Should you Repair or Replace Your Fence?

A fence plays a vital role in any property. These fixtures help mark the your property’s boundaries, keep out unwanted visitors, and add to your home’s overall appearance. However, it’s not uncommon for fences to get damaged or lose their new appearance. In such situations, you may be wondering if it is better to repair or replace your fence.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the above question, so it is best to examine different situations. This guide will answer the question “Should you repair or replace your fence?”

Should You Repair or Replace Your Fence?

Homeowners should try and understand their situation before making any decision related to repairing or replacing their fence. After all, some situations may definitely call for the fence to be replaced, while others may be managed using a simple repair job. Some common scenarios include:

The Fence Looks Run Down

Most fences eventually reach the point where they look run down. If you have recently purchased an old home with a fence, chances are that it looks somewhat dilapidated. A fence may start to look run down when it hasn’t been cleaned or maintained properly by its owners.

If your fence looks particularly dilapidated, you may be interested in getting rid of it entirely. However, it is also possible to make your fence look as good as new by painting or staining it. If the fence features a few broken boards, you may consider replacing them to match the intact-looking surrounding boards.

It can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars to paint and stain a fence. This cost will be on the higher side if the fence is in particularly bad condition. Homeowners can save money by attempting to perform this restoration task themselves, but they will need to be prepared to put in a fair amount of time and effort.

The Fence Looks Bad

In some cases, you may be interested in changing your fence for simply looking bad. This situation may arise if you have recently purchased a property where the previous owner chose a fence with an eccentric design or a ugly paint color.

If your issue is with the fence’s color, it is better to repaint it to something more neutral or pleasing. If you don’t like the fence’s design, it may be better to replace it entirely.

Homeowners should also be aware if the fence on their current property is playing a certain role. For example, the previous property owner may have installed an usually high backyard fence to prevent their neighbor’s dog from entering their property. In such scenarios, you should consider the fence’s functional purpose when you decide to replace it. This helps you ensure the replacement fence continues playing the same purpose.

The Fence is Damaged

It’s not uncommon for fences to get damaged over time. For example, your fence might lose a few boards due to your neighbor’s children playing softball in their backyard. Similarly, the entire fence structure may take a visible beating from a sudden hail storm.

If physical damage has occurred to your fence from being struck, it is best to assess the extent of the damage. If you believe the damage has compromised the fence and its ability to keep your property secure, you should take action immediately.

If the damage is mostly cosmetic you should weigh up the potential costs of repairing vs. repairing. You should also note that having a damaged fence may negatively impact your property’s total value.

If you do decide to repair your fence, you should be aware that the repair costs will likely vary based on the fence material. Metal fences generally cost more than wood fences. However, wood fences are also more expensive than vinyl fences.

As a rule of thumb, you should generally replace a fence if more than 20% of it has been damaged. If the damage is under this amount, it will likely be cheaper to get the fence repaired.

The Fence is Infested

A wooden fence that has been infested by termites or other wood-destroying pests will likely be difficult to treat and repair. You can attempt to get rid of the initial infestation by hiring a pest exterminator. However, these pests may have bored through a significant portion of your fence and compromised its structural integrity.

In this scenario, it is best to cut your losses and replace your fence with a different type of material. For example, you can replace your damaged wooden fence with a metal fence if you’re seeking something strong and resilient. If you would like to keep that wooden look but are worrying about a future pest infestation, you should invest in a vinyl fence.

Replacing Your Fence With the Help Of Professionals

As you can see, it can be tricky to determine if you should repair or replace your fence. The above guide should help you make a more informed decision about how to proceed.

Homeowners interested in replacing their fence have plenty of materials to choose from. However, metal and wood still remain the most popular choices for Texas residents. Once you have chosen which style fence to use on your property, you should be sure to have it installed by an experienced professional.

At Texas State Fence & Patio, we have provided over 3,000 homeowners with high-quality fences for their property. We are known for offering our clients exquisite fences that meet their needs. Our installation experts also ensure each fence is installed carefully to ensure it protects your property for many years to come.

Please contact Texas State Fence & Patio to see our full range of fence products or to learn more about our services.