There’s a reason why the fencing industry in the United States is worth an estimated $8.3 billion. The right type of fence can make or break a property. Unfortunately, even the most durable type of fencing is prone to damage and degradation.
If you suspect that you require fence repair, then you might be wondering whether you should call a professional or repair it yourself. The answer depends on the extent of the fence damage.
In this article, we’ll go over some common warning signs that require help from professionals as soon as possible. Let’s get started!
What Type of Fence Repair Can You Do By Yourself?
Unfortunately, you cannot do much with DIY fence repair if you don’t have the proper skills or tools. However, there are things you can actively do to prevent problems from ever occurring with your fence.
This is known as fence maintenance. For wood, composite, and vinyl fences, it’s important to clean them regularly to get permanently discolored.
A simple soap and water solution is all you need to do this. If you have a chainlink or iron fence, then your biggest enemy is rust. To prevent this, consider spraying your fence with a rust-resistant coating at least once a year.
If you notice any weeds or plants growing around your fence, then make sure to clear them out regularly. These types of plants can displace the fence posts and cause instability.
Finally, if your fence has hinges, it’s important to care for them too. You can do this by regularly oiling and greasing them. This will keep them functioning as they get older.
Signs That You Should Call a Professional For Fence Repair
More often than not, you should consider skipping DIY fence repair and go right to calling a professional. This is especially true if you notice any of the signs found in this section.
However, it’s important to find a repair company that you can trust. So how do you do this?
If you live in the Idaho area and need fence repair Butte Fence can help. Dependable companies like this help fix the problem and teach you the skills to do it yourself next time.
1. Broken Boards
Visually broken boards are one of the clear signs that it’s time to call someone for professional fence repair.
This problem is most common in wood fences since they are prone to mold and insect damage that rot away the material. However, small holes and cracks are also common in other materials.
The good news is that if the damage is confined to a small area, the repair person can replace only the broken bits. Still, in some cases, it simply makes more sense to replace the entire fence.
2. Severely Damaged Posts
A fence’s post is vital for retaining structure. As such, if even one post is damaged, it can threaten the structural integrity of the entire fence. When posts get warped or bent, then they begin putting extensive pressure on the boards.
This causes learning and eventually the entire collapse of the fence. There are two main ways that a post can be damaged: high-speed winds and damage at the base of the post.
Early detection of this problem is key. It’s much easier to replace one post than an entire system. So, you should regularly test the strength of your posts by trying to shake them back and forth.
If you’re installing a new fence, then you can also prevent future problems by securing the post in cement to make it more stable.
3. Rusted Hinges
Hinges can typically be found around the gates offenses. Unfortunately, if these hinges are not cared for, then they can begin developing rust. At first, this might be a noisy nuisance.
However, if left untreated, then it can cease to open properly. To prevent this, you can try regularly greasing the hinge and also applying an anti-rust solution.
However, if it’s too far gone, you will need to hire a fence professional to replace it.
4. Signs of Insect Activity Around the Fence
Insects, particularly wood-eating ones, are a serious threat to wooden fences. They can eat through and destroy the structural integrity of the fence.
Other species of insect can leave lasting moisture damage that causes rotting. One clear sign of insect activity is the fence post is looking swollen in sections.
You should also keep your eye out for insect burrowing behavior, like tracks or mazes in the wood.
If you notice any of these signs, then call a fence repair professional right away. In some cases, you should also call an insect exterminator.
5. Discoloration You Can’t Remove
Most fences are bound to become discolored at some point in their life. This is especially true for easily stainable material, like vinyl.
However, some discoloration can indicate a much more serious problem. For example, some green type of mold can produce an unsightly effect on your fence.
Similarly, greying wood is an indication that it’s getting dried out. Rust on metal fences can be unattractive and eventually destroy the structural integrity of the fence.
So, even if the fence discoloration doesn’t bother you, you might still want to call a professional. It could be a symptom of a fatal disease.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn when you should call professionals for fence repair. Even if your fence problem isn’t on the list, you shouldn’t be self-conscious about asking a professional for help.
This is especially true if you have little to no repair experience. Indeed, without a professional, you can make the problem a lot worse. So, don’t be afraid to call on the experts for help.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics you’re sure to love.
