Even the sturdiest fence won’t last forever. Regular maintenance and care will extend the life of just about any fence, whether it’s steel, iron, wood, PVC, or any other material. And of course, certain issues that crop up can and should be remedied with repairs. But sometimes, it’s time for the fence to go, and a new one to take its place. How can you tell when the time has come?
Wood Rot and Decay
Wooden fences provide a wonderfully classic aesthetic, but they can also be the most vulnerable of all fence types. Before we go any further, you might want to read up on Why choose wood in Ottawa fencing? or Pros and Cons of Vinyl/PVC Fences, Wood Fences, Iron Fences and Chain Link Fences. Apart from warping boards and splinters, the fact that they are made of organic material means that they are susceptible to rotting. Of course, you can coat your wooden posts and boards in lacquers that will slow down this process, but over time you will run into rotten boards. If the problem is contained to a small area, a simple repair job is fine—but once the structural integrity is compromised, it’s time to replace it.
Insect Damage and Sagging
Like rot, an infestation of insects can be contained or widespread—if you find your fence in the latter category, it may be time to look into buying new fencing in Ottawa. There are a few reasons a fence might begin to sag, so give it a thorough inspection. Warping boards or rails can be replaced individually, but if there is severe structural damage—especially under the soil—then Ottawa fence companies recommend that you replace your fence immediately.
Aesthetics
Sometimes, you just fall out of love with your old fence, and that’s okay. Whether you’re trying to boost your curb appeal, giving your home a makeover, or your old fence clashes with your new landscaping, you don’t need to justify getting new fencing in Ottawa. It’s your home, and your property, and you have the freedom to maintain it as you wish. So go ahead, kick that ugly old thing to the curb, and get ready to fall in love with a new fence all over again.
As time goes on, you may find that you’re fixing up your fence more and more often, amounting to a pretty serious repair bill. You knew when you bought your fence that you weren’t just paying the upfront cost—there’s a long-term total cost of ownership attached to an investment like that. But if what you’re paying for repairs in a given year is close to—or even exceeds—the cost of a new fence… well, the smart choice is pretty obvious here. If you think your fence is still in good shape, try to maintain it. Here are some helpful post on maintaining a good backyard: