, you can simply replace them. However, if a majority of your fence is rotting, it’s best to replace the entire thing.
Weathered
You can tell a weathered fence by looking at the exterior of the wood. Weathered material appears darker than the original wood. You can restore your weathered fence by removing the aged layer of wood. This can be done by using a power washer, which will expose a fresh layer of wood. Once power washing, it’s important to apply an exterior weatherproof fence stain that will help to protect the wood from aging.
A fence is more than a structure in your yard and should be treated as such. If you notice that your fence is experiencing any of these problems, be sure to get connected with a Pro asap. They can help to repair, or help to educate you on the best path forward.
