Wooden fences have been with us for the longest time. A strong, well-maintained wooden fence is appealing to the eye and can add value to your home. It adds a rustic and authentic touch to the surroundings and blends well with manicured lawns.
Wooden fences however do not last a lifetime. If not well attended, these fences will fall into disrepair and can even become an eyesore. If you have a wooden fence, look for the following signs to know when you need to replace the fence.
When the Fence Starts Sagging
Wooden fences are not protected against the elements. All year-round, the fence gets exposed to sun, hail, rain, snow, and wind. As time passes, these elements might take a heavy toll on the fence, making it lean on one side or the other. You might not recognize the sagging immediately, but gradually, you will start noticing the signs that your fence is aging. The wooden posts supporting the fence weaken with age, resulting in sagging of the whole fence.
Immediately you start noticing the leaning fence, it is best to replace the supporting posts with newer and stronger items. You could also consider using firmer support at the base, such as concrete.
When It Gets Discoloured
Painting wooden fences enhance the aesthetics to make it more appealing. You can even paint different colors to blend with the surroundings. However, when this paint gets discolored and starts peeling off, perhaps it is time to replace the fence. Discoloration might be due to exposure to weather elements such as sun, rain, and snow. Rust and poorly preserved wood might also lead to discolored fence boards. Scraping off the loose paint and treating with wood preservatives might help for a while. The best remedy is to entirely replace the fence.
Missing Boards on the Fence
As wooden fences age, some boards on the wooden fence get loose or become damaged. Missing panels on the fence can create a serious security risk. The spaces created by missing boards can become the entry points for intruders and even dangerous animals.
When fastening nails get loose, tree branches fall on the fence, or animals such as sheep continuously knock on the fence, the wear and tear become visible and might even affect other structures along the fence such as the gate.
The professionals from texasgaterepair.com/gate-operators advise that sometimes, repairing a small section of the damaged fence might create a weakness in the entire fence. The repair costs might also be too high compared to replacing the fence.
When There Is Rotting
Wood is vulnerable to rotting. Several factors such as water and snow might accelerate the rotting process on wood. Rotting mostly starts with poles fixed into the ground. This means that you might not easily discover when the rotting on your wooden fence starts until it becomes too late.
Decay on the wood will weaken the fence, making it lean and sag. If not discovered early, you might wake up one day to a completely fallen fence. If you notice signs of rotting early, you can remedy it by cutting the rotting part off the poles. Most times, however, there is no reversing the rotting process. You might just need to replace the fence altogether.
When There’s Insect Damage
Pests can wreak havoc on a wooden fence. Insect damage will ultimately compromise the aesthetics, strength, and durability of a wooden fence. Most people apply treatment on the wood before constructing the fence. The treatment can work but it can weaken over time, making it possible for pests to invade the wooden fence.
Termites are especially a menace on wood. It is advisable to always inspect a wooden fence regularly to look for any signs of pest infestation. Holes or burrows on the wooden planks, chewed boards or scratched boards are all signs of pest infestation.
If you notice these signs early, you can apply treatment to eradicate the pests. Extensive damage might require you to replace the fence.
Expensive to Repair
Whenever there’s any damage on a wooden fence, the obvious course of action for most people is to repair it. Repairs can be a good stop-gap measure. A replaced wooden plank will prevent animals from getting in, and a new touch of paint might perhaps restore the aesthetic appeal.
However, whenever it makes more sense to replace your wooden fence than to repair it, then perhaps it is best to bring it down and construct anew. Small repairs overtime might be too costly. A new wooden fence is a good investment for your privacy, security, and for aesthetic appeal.
Does Not Fit In
If your fence is struggling to blend with the surrounding aesthetics, it is best to replace it with one that complements every aspect of the home or garden. If for instance you spruced up your garden or renovated your house, the wooden fence might stick out like a sore thumb. You might want to tear it down and construct another fence that is in perfect harmony with the new surroundings.
Your wooden fence might also not fit in because of aging. Most wooden fences don’t have a long lifespan. Regardless of how you preserve the wood or maintain the fence, after some years, age will quickly catch up with the wooden fence. In most cases, if your fence is over 20 years old, it is best to tear it down and replace it with a new one. Also, don’t reuse the old materials in a bid to cut costs. Most likely, the older pieces of wood will be weak and have a pest infestation.
Properly taking care of a wooden fence can make it last longer. Choosing the right wood, properly treating it, and constructing it professionally are all important steps towards a strong and sturdy wooden fence. Constant repairs arising from wear and tear on the fence might just plug the problem for a while. However, whenever you notice serious damage on the planks and posts, the best option would be to replace it immediately.
Safetyhub.net
