Over time, weather and general use may take a toll on fences. Often, this takes the form of holes or cracks in the fencing.
Moisture also corrodes metal hardware, leading to rusty screws and nails. A contractor can sand and repaint the fence to remove rust and mildew for about $135. For professional help, contact Fence Repair Colorado Springs now!
Insect infestations can quickly damage wood fence components. This is especially true for pests like termites, which can cause extensive damage in a relatively short time. Luckily, there are some clear signs that an insect infestation is affecting a wooden fence.
One of the most obvious warning signs is the presence of droppings. Most types of pests will leave behind droppings as they move through an area, and these drops can be easy to spot. If you notice a sudden uptick in the number of droppings around your home or workplace, it’s likely that there is an insect infestation nearby.
Another common warning sign is the presence of nests. Many pests build nests wherever they can find a sheltered place, and this can include inside walls and beneath furniture. Depending on the type of insect, a nest may look very different from one to the next. However, some types of nests are more easily identifiable than others. For example, mice and rats often make their homes in small spaces or under the floor, where they can leave behind a sticky or greasy residue.
Wood boring beetles also tend to nest in hollow areas, such as rotting boards or fence posts. They can chew through the wood and hollow out its core in a matter of months if left unchecked, so they can be one of the most damaging types of insect to affect a fence. Fortunately, wood preservatives can help prevent wood boring beetle infestations.
Lastly, wood fences should be kept away from trees and shrubs that are growing too close to the structure. Over time, these plants can scratch or rub against the fence, and they can also interfere with the stability of the structure. This can lead to rot, insect infestations, and other problems that will require fence repair.
The most important step in preventing insect infestation is routine cleaning and staining. This will help protect the wood from moisture and fungus, which can lead to rot and insect damage. It is also a good idea to trim vegetation regularly, so that it doesn’t touch or interfere with the wood fence.
Loose Posts
A loose fence post can be more than just a nuisance. It can also lead to larger issues that can impact the entire fence. Whether children are playing on the fence and it starts to give way or your dog lunges at the post and it gives way, a loose fence post is an accident waiting to happen. Fortunately, there are several easy methods that you can use to fix a loose fence post and prevent it from getting worse.
First, it’s important to assess the situation and determine why your fence post is loose. It may be a simple issue that can be resolved by retightening or it might need to be completely replaced. In some cases, the post may have rotted away from the base or it could be that it was not tamped in correctly when it was first put in. As the ground settles, this can leave a gap around the base of the post and it shifts.
If the post is loose because it was not tamped in properly, you can simply re-tamp it. Using a shovel or post hole digger, dig out the soil around the footer and tamp it down tightly. If the post has rotted, you will need to replace it altogether. This can be done with wood or metal posts. A metal replacement is generally a better option since it will not rust.
Before digging up the old post, contact your local utility companies to have any underground lines marked. This will help you avoid any expensive damage caused by digging and removing the concrete. Once the old post is removed, dig a new hole that is at least three times as wide and deep as the original one. This will provide a stronger foundation and improve the stability of the fence.
Place the new post in the hole and surround it with gravel to allow water to drain from the bottom of the hole and prevent wood rot. Add a layer of rapid-set cement mix and fill the hole to just below the ground surface. Add a level to make sure the post is level and then brace it for support until the concrete sets.
Cracks
One of the most common fence repair issues involves cracks in the wooden boards or posts. These cracks can result from several factors, including moisture, twisting or bending of the wood, and the presence of insects. In many cases, a little maintenance can prevent the cracks from getting worse or turning into rot.
As with other fence repair issues, it is important to evaluate your wood fence’s current condition and identify potential problem areas before proceeding to the repair work. This can be done by walking around the fence and carefully examining each panel, paying special attention to the edges of the board where moisture or insect infestation could be lurking. Knocking on each board gently with a mallet can also be useful in identifying hidden damage.
Newly installed wood is often prone to small cracks when exposed to extreme temperatures or excessive pressure. This is most common with pressure treated wood which tends to expand and contract more than untreated lumber. Cracks can also appear when the wood is drying out, causing it to suck out the moisture that holds the fibers together. This can lead to little cracks called checking, which is natural and normal.
Another source of cracks is the type of hardware used to install a wood fence. Nails, especially pointed nails, can crack boards if they are forced or overdriven into them. Screws are a more secure choice but they can cause cracks as well if they are overdriven. The best option is to use ring shank galvanized nails which are less likely to cause cracks or splits.
In some cases, it may be possible to repair cracks in a wood fence by filling them with a wood glue or putty. This can be a temporary solution but will keep the area secure until it is possible to replace the damaged board or panel. If the cracks are reoccurring, however, it is probably time to consider replacement of the entire panel. A recurring issue like this will only continue to get worse and could lead to a collapsed or dangerous fence.
Rust
Rust is an inevitable issue that can affect the appearance of a fence. However, it can also cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your fence. It’s important to assess the extent of the damage and decide what steps to take.
If the rust is limited to small spots, it may be possible to remove it with some sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease. Make sure to rub the rust firmly, but be careful not to scrape away too much metal. Once the rust is removed, apply some rust inhibitor to the surface of the fence and let it dry completely before applying any paint.
More extensive rust may require a different approach, such as sandblasting or chemical rust neutralizers. These methods can be dangerous, so it’s a good idea to hire a local fence expert to do this for you.
Once the surface of your fence is clean and rust-free, it’s time to apply a coat of galvanizing. This process will protect your fence from rust and keep it looking new for a long time. However, it will need to be reapplied periodically to continue providing protection.
Wrought iron and chain link fences aren’t going to become rusty overnight, so you can avoid the need for extensive repair by keeping an eye out for minor damage and acting quickly when it occurs. It’s also a good idea to do a visual inspection of the fence several times a year, paying particular attention to areas that are more prone to rusting. This way, you can nip rust in the bud before it becomes a major problem.
If the damage is too severe to repair, replacing the entire fence may be the best option. This is especially true if the structure of your fence has been compromised, such as broken welds or bars. Often, these issues can be repaired with a professional service, but in some cases they may need to be replaced entirely. This can save you a lot of money and time in the long run. In many cases, replacing a fence is actually cheaper than repairing it.
