Your home's fence provides privacy for your family, improves curb appeal, protects your property, and keeps your pets and children safe. But, fences don't last forever. Weather, pests, and general aging can all take a toll on the well-being of a fence. In some cases, a simple repair is all you need to make your fence look and act good-as-new. But in other instances, your fence might be well past its prime and ready for retirement. Keep an eye out for signs that your fence needs replacement.
1. Leaning
Several things can cause a fence to lean. The soil around the posts can erode so that it doesn't provide enough support for the fence. After several winters' worth of freezing and thawing, the concrete base that supports the fence can weaken. Wooden fence posts can rot after years of exposure to wet conditions, causing the fence to tilt one way or the other. Insect damage can also affect the integrity of a wooden fence, causing it to tilt.
Usually, by the time a fence is leaning—it's past time for simple repairs. Your best option is usually to replace the entire fence.
2. Missing Posts or Pickets
Whether the fence is made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum, fences are supported by anchoring posts. Over time, wear-and-tear on posts can cause them to become loose or otherwise damaged. In cases of significant damage, the post might go missing. If you notice loose or missing posts, replacing the fence will likely be the more cost-effective option. You can try to repair the missing or damaged posts but might find that you need to keep replacing them as time goes on.
A fence can also have loose or missing pickets, the flat boards that line up along the rails between the posts. Wet conditions and general wear-and-tear can cause the pickets to loosen or fall off. Depending on the number of missing or loose pickets your fence has, replacing the entire thing can be the easier option. If there are a lot of missing pickets and the posts are loose, replacement makes sense.
3. Rot or Rust
Your fence stays outdoors in all kinds of weather. It endures freezing Midwestern winters, hot and humid summers, and everything in between. Over time, the fence's materials can start to break down. Wooden fences can start to rot, and metal fences can rust.
Signs of rotting include wood that is soft to the touch and never seems to dry out. The wood might start to splinter, flake, or crack. A rotted wood fence is also more likely to start leaning, as the compromised posts can't support the weight of the fence properly.
While chainlink fences and aluminum fences resist rust, other types of metal, usually found on older fences, aren't rust-proof. Rust occurs when metal (usually iron) reacts with water and starts to oxidize. Over time, the rust weakens the metal significantly. If you have a fence that is covered in rust, it's time to replace it with a rust-proof option.
4. Discoloration
Wooden fences tend to turn gray as they age, especially if the wood hasn't been stained, painted, or otherwise treated. Weathered wood can be weakened wood, as the discoloration can be a sign of rot.
Often, discoloration in a fence is accompanied by other signs of damage. For example, a yellowed or grayed wood fence might also feel soft to the touch or might splinter easily.
Staining or treating the wood can help prevent discoloration and extend the life of a fence. But, by the time the fence has turned gray, it's usually time to replace it.
5. Obvious Damage
Storms can cause significant damage to a fence. Strong winds or a tornado can tear through a metal, vinyl, or wood fence easily, leaving nothing but little pieces behind. A heavy snowstorm can also knock over sections of a fence.
In some cases, damage can occur when something falls on or crashes into a fence. If there are a lot of trees around your property, one can fall on your fence, knocking it over. If your fence is near the road, a driver who's lost control of their vehicle can plow into it.
The good news about replacing a fence that's been damaged by storms, trees, or vehicles is that your homeowners' insurance coverage will likely foot the bill for the replacement.
If you've noticed any signs that your fence is in disrepair, HOA Affordable Fence Builders can help you replace it. We serve the fencing needs of customers in the Greater Indianapolis area. To learn more about replacing a worn-out fence, click the button below to request a free quote.
