One of the first things people notice about your house is your fence. Aside from adding security and privacy, it also adds aesthetic value and enhances the appearance of your home.
Wood fences, however, require routine maintenance to maintain their lifespan.A damaged fence spoils the entire appearance of your home. Moreover, it no longer provides security, leading to adverse consequences such as burglary or an escape of your pet or even your child.
So, you need to take good care of your wooden fence. However, despite your effort to keep your fence to its best, you are likely to face fence-related issues once in your lifetime. And when that moment comes, many homeowners wonder whether to repair their fence or replace it. When it comes to making that decision, you should consider several things. And we are here to make up your mind so that you can choose the right option.
In this article, we are going to cover:
Common wood fence problems
As a natural material, wood can be easily damaged, unlike synthetic materials such as metal or vinyl. So, there are several problems that you can face. One common wood fence problem is its discolouration due to the frequent rains. Although the problem sounds insignificant, a discoloured fence could be a thorn in the side, especially for perfectionists.
- Other problems that every homeowner with a fence can face are rot and mould. We all know that wood attracts mould, and if you catch it earlier, you can clean it away before it worsens. However, rot could be more perfidious. Over time, the wood ages, and that is an inevitable process. Moreover, the moisture favours fence decay. Unfortunately, some people neglect the rot of their fence, thinking that it won’t spread and will lead to its destruction. An excellent recommendation to prevent corrosion is resealing at least once a year, especially if you live in a humid climate.
- A wobbly fence post is another fault that people find with their fences. Are you wondering whether you are one of the affected? Well, if your fence post is moving forth and back, you are probably one of them.
- Another problem is severe loose panels, especially on windy days when the whole fence could be torn away.
- Additionally, there is no need to mention that wood attracts termites or other insects pests that can damage your fence too.
When to repair your wood fence?
You are already familiar with the wood fence problems that can occur each of you. So, let’s take a deep look at whether the fence needs repair or it’s time to replace it. Most of you would probably choose the more profitable option, but that depends entirely on the type of damage.
Firstly, you should expect your fence thoroughly from the ground level, paying particular attention to where the wall meets the ground. The most common issue that you can face is holes and cracks. However, that could be easily removed by filling them with putty or wood filler. After that, you need to paint the whole fence for a uniform appearance.
Besides, you need to do it anyway if your bar is discoloured, which is entirely possible. Finally, you should probably check your warranty conditions to see whether damages like these are covered. In a nutshell, if the noticed cracks are small and insignificant, they could be easily repaired by yourselves or with the help of specialists. 
When to replace your wood fence?
If damages are more serious, the most cost-effective option is a replacement.
Here are signs which show it is time to replace your fence:
- widespread rot and mould
- damages caused by termites and other insects
- leaning, warping, or splintering
It is said that if more than 1/4 of your fence is damaged, it would be more cost-effective to start thinking about a new fence installation. Moreover, repairing solid damages could be a fight in a losing battle.
What does fence repair involve?
The repair of your fence could be a challenging and time-consuming task. Wooden fence posts and panels can be prone to storm damage, rot, or attack by insects. So, it is essential to treat them as soon as possible to prevent the fence’s impact. When it comes to repairing, you should provide yourself with the tools you might need and get acquainted with the whole process.
If the fence post becomes loose and moving, a concrete repair spur can support the wooden post. A concrete fixing is the best option to reinforce your fence. Read more on how to repair fence posts using concrete spur.
What does fence replacement involve?
When it comes to damaged panels, you may need to replace them entirely. If you start with the idea of repairing the fence, you will probably conclude that the panels should be replaced. So, we will tell you how to replace them in several steps.
The first step is to remove the panels. To do this, you should remove the screws or nails by using a wonder bar.
The second step includes measuring the replacement piece. It would help if you determined the length of the wood panel. The replacement piece will have to match it in size exactly.
Another thing that you should do is to determine the distance between each fence panel with a tape measure to find where to mount the panels. Then, cut two small pieces of wood equal to the distance between the panels and use them as guides.
Then it would help if you drilled holes in the beams. Use screws or nails on each beam to hold the panel, making four anchor points. Keep the panel opposite the rays and impose it in the correct position. Then mark where the panel crosses the beams and while you are holding it make four small holes with a screwdriver or a small drill. The last step is to place the panel in its correct position. The tips of the screws or nails should fit into the present holes in the beams. Then you can set the screws and nails completely.
Sometimes the concrete spur is useless to the fence posts, and they need to be replaced. If you want to do it by yourself without the help of any fence fitters, you can learn how to do it here
Get help with fence repair or replacement
You already know how to decide whether your fence needs repair or it is time for a replacement. However, the installation process could be overwhelming, so the best option is to ask specialists.
If you have any problems with your fence but have no idea how to fix it yourself, you can contact our team to help you with the process, provide you with some fencing ideas, and give you the best tips for your fence maintenance.
If you have any inquiries about the installation process, you can see some tips and advice that we have shared with you.
PI Gardening is a local company operating in West London with several completed projects in Twickenham, Richmond, and Kingston. You can get in touch for a FREE, no-obligation quote for your fencing requirements. You will also receive a detailed breakdown of the project cost and timeline.