If your vinyl fence has seen better days, don't despair. In many cases of minor damage, you can repair a vinyl fence and keep it looking great for years with the right tools and techniques.
Here's what you need to know to fix a vinyl fence so that it'll hold up through the seasons with ease:
How to Repair a Vinyl Fence
Depending on the damage to your vinyl fence, there are ways to repair it. You can purchase a vinyl patch kit at a local hardware store or online to patch small holes and cracks. While you should follow the instructions on your specific patch kit, these are the basic steps:
- Remove the dirt from the vinyl fence. A shop vac or leaf blower may be helpful in the step to quickly remove any loose debris that may be stuck between cracks or on top of boards.
- Clean off any remaining residue using soap and water, then let the area dry completely before moving on. Extra moisture can get trapped by the vinyl compound or cause it not to set up correctly.
- Apply vinyl patching compound over damaged areas using an old trowel or putty knife until fully covered by the compound. Let dry for the time indicated by your kit’s instructions before sanding smooth, if necessary.
For more extensive damage, like sagging or collapsed panels or broken rails and pickets, you should contact a professional for replacement pieces or repair services. While this type of damage can be addressed without replacing the whole fence, you’ll want it done right to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate further.
3 Causes of Vinyl Fence Damage
Holes & Cracks in Vinyl Fences
Holes and cracks in vinyl fences are caused by sun exposure, weather, and age. The vinyl can become brittle over time, making it more susceptible to damage. A mishap with a gardening tool may also cause surface damage to the vinyl, like scratches from a weed whacker or a puncture from a trowel point.
One way to prevent damage to your fence is to exercise caution with tools, equipment, and toys around the fence. Make sure the kids know to be mindful of the fence and not intentionally throw balls at it, for example. If you have landscapers doing work in your yard, make sure they know to be aware of the fence.
Broken Posts, Pickets, or Rails on a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fence posts, pickets, and rails are generally hollow. This makes them lightweight and reduces costs by using less material, but hollow posts can also be more prone to breaking than solid wooden or metal posts. Extra weight from snowfall may cause parts to buckle prematurely, or alternating freezing and thawing cycles could wedge the pieces out of place. A falling tree branch may also break this part of the fence.
If a few posts or pickets on your vinyl fence break or go missing, contact the company that installed the fence to see about getting replacements and repairs done.
To prevent damage to the hollow posts, pickets, and rails, keep the fence clear of large hazards as best as possible. Maintain trees and large shrubs, trim where needed, and remove loose branches and brush before they get knocked into your fence (or anything else on your property!).
Damaged Vinyl Fence Panels
One popular privacy fence style uses solid vinyl panels to create an opaque barrier between your property and your neighbors’. While these panels are fairly durable, a strong storm or heavy snowfall could knock them down. Time may also get the better of these panels and cause them to sag or fall.
Maintenance is critical here, so make sure you’re regularly checking if panels are damaged, or fixtures are coming loose. Check before and after winter, and note trouble spots where things may need to be replaced or tightened to keep the fence in its best shape as long as possible.
If a powerful storm knocks down a panel or two, contact your fence contractor to see about a repair. If you notice fixtures holding the panels to the posts are coming loose or showing wear, like rust, you may be able to swap out screws and such yourself. If you’re not confident in your handyman skills, you may need to schedule a repair with your fence contractor.
3 Signs to Replace Your Vinyl Fence
While vinyl fences have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance, there may come a time when repair is just not an option. The first sign that it's time for a new fence is when the old one needs repairs more frequently. If you find yourself patching and repairing the vinyl every season, it’s probably time to replace the fence.
If an animal has damaged or destroyed part of your vinyl fencing, you may need to replace it with another material! If you have dogs who love to dig and chew, vinyl may not be the best option for a fence. Check out our fencing recommendations for pets.
You may also need to replace your vinyl fence if significant damage occurs from a storm or a harsh winter. Replacing a few broken pickets is one thing, but if large sections of the fence have buckled or collapsed — it’s time to reevaluate.
Many vinyl fences, such as ActiveYards®, come with excellent warranties. If damage occurs to your fence, check the warranty or have your fence contractor take a look to see if the damage is covered.
Is it time to replace your vinyl fence? Contact HOA Affordable Fence Company if it’s time to get that old fence out and a new one in!
