We often recommend wooden fences for their many benefits, including the fact that they can last for so long and maintain their quality with very little maintenance. That said, a wooden fence does have a finite lifespan and will eventually wear out, calling for an outright replacement. This can often be around the 10-year mark, depending on your climate and how well you cared for your fence in the first place. If you’re unsure of whether or not it’s time to replace your wooden residential fence, be on the lookout for these telltale signs.
Is it time to replace your wooden fence? Look out for these telltale signs.
Rotting Fences
If one board rots, you may be able to get away with keeping your wooden fence. Once that issue spreads, though, you may want to rethink that. Fences tend to rot closest to the ground, where boards meet the moist ground. You can use preservatives to help keep a fence from rotting and also make sure you’re keeping the area near your fence clean and clear, but eventually, wooden fences rot.
Split or Missing Boards
Again, a single board isn’t a big problem. If there are numerous boards that have split or are outright missing altogether, you may want to think about replacing your wooden fence. Extreme weather conditions can do a lot of harm to your wooden boards and may lead to splitting or warping that can ruin the aesthetic appeal and threaten the longevity of your fence.
Leaning Structure
Speaking of extreme weather, some conditions like high winds can also cause your fence to lean to one side. If you have some slight leaning in one section of your fence, you may be able to replace or adjust some of the fence posts to fix the issue. If it’s a wider spread issue of leaning, that may be irreparable damage.
Loose or Missing Fasteners
The nails and screws keeping your residential fence together can come loose, even falling out after some time. You can replace them one by one, but eventually, the wood may not be able to handle another replacement. If enough fasteners experience these issues, the structure of the whole fence may be compromised.
Expensive Repairs
A wooden fence can often be repaired, but if you have to do repairs regularly, you may want to ask yourself whether or not it’s really worth it. If you’re having to spend money on repairs constantly, it may end up saving you money by investing in a new residential fence altogether.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you are excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
