This post is a quick guide to help you decide between backyard fence repair vs. replacement.
Backyard fences can be a beautiful addition to any home and garden. Unfortunately, they also tend to get a lot of wear and tear and may require frequent repairs or even replacement.
Broken fences can allow children and pets to escape while letting in pests and making life less private.
If your backyard fence is rotting, warping or falling apart, it's time to give it some tender love and care. But how do you know when to conduct fence repair or call for a replacement?
Backyard Fence Repair
Take a close look at your backyard fence and inspect it from the bottom upward. If the fence is made of wood, rot normally starts at ground level. You should also look for cracks, holes, splintering, warping, and discoloration. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should repair your fence promptly to avoid any further damage.
Check your fence warranty to see if it's still valid and covers the damage you found. If there's no warranty, you can take the do-it-yourself approach. Fill small cracks and holes with putty or wood filler. You should also replace any warped panels or posts. Homeowners who aren't confident in their home repair abilities should hire a professional.
It's always a good idea to do routine maintenance on your wood fence, even if there doesn't appear to be anything wrong. Try to seal it once a year to prevent decay or apply a coat if you see water soaking into the wood rather than beading on the surface. By staying on top of your fence's condition you can make sure it reaches its top life expectancy.
When to Lean Towards a Fence Replacement
A backyard fence that's rundown or falling over creates a bad impression. It looks messy to your guests and any potential buyers, and may also be a black mark on the neighborhood.
When things get this bad, it's time to consider a fence replacement. Here are circumstances in which you should construct a new fence:
- The damage is substantial, and more than a quarter of the boards have rotted
- Pests and termites have begun to eat away at the wood
- A car accident or falling tree has destroyed a large section
- The wood has exceeded its life expectancy, which varies depending on the type.
Once a wooden fence becomes unmanageable and no longer provides security or privacy, it's time to install a replacement. If it becomes more than an eyesore and appears dilapidated, it's time to make the call to a Colorado fence replacement company. Also, if the backyard fence repair cost is higher than the price of a new fence, installing a new fence is the more economical option.
Related - Choosing the Best Fence Style for Your Colorado Home
Replacing? Consider the Alternatives for Backyard Fencing.
Backyard wood fences look great but require significantly more upkeep than other types of fences. Other fencing materials, such as vinyl and aluminum, can provide the same amount of privacy but are more durable and easy to maintain.
The upfront cost of installing more durable types of fences may be higher than wood but could be worth it in the long run. They can be made to be aesthetically pleasing and will last for many years.
If you are comparing a wood privacy fence repair vs. a vinyl replacement, you might be put off by the upfront cost. However, a vinyl fence will last longer and require fewer repairs, which often saves money in the long-run.
Learn more: Calculating the cost of a new vinyl fence
Some Colorado homeowners might also consider repairing or replacing their old chain link fence. If the chain link fence repair is going to be costly and you are already wishing you had a fence that offered more privacy, it might be time to consider replacing a chain link fence with a wood privacy fence. Although the maintenance might be more substantial, you will appreciate the beauty and privacy that a wood fence provides.
As long as you're willing to put in the work, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to enjoy your backyard wood fence for a long time. Seasonal maintenance will keep repairs to a minimum. Only if disaster strikes or you neglect your fence should you need to install a replacement? If you're not able to give your fence enough attention, consider purchasing a different type, such as vinyl or aluminum, which requires little upkeep and will last for a long time.
Speak to the Colorado Backyard Fence Experts
If you’re unsure about taking on a chain link fence project, contact us for a free backyard fence consultation. We repair and replace hundreds of Colorado backyard fences every year. Blicks Fencing has offices in Colorado Springs, Denver and Highlands Ranch. We have over 20 years experience building in the Colorado chain link fencing.
Call now for a free consultation with a Colorado backyard fence expert.
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