When and Why to Repair Your Wood Fence

A wooden fence can serve you well for 7-12 years if it’s made of untreated lumber, and 30 years or more for pressure treated lumber. However, it will require correct installation, proper maintenance, and occasional mending. Common reasons for fence repair include severe weather (such as

Posted 1:55 p.m. Feb 18, 2015 — Updated 1:55 p.m. Feb 18, 2015

Common Problems

Wet or dry rot – should be cut out with a saw and patched or replaced.

Termite damage – requires repair or replacement depending on the severity of the damage. To prevent recurrence, make sure that your fence is protected against excessive moisture.

Popped or rusted nails – will need replacement.

Sagging wood fence posts – can be due to a problem with either the post itself or the hole. If the post has rotted, you may be able simply to splint it; however, a seriously rotted post will need to be replaced altogether. If the hole is too big, it can be filled in with crushed stone and/or concrete. Apply the concrete in the form of a mound, sides slanting downward away from the post, to direct rainfall away from the post itself.

Fallen rails or panels – are usually caused by a storm or other impact. Repair the wood fence pieces, if necessary, before putting them back in place. If they are seriously broken or can’t be found, new parts must be installed.

Sagging or wobbly fence – may stem from a number of sources, including poor quality wood, dampness, weather conditions, and more. Support a sagging or wobbly fence with a brace or tension rod.

Proper Installation

When you install a wood fence, make sure that the lumber has been adequately dried to avoid warping. Use pressure-treated wood (especially for posts, which are exposed to high levels of moisture in the soil) or naturally moisture-resistant hardwoods such as cedar. The latter tend to be more expensive, but will pay off in terms of longer lifespan and easier maintenance. A special finish, like stain or paint, will serve to protect the above-ground structure. Don’t use galvanized nails if you’re close to a body of salt water. Install fence posts at least 3 feet deep, with tops cut at an angle, to allow them to shed precipitation. At the time that you install your fence, try to put aside a few pieces of matching wood for future wood fence repair jobs.

Maintenance

To protect your fencing, use some basic care tips. Direct the spray of your sprinkler system away from the fence. Clear off fallen leaves and other garden debris and do not allow vines or shrubbery to grow next to the fence to steer clear of two potential problems – excessive weight on the fence and trapping moisture. Inspect the fence and posts regularly for signs of problems.

A wood fence can be pressure washed as part of your regular maintenance routine, especially important prior to applying a finish, or refinishing. Use a maximum of 1,000 PSI from 6-10 inches away. You may wish to use soapy water and a scrub brush or a mild bleach solution.

Repair or Replace?

When making the decision as to whether to repair or replace wood fencing, make sure that the fence’s structural integrity has not been compromised. There is no point in patching a fence that is likely to collapse anyway. Consult a professional fencing contractor for expert solutions.

The cost to repair your wood fence can vary a great deal. It depends on the nature and extent of the damage, as well as the characteristics of the fence itself – height, quality of the original wood, and so on. Your warranty is likely to cover installation errors only, and will not reimburse you for damage due to either normal wear and tear or extraordinary damage such as vandalism. However, repair may be covered by your homeowner’s policy; check with your insurer for details. Wooden fencing repair is most cost effective when less than 20 percent of the fence components have been damaged; above that figure, it may be wiser to install a new fence.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

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