A well-made and well-maintained fence is a beautiful and functional addition to any home, but no fence, regardless of material and style, can last forever. Of course, fences do not just fail all at once. Usually, fences deteriorate slowly over many years. So, when is it time for a new fence? In many cases, fences can be repaired. In fact, a reasonable amount of repair work should be considered part of proper maintenance, but a time will come when repairs just are not worth it anymore. It is not always an easy choice. Here are three reasons that will help you decide when that time has come.
You Notice Holes in Your Wood Fence
If you can see through any part of your wooden fence, you need repairs at the very least. If only one or two boards have holes, you might consider replacing just those boards. But if the holes are more widespread, they are probably indicative of more severe damage. Even if you repair the affected boards, chances are that you will not get all the damage. Also, the same UV rays that affect humans can degrade your wood fence over time. The most common effect of UV rays is bleaching, in which a fence starts to lose its color and slowly fades to a light gray color. But the color change is just the most visible effect. As a fence grays, it also dries out and loses structural integrity. If your fence has turned colors, look around for other weaknesses and signs of damage.
Your Steel Fence Has Extensive Rust Marks
Modern steel fences are coated with special materials to resist rust, but even so, it is recommended to do an annual inspection for rust spots. After the inspections, rust spots must be sanded to remove the rust and then painted with rust-resistant paint. If you ignore small rust spots, they will only get worse. Some amount of rust is inevitable and can be spot treated. But extensive rust is a sign that it is time for a new fence. Too many repairs can also make a fence look splotchy. If your fence is showing signs of rust across the whole fence, it may be time to give in and build a new fence.
Your Fence is Leaning
If your fence is doing anything other than standing up straight, it is time to consider a new fence. In most cases, by the time a fence is leaning, it is too late for repairs. There are a few reasons a fence might lean. If a fence is leaning, something is usually wrong with the posts. Posts hold the fence in place and are typically anchored into the ground with cement over a gravel base. The cement holds the posts upright, but the cement itself is poured into a hole in the ground. If the ground shifts, the whole cement footing and the post it holds can tilt.
If you need a new fence, Central Fence is the best place to start. We build fences to last, and we offer a wide range of styles, top quality materials, and unbeatable customer service. Take a look at our online gallery. If you are ready for your new fence, contact us for a free estimate!
