Types of Fence Damage and How to Avoid Them

Even a professionally-installed fence is subject to damage over time. Weather, foundation changes, maintenance and insects can all affect the condition of a fence. By understanding the common types of fence damage, you can avoid them or address them as needed.

Wood Rot

If you have a wood fence, the posts may rot over time. Wood fencing is treated for outdoor use, but it is not invincible. After years of sun exposure, rain, freezing, thawing, etc., the wood begins to weaken and crumble.

To prevent wood rot, seal or stain your fencing every 3-5 years. Keep piles of leaves and other debris away from the fence line because they will trap moisture along the base. If you notice wood rot on select fence posts, replace those to preserve the overall integrity of the fencing.

Warped Fencing

Does your fence look like it is wavy? This could be from heavy wind exposure, or it may be the result of shifting fence posts. The posts are the vertical supports that hold the rest of the fencing in place. If these were not properly installed or they’ve moved around, the fence may start to sag in different directions.

To avoid warped fencing, choose a professional fence company to install your fencing. They will help you find the right material for your area, particularly if your property is subject to high winds. They will also install a firm footing for the fence posts to keep them upright. If you already have warped fencing, get a quote for fence repair or replacement.

Grey Wood

Wood fencing may grey over time because the oils in the wood dry out. Some homeowners like this grey tone, while others prefer the natural look of the wood. You can temporarily remove the grey color with power washing, but that will not prevent it from re-occurring.

To prevent grey wood fencing, you need to get your fence stained frequently. The stain acts as a barrier to lock in the wood’s natural oils and prevent new threats from damaging the wood. You can choose a natural stain that enhancing the fence color, or you can choose a darker stain that may better match your property.

Holes or Gaps between Fence Pickets

Are there large gaps between your fence pickets? This may be because the wood has shrank with time, or perhaps that was the installation technique the original homeowners wanted. Holes in the fencing or missing fence posts could be from an animal, from an accident, or from rotten wood falling off the fence.

To avoid gaps in new fencing, make sure you design the pickets in a way that provides maximum privacy. A board-and-batten installation would cover the gaps, even if the pickets shrink in the future. If you have gaps or holes that you want to repair, you could replace the fence pickets or add an additional layer of pickets to cover the gapping.

Find the Right Material to Avoid Fence Damage

The best way to avoid fence damage is to find the right materials for your property. If you have dogs that are liable to chew up wood fencing, you may opt for a more durable material like vinyl fencing. If you live in an area with heavy rains, you would want to avoid wrought-iron fencing or anything that could rust over time.

Our fence installers in Maryland would be happy to come to your property for an in-person consultation. We can evaluate all the parameters to find the ideal fence material for you. If you have fence damage that you would like repaired, we can examine that as well. All Around Fence is a full-service fencing company near you. To schedule a quote for fence installation or fence repair, contact All Around Fence at (443) 838-9374.