Wood fences are a very popular way to bring distinction, class and privacy to homes. They are an attractive and almost integral part of living in any developed, non-rural area and they can be a great overall investment. Despite the many benefits that come with owning a wooden fence, they are not without their inherent flaws. One of the biggest drawbacks of having a wood fence is that wood rots and needs repair more often than metal fences. This is why it's important to stay on top of any wood fence repair needs that may come up.
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Common Wood Fence Issues
Wood fences deal with a variety of issues that change depending on where the fence is installed. Two fences of identical specifications will have to deal with different challenges depending on where they're put up. A wood fence in Eugene, Oregon would face different challenges than a wood fence installed in Tempe, Arizona. The point is that climate and weather can play a major role in how often you need to have your fence repaired. Thankfully, the problems that could hit your fence are generally going to be fairly predictable. This means you can plan for them and have solutions ready for when issues arise.
In wetter climates with soil that is high in clay content, rotting and teetering of wood fences can be a common issue. When it rains in these areas, water will pool near the surface and not drain effectively due to the clay. When the water sits at the surface, it rots the wood of your fence posts much faster than it normally would. This creates instability in the fence and can result in a fence that "leans" or "teeters" off to one side. This can create many different problems for homeowners with children or pets since it creates a falling hazard in the yard.
By contrast, fences in locations that are very dry and sunny face other issues. One major issue is that the extra sunlight that wood fences endure in these climates can literally bake them into uselessness. As the sun beats down brutally on the fence, it loses any remaining moisture faster than normal. This can make the fence very brittle and easy to break. The result is that you're left with a fence that could easily break or be damaged by any number of things.
Wood Fence Repair Considerations
One thing that homeowners need to consider is the threshold between needing "repairs" and a new fence. Sometimes, repairing a section of broken fence is simply not enough and a new fence needs to be built. This decision is best made by a qualified contractor who can help guide you through the repair process. However, the general rule of thumb is that a fence with strong posts is still salvageable. If the posts are still strong, then the structural integrity of the fence is still strong. This means that you can replace sections of the fence without having to worry about fixing up the entire thing.
Finding the right contractor to work with on your fence is the first step you should take here. There are a lot of problems that can arise from repairing a fence that you may not be prepared to deal with. While it may seem like a very straightforward problem, the truth is that there are a number of structural and legal considerations that you may not be aware of. After all, fences are expected to adhere to all necessary zoning regulations and to stay within defined property boundaries.
Fence repair contractors also come with years of experience in building fences for clients. This experience helps them to finish jobs quickly and within budget constraints that most inexperienced homeowners would not be able to stick to. Contractors will also have relationships built up with material distributors who can give them great deals on lumber and supplies. This acts as an extra incentive to work with an experienced contractor when you need to have wood fence repair work done. Due to the many benefits that come with working with a contractor on your fence repairs, it's only smart to find the right one.
Get it Done
These days, it's never been easier to find a contractor who can give you great results for a great rate. In truth, the benefits of hiring a contractor far outweigh any benefits of fixing your fence yourself. Letting your fences degrade and fall to pieces over time can be more than just a simple eyesore. It can be outright dangerous if you consider the potential injuries that can be caused to children by a falling fence panel. In the end, finding the right contractor to help you fix your wood fence is the most sensible route.