Common Problems Homeowners Face During Wood Fence Repairs

Fences are beautiful additions to your property. Depending on the style of the fence, it can offer tremendous privacy and curb appeal. However, wooden fences require regular upkeep to continue looking beautiful for years to come. Homeowners often decide to try wooden fence repair on their own, often underestimating the complexity and the possibility of hidden problems. Discover the potential issues you may face during fence repairs and why leaving the project to professionals is best.

4 Common Problems Faced During Wooden Fence Repair

Anyone who has dealt with wood deck repair and maintenance services knows how challenging it is to care for natural wood. The difficulty of upkeep does not change because the wood is vertical instead of horizontal. If anything, the horizontal layout might actually make fence work a little more complicated and uncomfortable, especially when it comes to cleaning, staining, or painting. Still, as with deck work, fence work has several common problems that homeowners should expect, especially if the fence is older.

1. Discolouration and Staining

Among the many problems wood fences can face, discolouration and staining are likely the most common. Fences do not receive much protection against sun exposure, which can cause wood discolouration. You have probably heard people refer to boards as sun-bleached; this occurs when UV rays cause the wood colour to lighten or darken.

Besides sun-bleaching, fence boards can stain. If boards have mud, leaves, or other yard debris on them, the debris can change the colour of the affected boards.

2. Rot and Decay

Wooden fence repair is all about restoring a fence to its former glory. If a wooden fence stands for years without proper top coats or protective layers, homeowners risk rot and decay. Wood rot can spread to other boards and fence posts, so removing and replacing any affected boards is best. If a fence is affected by wood rot, you should examine any areas that rot or decay might have contacted other wood elements of your house, such as a deck or porch. Inspect these areas to ensure the rot and decay haven’t spread.

3. Pest or Wild Animal Damage

Fence seals and stains can protect against pest damage, but if homeowners do not keep up with those protective coatings, they risk the health of the fence. Ants, termites, and other insects love to burrow into wood; some even eat it.

Beyond bugs, wild animals may also cause damage to fences. Woodpeckers might peck holes into posts searching for insects. Squirrels, rats, and mice may gnaw on the fence boards to help shape their teeth. Also, some animals may burrow under fences, which can cause the fence structure to weaken.

4. Sagging or Warping

Fences must stand up against the elements, including wind and rain. With enough time, wooden fences can sag and warp against frequent weather abuse. Depending on the severity of the deformation, it is usually best to hire a handyman in Ottawa to ensure the repairs are sturdy and can handle the pressures of future storms. Repairing sagging and wear may require dealing with fitting new posts and anchor points.

Professional Wooden Fence Repair

DIY wooden fence repair is not for the faint of heart. Homeowners often face many problems they didn’t expect upon close inspection of their older fence, from staining to warping to wildlife damage. Most people have enough worries and stresses on their plate without adding unforeseen fence repairs to the list. Why deal with fence work during your limited time off? Spend your time at home with your family, not sweating under the hot sun. Contact Handyman Connection to discuss your fencing project and schedule a project estimate.