Apr 11, 20235 min read

Fence Repair: 9 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Fence

Updated: Jun 17

You may have realized the Australian dream of owning a home with a white picket fence. Unfortunately, that white picket fence will not last forever.

Your fence may need to be replaced at some point due to wear and tear or accidental damage. Here are 9 indicators that your fence needs to be replaced.

1. There Are Holes

Have the boards on your fence begun to look a little polka-dotty? The holes are likely caused by insects or other animals chewing on your fence.

Whether termites or mice, you may have bigger problems than fence replacement. Have an exterminator inspect your property to determine what is causing the holes in your fence.

After you've taken care of that, you can replace your fence. You're wasting money if you replace it before getting rid of your pests. They'll return and destroy your new investment.

2. The Wood Fence Is Cracked

It may not appear to be much, and you may believe it is merely an aesthetic issue that can be painted over, but think again. This seemingly minor problem is a symptom of a larger problem.

Cracking in the wood is frequently present with splintering. If you see both on your fence, it's a sign that the wood is about to fall apart and destroy your fence.

When you notice splintering and cracking, contact a fencing company as soon as possible to have a newer and safer one installed.

3. Your Fence Is Leaning Over

You keep your fences back up every time they lean or fall over. This is not only inconvenient to do repeatedly, but it is also dangerous to one's health.

Leaning fences indicate more serious underlying issues, which can collapse your fence completely. If yours is sagging, it could indicate weak fence posts. Another possibility is that the boards are warped or broken.

Replacing the entire thing rather than attempting to repair it may save you both time and money.

4. There Are Lost Boards

The boards on your fence may become loose over time and eventually fall off. While the fence is still standing, it is most likely structurally compromised and could collapse anytime.

This is especially dangerous if you have children or pets frequently playing in the yard. Furthermore, it detracts from the aesthetics of your backyard.

Accidents, such as brushes with the weed trimmer, can also cause damage to your boards. Or weather-related damage, such as a tree falling over and breaking your fence.

If your fence has been damaged, you must replace it because repairs are impossible. Don't take the risk if it doesn't appear safe. Invest in a new fence to keep your family safe and secure.

5. The Wood Fence Is Rotting

If you live in an area where it rains frequently, you may notice yellow or gray stains on your fence. Seeing either color indicates that the wood in your fence is rotting and that mold is growing on it. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is replace your entire fence.

To avoid this again, you might want to consider using a different type of material for your fence, such as treated lumber. It may cost more upfront, but you will save money in the long run because you will not have to replace your fence as frequently.

6. Your Wood Fence Is Discolored.

If large fence sections have changed color, inspect them for serious damage. Often, wood that changes colors dramatically has become weak, rotten, or infested with pests. Wood fences require regular maintenance to stay in good condition, and structural flaws are often hidden beneath a discolored surface.

7. You Can See Your Neighbors

They can also see you. It can be awkward, especially if one of you wants to enjoy the yard but has no privacy.

Not only do you lack privacy, but you may also be concerned about lost pets. If the fence isn't high enough, your dog or cat may be able to climb it and escape whenever they please.

Avoid all of these headaches by simply replacing your fence entirely. This time, thoroughly discuss your desires with the fencing company. That way, they can collaborate to build a fence that checks all of your boxes.

8. Too Many Repairs Added

If you call for repairs every other day, it may be time to retire your current fence. You may be in denial and believe, "One more repair, and it'll be good to go." However, it is in desperate need of replacement.

Examine how much you've spent on repairs in the last few months or even the last year. If the total is approaching or has already exceeded four figures, you should have replaced the fence long ago. You must let go of the old and welcome in the new.

9. Significant Accidental Damage

If your fence has sustained significant accidental damage, it is time to replace it. It may appear to be obvious advice. However, many homeowners believe they can repair the damaged area and move on. In reality, it is determined by the size of your fence, the extent of the damage, and the type of fence. Because they can often be repaired in sections, wood fences are the most resistant to accidental damage. When it comes to significant damage, metal fences frequently perform poorly because the damage is rarely limited to the immediate area of the accident.

There are other reasons to replace your fence if it has sustained significant accidental damage, such as a tree falling on it or a car crashing through it. First, even if you repair the visible damage, it's difficult to know how the surrounding area was affected. Weakening posts and sagging footings could lead to further damage in the future. Furthermore, no repair is perfect, and matching a new fence to a weathered fence is difficult. Consider a full replacement if you want your fence to match throughout. Of course, if you have a long fence, such as a rural fence, a large property fence, or a commercial fence, you may not need to replace it entirely.

Get A New Fence When Necessary.

You'll have to give up on the repairs and replace the fence at some point. Getting a replacement instead of keeping up with repairs will save you money in the long run.

Not only will you get a better-looking fence, but you'll also have another chance to maintain it to the best of your ability to keep it from deteriorating. Avoid the mistakes you made with the previous one; your new fence will last years.