Do you have a home that you need to protect? Before you invest in an alarm system or worry about a new front door, you might want to think about putting in a fence. Fences can be attractive, sturdy barriers that keep people out of your space, which can be really helpful for creating the kind of environment you are looking for. On this website, check out great information about how to install a fence with the help of the right professionals, how to proceed with your plans, and what to do when things don't turn out exactly like you might want them to. By making a few simple changes now, you could dramatically improve your future.
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Repair Options For 5 Common Wood Fence Issues 17 July 2023
Installing a Fence
Repair Options For 5 Common Wood Fence Issues
Ronald Bell
Wood fences are durable and attractive, but they can suffer from damage as they age. Fortunately, many problems can be repaired easily, and you may even be able to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place.
1. Leaning Posts
A post will lean for one of two reasons. Either the footing isn't sufficient or the bottom of the post has rotted. The latter problem means the post must be replaced with one that has been pressure treated to prevent rot. As for the former, determine why the footing failed. Common issues are natural soil movement, high winds, or frost heave. Installing the fence post deeper can mitigate frost heave issues, while adding a concrete footing may solve wind and soil movement issues.
2. Rotten Pickets
Pickets splinter, crack, and rot due to exposure—which can be avoided if you keep the fence properly stained or painted at all times. Once the picket has suffered damage, though, the only suitable solution is to replace it. Opting for cedar pickets can minimize rot concerns since cedar is naturally rot-resistant. Painting the fence regularly with a clear weather sealer or outdoor paint in the color of your choice is also a viable solution.
3. Broken Rails
A broken rail is one of the easiest issues to repair. The pickets must be removed from the section that is damaged, but they can be reused if they are still in good condition. Then a new rail must be installed. Paint the rails to prevent rot issues, and then re-install the pickets. Thicker rails tend to be sturdier and less prone to breakage. Switching from a two-rail to a three-rail system is another option for increasing support and taking some stress off each rail.
4. Water Stains
Water stains are most frequently caused by sprinkler over-spray. The repeated spray of the water leads to bleaching, which can be quite unattractive. Applying a weather seal annually to the fence boards will reduce the chances of water stains, as will adjusting sprinklers to prevent over-spray onto the fence. Staining or painting the fence is an option if there are already water stains that need to be covered.
5. Loose Boards
A loose board is most often a hardware issue. Nails are more likely to back out due to the natural swelling and shrinking of the wood in response to moisture and temperature changes. Rust can also lead to hardware failure and loose boards. Replacing the current hardware with galvanized screws may prevent these issues from occurring in the future.
Contact a fence contractor if you need help with wood fence repairs.
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