A fence is no good if it can’t hold itself up or keep intruders out. Wear and tear can create a situation in which your fence is no longer reliable for such things. When that day comes, it pays to be prepared. Here are some signs to look for in your fence when asking yourself if your fence has been irreparably damaged.
Termites
Termite damage is most easily spotted by the presence of holes where there shouldn’t be any. If your fence starts resembling swiss cheese more than the solid blocks of wood you remember, it might be time to check for termite damage. Another sign for termite damage might be in the form of unstable posts or places where your fence gives way to weight being pushed against it. In such cases, it is advisable to replace the fence – or at least the afflicted places, if spot repair is possible. Make sure the rest of the infestation is dealt with, if so.
Corrosion
Most fencing materials are susceptible to corrosion. This can occur when wet wood becomes exposed to sunlight or when metallic fencing structures are subject to moisture. Rust isn’t a good look on fences. If your fence has rusted over, it might be time to consider buying a new one. Rust cannot be reversed, so you’re going to be stuck with an unsightly, more structurally-unsound fence until you find a replacement for a metal fence that has rusted over.
Stains
While most stains can be simply washed off from a metal fence, stains can often be permanent in wooden fences. Anything can be a potential stain. It can be a neighbor’s spilled drink, from a pet, or from mildew. The list goes on. What matters is that certain stains bind themselves to wood, permanently discoloring it. If this occurs, it needs a replacement in order to be fixed. Some stains can be washed away, however, even on wooden stains. Be sure to know which stains are irremovable and which aren’t before deciding on whether or not to replace your fence.
Cracks and Fragmentation
Mother Nature can be harsh on household appliances– especially those subject to outdoor environmental hazards. Natural damage can result from any number of things, and the scale of such damage can vary greatly from what kind of malady nature decides to inflict upon your fence. If you live on the coast or in a place where powerful storms can hit, be prepared to find parts of your fence in pieces– or worse, missing altogether. Floods and tornadoes can sweep away a sturdy fence as easily as you might stoop to pluck a blade of grass. Natural disasters are a part of life, but they don’t have to be disastrous situations for you if you’re prepared. In the case where certain points in a fence might be cracked, disfigured, or otherwise damaged, don’t hesitate to call Central Fence for a quick assessment on whether or not it can be replaced in part for cheaper, or if you need a new installation altogether.
