Troubleshooting 5 Common Fence Issues
A fence plays an essential role on a property, providing homeowners with privacy, protection, and peace of mind. A well-kept fence can last up to 20 years, but it can fall apart sooner if it isn’t maintained correctly.
A fence plays an essential role on a property, providing homeowners with privacy, protection, and peace of mind. A well-kept fence can last up to 20 years, but it can fall apart sooner if it isn’t maintained correctly. Other factors, like bad weather, pests, and poor installation, can also cause the fence to deteriorate over time.
Here are some of the most common fence issues that require the homeowner’s attention:
Missing boards
Missing or damaged boards on a wooden fence aren’t only an eyesore, but they also allow pests to enter the property. Luckily, these types of fence issues can be solved quickly. Replace the missing or damaged board or picket and paint it.
Mildewed or stained fence
Since fence boards are constantly exposed to the elements, bad weather conditions or extreme heat can result in mildew and mold growth. This is bound to happen to fences made of wood and vinyl. It’s best to use a pressure washer to remove the stains from wooden fences. For a vinyl fence, mild soap and water will do.
Poorly installed fence
Unfortunately, if the fence isn’t installed correctly, it will not last as long. The most common installation problem is post holes that aren’t deep enough, necessary for a solid foundation. It’s essential to dig post holes at least 3 feet deep. Remember to use gravel or concrete for the installation.
Many homeowners struggle with installing a fence on sloped ground. Since this kind of fence installation can be challenging, hiring professionals is much wiser.
Leaning or falling fencing
Fences made of wood, vinyl, or chain-link can sometimes fall over. This issue is otherwise known as a leaning or sagging fence. It can happen to large fence sections, which can be a real problem for homeowners. Different factors can cause the fence to fall over, including strong winds, weakened fence posts, impact damage, soil erosion, or extreme weather conditions.
Place larger rocks or gravel next to the fence to add support for a short-term solution. However, if the entire fence is falling over, it probably needs replacement. In cases like these, it’s best to reach out to a fence repair company.
Insect or rot damage
Wooden fences are especially vulnerable to insect damage and rot. The best solution depends on the extent of the damage. If the entire fence needs replacement, choose a more resistant wood type, like cedar.
Termite infestation can be an absolute nightmare if left untreated. If the termite-infested fence boards are anywhere close to the home, it’s imperative to remove the affected parts of the fence first, so the infestation doesn’t spread through the entire property.
When it comes to rot damage, it’s best to replace rotting fence boards entirely.
Keep the fence in tip-top shape
Since a fence faces constant exposure to the elements, it’s bound to have problems. No matter how badly the fence is damaged, the situation should be dealt with as soon as possible. Whether replacing boards, pickets, or larger fence sections, hiring a professional fence replacement company is best.
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information call (602) 481-1298 today!
