Simpson
A fence is a massive part of any property. It helps add value, protects your privacy, and keeps your family safe. However, over time, fences can deteriorate and need to be replaced. Several signs indicate when you should consider repairing or replacing your existing fence.
When you see these signs, you must consult a fencing expert like Alpine Fencing to replace your fence. Some of these signs include:
1. Sun Damage
If your fence is still standing, you might not be able to see any signs of damage. But if you look closely, you’ll notice it’s faded and brittle. Over time, sun exposure can cause wood to become dry and break down.
Your fence can get damaged by too much sun exposure. Sun damage to fences can cause cracks, splinters, and warping. When you observe sun damage to your fencing, it’s time to replace it.
2. Loss Of Color
As with your home’s siding, the color of your fence can be an indicator of its overall health. If you see large amounts of fading and weathering on your fence, that could mean some portion of it is in pretty bad shape.
If you’re lucky, this means only some parts need replacing; if not, it might be time to start thinking about a complete fence replacement.
3. Insect Damage
One of the most common causes of a replacement is insect damage. Termites and other wood-eating insects can be detrimental to your fence, no matter how sturdy it may seem. A termite infestation, for example, can cause wood to rot and warp over time as they eat away the wooden supports inside your fence posts.
Termites aren’t the only insects that cause problems with fences —ants can also infiltrate your fence if they decide they like living there.
If you have an ant problem on or near your property, then it’s likely that some moisture will infiltrate their nesting grounds which will attract ants inside your fence posts.
4. Warping
Warping indicates that your fence isn’t structurally sound and needs to be replaced. It can be caused by water damage or wood rot, but it’s often the result of improper installation, low-quality materials, or bad weather conditions.
Warping happens when there are too many gaps between boards in your fence, which allows them to move independently of each other as they expand or contract with changes in moisture levels. This movement causes cracks along joints where two pieces join together (significantly if one side of that joint has been cut too short).
When warping occurs because of poor quality materials or improper installation techniques, you’ll see signs like sagging boards and nails popping out of place on all four sides simultaneously.
5. Fungus And Mold
Fungus, mold, and bacteria can all be found on your fences. While this isn’t as serious a health hazard as some other things you find outside of your house (like bugs or rodents), it can still cause several problems for the people living in the house.
Allergic reactions are one of those problems. Fungus releases spores into the air that can affect those with allergies and respiratory conditions alike. In addition to causing allergic reactions, the fungus may also cause dry skin and rashes if touched by bare hands, eye infections if it gets into the eyes, and headaches when breathed in through the nose.
6. Splintering Wood
Splintering wood is a sign of rot. If you notice that your fence has cracked and splintered, you may be dealing with dry rot or even termite infestation. Woodpeckers can also cause this problem if they’re nesting in the area.
To ensure your home is protected from these pests and other issues, it’s essential to check for these signs regularly.
7. Leaning Fence Posts
It’d be best if you were always on the lookout for leaning fence posts. A straight, vertical fence post isn’t only more aesthetically pleasing, but it also indicates that your fence may have been built properly.
If your posts are leaning, you may want to consider replacing them. If they’re rotting from underneath, this could indicate that water is seeping into the base of your fence and causing it to decay.
8. Cracks Or Signs Of Rotting Wood
Some factors cause wood rot. If you see your fence is warping, splitting, or cracking in any way, that can be an indication of wood rot. These problems with the wood can also be signs that it’s time to replace the fence entirely.
Conclusion
A fence is a significant investment, so it’s essential to ensure that your current one is still in good shape. If you have any of these conditions on your current fence, it may be time for a replacement. It’s advisable to consult a fencing expert to replace your fence.
