Time for An Update: Signs You May Need a Fence Replacement

new wooden fence

A fence is a major investment, but unfortunately, it may not be a lifetime one. Fences sit outside in the elements, protecting your property from wildlife and intruders, and all sorts of varying and punishing weather conditions. Over time, it can all take its toll.

Sometimes those signs of wear and tear are hard to notice, especially if you see your fence every day. Other times, the signs of damage are impossible to miss. Either way, once you do take note of them, there's only one conclusion: your fence needs to be replaced or repaired.

Here are a few signs to look out for and consider.

The fence is discolored.

If you notice the color of your fence is off or changed in certain spots, it's definitely a cause for concern. Not only does it detract from the visual appeal of your fence, it can be a sign of something more serious. On wood or vinyl fences, for example, discoloration can be a sign of mold or algae growth. It can also mean a wood fence is drying out, which can lead to splitting and splintering. On a metal fence, discoloration can be a sign of corrosion or rust (though this likely will not occur in an aluminum fence, as aluminum does not rust in a typical way).

No matter the cause, though, discoloration is a clear sign that your fence may need replacing.

There are holes or missing pieces.

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: if your fence is missing panels or pickets, or has large holes in it, it likely needs replacing. A fence with missing pieces can't perform one of its key functions of keeping in who you want to keep in (pets and kids, often), and keeping out who you want to keep out (wildlife, intruders).

Missing pieces or holes can have many causes, from extreme weather and wind to aggressive animals to human error and accidents. They all, though, certainly mean that your fence will need serious and immediate attention.

While you may be tempted to simply patch up the fence and replace the missing pieces, it's often not worth it. The pieces you get to fix the holes may not be a visual match for the rest of your fence (both in terms of material and age). Furthermore, the holes are often a sign that the whole fence will need to be replaced soon anyway.

The fence is leaning or sagging.

If your fence seems to be leaning in certain areas, or certain sections seem to be sagging, it can be a sign of more serious problems. Often, sagging or leaning is caused by an issue with the fence's footings: concrete-filled holes where posts are placed. If these get water in them, they can crack, making the posts—and by extension, your fence—unstable. Water can also warp wood fences, making them susceptible to collapse.

The fence is no longer even at ground level.

Unfortunately, sometimes the thing that demands fence replacement isn't related to the fence itself. If the terrain where your fence sits has significantly changed, due to weather and erosion or other factors, it can create serious issues for your fence.

For example, if the ground level has lowered and there's now a large gap between the bottom of your fence and the ground, your fence is no longer providing full security and small animals will be able to get in and out through the gap. Or if the ground has risen and is touching the bottom of your fence, it can cause moisture to get into your fencing materials, causing a host of other issues.

You just don't like your fence anymore.

Sometimes you may need to replace your fence for reasons that have nothing to do with age or wear or damage. You may just need a change.

Maybe you moved into a property with an existing fence, and that fence isn't to your taste. Or maybe you built a fence years ago, and your own tastes have evolved. Whatever the reason, if you don't like your fence, there's nothing wrong with replacing it. After all, you've got to look at your fence every day: you should appreciate what you see.

Of course, none of these signs are a reason for despair. Not only can replacing your fence be enjoyable, it can also be an opportunity to install a fence that's even better and more visually appealing than you had before.

We offer a variety of fencing options at Diversified Fence Builders, Inc. Aluminum, wood, vinyl, and chain link are our specialties. Depending on your fencing needs and preferences, you may want to replace your fence with the same material you had previously, or you may want to try something new. Wood, though a classic style and aesthetically pleasing, is the most susceptible to wear and tear from the elements, wildlife, and insects. Aluminum and vinyl are more durable, considerably lower maintenance, and can last much longer without significant upkeep or update.

Regardless of your material choice or your reason for rebuilding or replacing, we'll work with you to make the process as simple, efficient, and enjoyable as possible. You can get started by checking out our Fence Estimator. Using an aerial image of your property, it lets you pinpoint where your replacement fence will go and then explore the different materials and pricing options.

Or if you'd prefer, you can contact us directly and begin working with a member of our expert and dedicated fence building team. We'll help you design, build, and install a new fence on your property that will certainly not need replacing any time soon.

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