A well-tended fence provides privacy, keeps people in (and others out), and improves a home’s aesthetics. Landscaped fences can also increase your home’s value.

However, an old, damaged, or worn fence does just the opposite.

Regardless of the type of fence you have or how well you take care of it, a fence will suffer some damage thanks to its exposure to the elements.

The hope is that any damage to a fence can be repaired. However, this is not possible. If a fence is too old and damaged, attempting it is akin to throwing money down the drain. Why? Because it's unlikely to hold up well, you will keep carrying out temporary fixes and, in effect, spend more money than you should.

The question is, when can you repair and when is it time to replace a fence? We have listed a couple of signs that tell you to begin budgeting for a new fence to answer this question.

1. Storm Damage

Australia is not exempt from occasional harsh weather, including damaging winds and hailstorms. So if your area has just gone through some wild weather, a replacement might be in order.

If you have had your fence for a while, such weather might cause extensive damage like broken panels and leaning. It might also cause your fence to fall over.

Other things might happen in horrible weather that might damage your fence. Car accidents from poor visibility in Queensland is one. Another is falling trees or heavy branches.

These can potentially cause significant damage to your fence.

2. Broken or Missing Boards and Panels

Wooden fences are made of panels that deteriorate over time. This causes the fence to become loose or the panels to fall off, leaving gaps in the fence.

At times, the missing panels can be replaced or broken ones fixed. However, if you realize that you keep having to fix or repair broken or missing boards, it could indicate that the fence has outlived its usefulness and needs replacement.

Quick fixes can seem less intimidating and are certainly cheaper. The same goes for steel fences whose panels keep falling off.

However, these repair and replacement costs add up over time, and a replacement might be more affordable down the line. It also offers a more permanent solution.

3. Your Fence is Sagging, Leaning, Or Tilting

A fence needs to be straight and firm to do its job. A fence that is soggy or leans to one side requires attention.

For starters, leaning fences are an eyesore and affect your home's aesthetic value. Leaning fences also do not provide privacy and safety as they should.

Lastly, a fence that is leaning over is a safety hazard as it could come down at any time, harming members of your household or damaging property.

Leaning fences can be fixed, but they are usually a good sign that you need a new fence.

4. Corrosion, Rust, And Insect Damage

Metallic fencing materials are always treated to prevent rust. However, the weather can eat away at this protective coasting and leave the metal vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

You should try to rectify this as soon as you see any signs of deterioration. However, significant rusting compromises a fence's structural integrity.

The same is true for wooden fences that wood-feeding insects have attacked.

When there is too much damage from either source, it's best to consider replacing your fence.

5. Rotten Fence

Wooden fences are very popular thanks to their rustic look and ability to blend in with different styles.

Unfortunately, wood is very susceptible to rot as it absorbs moisture and gets damaged faster than other fencing types.

You should always protect your wooden fence with sealant or paint as these can help extend its life. However, you still see signs of rotting and aging a few years after installation.

If this damage is extensive, repairs won't help much; replace the fence.

6. The 20% Rule

Many fencing experts agree with the 20% rule. The rule says to replace a fence if over 20% of it requires to be repaired.

The style and material a fence is made of determines how much fencing needs to be repaired. For example, a wooden fence might only need a few pickets to be repaired. On the other hand, a vinyl fence might require the replacement of a few panels.

Whichever the case, assess what needs to be repaired and sum up the damage. If 20% of the fence requires repairs, you are better off making a replacement.

However, make this consideration with cost in mind as well. For example, say you have an aluminium fence, and less than 20% of it requires repairs. Aluminium is rather expensive. In this case, tally up how much fixing the damage is Vis a Vis replacing the fence. If the difference between replacing and repairing is not significant, you might want to consider a replacement. This rule should be applied alongside other considerations highlighted here.

What Could Damage Your Fence Beyond Repair?

While we have mentioned some of these above, let’s take a quick look at factors that cause your fence to be damaged beyond repair.

The Weather

Mother nature is to be blamed for some of the damage on your fence. Your fence absorbs the heat, rain, wind, storms, and other conditions that make it fade, warp, and otherwise fall apart.

Terrain

Fencing on swampy, rocky, and steep-sloped terrain can be an uphill task.

A DIY or improper installation can leave the fence even more vulnerable to the elements or buckling under its own weight. This can damage it beyond repair.

Do You Need a Fence Replacement?

Regardless of the type of fence, Townsville Fencing has the expertise and equipment required to build a robust, long-lasting, attractive fence. With over ten years of experience in installations, we can guarantee exceptional workmanship on an installation at affordable prices.

If you need a fencing contractor in Townsville, take the guesswork out of it. Call us today and get the job done right.