10 Common Fence Damages and How To Fix Them
Your fence is an important part of your home. Not only does it provide security and privacy, but it also adds to the aesthetic of your property. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your fence and fix any damages as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 common fence damages and how to fix them.
What are Fences?
Fences are a type of boundary marker. They are typically made of wood, metal, or stone and are used to mark the edges of a property. Fences can also be decorative and add to the aesthetic of a home. A new fence installation can be a great way to improve the look of your property and increase its value. But before you install a new fence, make sure you’re familiar with the common fence damages and how to fix them.
Types of Fences
- Wood Fences
- Metal Fences
- Stone Fences
- Vinyl Fences
- Composite Fences
- Electric Fences
- Bamboo Fences
- Hedges
- Chain Link Fences
- Vinyl Fence Gates
10 Common Types of Fence Damages
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of fences, let’s discuss some most common types of fence damage.
#1. Cracks
Cracks can occur in any type of fence, but they are most common in wood and stone fences. Cracks can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix cracks in a wood fence, use a wood filler or putty to fill in the cracks. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks.
#2. Splits
Splits can occur in any type of fence, but they are most common in wood fences. Splits can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age.
To fix splits in a wood fence, use wood glue or epoxy to glue the split together. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the split together.
For vinyl fences, use PVC cement to glue the split together. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged. Bamboo fences can be repaired by splicing the broken bamboo together. Hedges can be repaired by trimming the damaged branches and replanting the hedge.
#3. Holes
Holes can occur in any type of fence, but they are most common in wood and metal fences. Holes can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix holes in a wood fence, use a wood filler or putty to fill in the holes. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the holes. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the hole shut.
For vinyl fences, use PVC cement to glue the hole shut. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged.
#4. Warping
Warping can occur in any type of fence, but it is most common in wood fences. Warping can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix a warped fence, use a level to make sure the fence is level. If the fence is not level, use shims to level it out. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the warp together.
For vinyl fence, use PVC cement to glue the warp together. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged. Bamboo fences can be repaired by splicing the broken bamboo together.
#5. Discoloration
Discoloration can occur in any type of fence, but it is most common in wood and metal fences. Discoloration can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix discolored fences, sand the fence down to remove the discoloration. For stone fences, use a power washer to remove the discoloration. For metal fences, use a wire brush to remove the discoloration.
For vinyl fences, use a power washer to remove the discoloration. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged.
#6. Sagging
Sagging can occur in any type of fence, but it is most common in wood and metal fences. Sagging can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix a sagging fence, use a level to make sure the fence is level. If the fence is not level, use shims to level it out. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the sag together.
For vinyl fences, use PVC cement to glue the sag together. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged. A sagging gate can be repaired by adding support to the gate.
#7. Missing Boards
Missing boards can occur in any type of fence, but they are most common in wood fences. Missing boards can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix missing boards in a fence, use a saw to cut the board to size and then nail it into place. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the board into place.
For vinyl fences, use PVC cement to glue the board into place. Composite and electric fences cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are damaged. Missing boards can also be caused by animals chewing on the fence. To prevent animals from chewing on the fence, use chicken wire or hardware cloth to cover the fence.
#8. Leaning
Leaning can occur in any type of fence, but it is most common in wood and metal fences. Leaning can be caused by weather, insects, animals, and age. To fix a leaning fence, use a level to make sure the fence is level. If the fence is not level, use shims to level it out. For stone fences, use mortar to fill in the cracks. For metal fences, use a welding torch to weld the lean together.
#9 Insect Damage
Insect damage can occur in any type of fence, but it is most common in wood fences. To fix insect-damaged fences, use a power washer to remove the insects.
#10 Local Laws
Before you repair or replace your fence, make sure to check with your local laws. Some cities have regulations on the height, material, and style of fence that you can have. You don’t want to get fined for having a fence that doesn’t meet the requirements! Your property management company may also have rules about fences that you need to follow.
If you notice any damage to your fence, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. By taking care of your fence, you can prevent further damage and make it survive for long periods of time. A damaged fence can decrease your home’s curb appeal and even make it harder to sell. Not to mention, a fence is a big investment, so you want to make sure it lasts!
How to Maintain Your Fence?
Now that you know how to fix common fence damages, it’s time to learn how to prevent them! Here are some tips on how to maintain your fence:
- Inspect your fence regularly for damage and repair it as soon as possible.
- If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, make sure to take extra care of your fence.
- If you have a wood fence, make sure to treat it with a weatherproofing sealant every few years.
- If you have a metal fence, make sure to sand and repaint it every few years.
- If you have a stone fence, make sure to inspect the mortar regularly and repair any cracks as soon as possible.
- If you have a vinyl fence, make sure to power wash it every few years to keep it looking new.
- If you have a composite or electric fence, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance.
- Keep your fence clean by trimming back any plants or trees that are growing against it. Remove any debris, such as trash, leaves, or branches, that is near your fence.
By following these tips, you can prevent common fence damages and keep your fence looking like new for years to come!
Hiring a Professional
Common fence problems can be fixed easily if you know how to do it. If you’re not confident in your ability to repair or replace your fence, you can always hire a professional. Fence companies have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and they can also help you choose the best type of fence for your needs. Hiring a professional Birmingham AL fence company is usually more expensive than doing it yourself, but it’s worth it if you want to be sure the job is done right.
Here at Landmark Fence Company, we are the best fence company in Birmingham Al. We specialize in all types of fence installation and repair, so we can help you with any fence issue you may have. We have the right material for any climate and can advise you on the best type of fence for your needs. Contact us today to get a free quote! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
