If you have a wooden fence in your yard, you are likely aware of the fact that it will not last forever. While paint and stains will help you maintain it, your fence will need to be replaced at some point. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, it may be time for a fence replacement:
Missing Fasteners
The combination of nails, wood screws and firm metal fasteners are what hold wooden fences together. Fasteners are specifically designed to keep wooden panels and boards in place but can loosen over time. In some cases, they may even fall out as a result of ice and wind and other natural forces. Inspect your fence regularly to ensure the nails and screws are where they should be and if you see holes where the nails used to be or discolorations because of missing fasteners, then it’s time to look into a fence replacement.
Rotten Wood
Temperature changes and moisture will affect your fence because the different seasons will provide opportunities for rot to set in. Moisture can seep into your fence while snow and ice can get into the pores of the wood, causing it to rot from the inside out. Wood rot will cause irreparable damage and, unfortunately, once your wood fence starts to rot, there is no way of fixing it. Sealants and moisture repellants will work temporarily but will not be able to prevent the damage from spreading.
Cracked Boards
Cracking is common in boards that have remained untreated for long periods of time as well as in boards that have been damaged by moisture or high heat. When wood is unprotected, moisture will seep into its pores and cause it to swell or change its shape. As time goes by, this deforming motion may cause the board to crack or warp and once this happens, a replacement will be necessary as the damage will be permanent. Cracked boards can cause splinters and will eventually break down completely, so it’s important to take care of this issue right away so that your fence does not become dangerous.
Costly Repair Fees
Some issues can be repaired by installing new panels in your fence; however, this may cost you more in the long run and a complete replacement may be more cost effective. In many cases, it will be cheaper to tear down your entire fence, so get a few quotes before you make any decisions and compare the repair costs with the quotes you receive to see which option makes more sense. You may find that the prices are relatively the same, at which point it would be better to replace your entire fence.
TorOnCa specializes in fence installation and repairs. We service the Brampton, Milton, Vaughan and Mississauga areas, so contact us today for a beautiful new fence!