Maybe you set up a fence on your property several years ago. Maybe you’ve just moved to a new area, and your new home has a fence on it that you’d like to keep. Whatever it may be, there are times when you should consider upgrading an existing fence to something new. Here are a few signs that your fence might be eligible for an upgrade.
Broken Panels
Obviously, if there’s visible damage to your fence, that’s a good sign that it’s time to make some changes. Look for big problems like snapped or warped panels, but also smaller issues like splintering wood or cracked vinyl. Consider what caused your fence to fail in the first place: did a tree fall on it? Was it blown over by high winds? Did the material itself give out over time? Depending on the cause, you may want to consider a different type of material for your replacement. Vinyl fence tends to be stronger and more durable than wood, for example.
Old Age
Even if you don’t see any damage, an older fence could have structural problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Post rot, in particular, can occur before you’re even aware of it. This is especially true if the fence hasn’t been well maintained in the past (a common problem for new homeowners moving onto an established property). You should do a thorough inspection of any fence that’s more than a couple of years old. If you find one small area of damage, you may be able to do a patch job without changing out the whole fence. If you find several problem areas, though, it may be more cost effective to replace the entire thing with something new.
Life Changes
Are you remodeling your backyard and tired of looking at your old fence? Did you recently get a new pet or have a child and need something to keep them safe in your yard? We all go through life changes, and there’s no reason that your fence shouldn’t grow and change with your family. Whether your current style doesn’t suit your yard’s atmosphere anymore or it doesn’t do the job you need it to do, it’s easy to make changes so that your fence works for you. Many of the most popular fencing materials are more affordable than ever, and with the wide variety of styles and colors on the market, you’re sure to find something that fits your style and needs.
