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Fences  /  March 9, 2022

5 Signs Your Fence Needs To Be Replaced In Victoria

Signs you need to replace your fence

Fence installation in Victoria is a great way to create privacy, but you’ll eventually see issues if you use wood as your building material. You can prolong the life of your wood fence by painting or sealing it, but the elements will inevitably take their toll. As an organic material, wood expands and contracts depending on the temperature, putting pressure on joints. UV radiation also degrades the plant cells, undermining the internal structure. Finally, termites and other pests literally eat away at the wood.

You can address issues as they arise and extend your fence’s functionality, but eventually, you’ll need to replace it. Here are five signs that day has come.

1. You See Holes

Most fences have a knothole or two, which is perfectly normal and even adds to the rustic aesthetic. However, if you notice spaces that weren’t there before, you have a problem.

Missing pieces are a sure sign you’ve got pests, so make sure you hire an exterminator. Hiring a professional ensures the culprits won’t ruin your replacement fence and protects your house from a potential invasion.

2. It’s Leaning

You may be able to repair a leaning fence, but the solution is usually temporary. Leaning indicates the supports are compromised, which means you need to replace the whole thing. If you don’t, your fence will probably fall over.

Fallen walls can pose all sorts of problems:

  • Pets can get out
  • Burglars have access to your backyard
  • Items can get damaged when the fence falls on them

If your fence leans into your neighbours’ property, you should act quickly, as you don’t want to risk harm to their belongings or family. If they can prove you knew the fence was in rough shape, you may have a civil suit on your hands.

3. It’s Rotting

Since wood is organic, it’s vulnerable to rot. Paint and sealants can help prevent it, as they create barriers that keep out fungi and moisture, but UV radiation, wind, frost and rain will degrade them over time. You need to repaint or seal about once a year for the best results. Even then, you’ll see evidence of rot eventually.

There are several types of rot:

  • Soft
  • White
  • Brown or “dry”

All three options destroy wood on a cellular level, which means there’s no hope of repair once they take hold.

4. It’s Missing Planks

Loose nails from expansion and contraction can cause planks to become loose and even fall off. Rot and mould can also undermine plank integrity, as they make wood soft or brittle. While planks are easy enough to replace, you have to weigh the cost.

If the number of missing planks is on the rise, you might as well replace the whole fence rather than pay for repairs. You’ll have to do it anyway, especially if there are other signs of damage, and it’s better not to waste your money.

5. You Notice Splintering

Splintering may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a small indicator of bigger problems. What starts as barely noticeable splintering can quickly become cracks that undermine your fence’s integrity. There isn’t much you can do to repair this issue, so it’s better to replace the wall as soon as possible.

Handyman Connection provides fence repair services and can even install a new wall. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality service, so you know your fence will last. Do you want to replace your wood fence with something more reliable? We can work with vinyl or chain links. We can even install and maintain gates, ensuring easy access to your yard when you want it and security when you need it. To get your estimate, call or contact us online.

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