One of the first exterior features people often notice is the backyard, and if you are considering selling your home in Sugar Land or Katy and need fence repairs, you may want to add this item to your list before trying to sell, as it’s a good investment in terms of resale. And on the practical side, it does a great job of giving you some privacy and keeping pets contained. If you need fence repairs in Katy or Sugar Land, call our pros to schedule a free estimate, we will inspect your fence from post to rot board and give you honest recommendations; if anything needs to be fixed, we will offer you a fair price. Call us today at (281) 545-7740.
Types Of Fences
Fences aren’t maintenance-free, unfortunately. Even with easy-care materials, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for any signs of problems. Ensure you don’t let minor issues worsen or get out of hand. That can eventually add up to a pricey repair bill. Worst-case scenario? Your fence might need to be completely replaced. In this article, you’ll learn:
The average lifespan of popular fence materials
The top six most common fence problems to watch for
How to know whether your fence is worth repairing
Simple takeaways for avoiding common fence issues.
Average Lifespan of Popular Fence Materials
With regular maintenance, most fence materials will last many years before needing replacement.
Wood Fence Repairs: The lifespan of wooden fences varies dramatically depending on the type of wood. Cedar (15 to 30 years), pressure treated (10 to 15 years), and IPE (30+ years); the most common type of lumber is southern yellow and western red cedar. One reason we do not use traditional pine is that these fences often need to be fixed due to the amount of rain we receive in our area, and for a few dollars, more pressure treating is worth it!
Vinyl Fence Repair: Sugar Land and Katy may need fence repairs with this material because of small cracks or holes, broken rails, panels, and posts, but you can expect your fence to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Chain-link: Installing a chain-link fence around your home or business is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add security. It creates a barrier from interlocking coated steel wire, keeping your property safe from intruders. Most chain-link fences will last about 15 to 20 years.
Iron and Aluminum Fence Repairs: Katy and Sugar Land homeowners who have this material will not see much difference from year to year as their fence ages because this material lasts decades, assuming it isn’t damaged by a vehicle or a fallen tree. Traditional wrought iron may need repairs due to rust, and since it comes at a high price point, aluminum is more commonly used today. Even with consistent maintenance, you may have the occasional issue with your fence. It is outdoors and subject to constant weather exposure, after all.
Six Common Fence Repairs Katy & Sugar Land
1. Leaning or fallen fence, posts, or panels
Fence types affected:
Wood
Vinyl
·Chain-link
Solutions:
Do your best to determine what’s causing your fence to lean or panels to become loose. High winds and eroded or washed-out soil can cause these types of problems. Sometimes the repair is as simple as straightening out the fence posts.
Call a landscaping or hardscaping professional to address soil erosion and drainage issues. If possible, choose a company with a drainage system or grading experience. They’ll know how to solve the drainage problem and prevent recurring issues. Put down stones or gravel in problem areas around the bottom of your fence as a short-term solution. Posts that are weakened but not seriously damaged sometimes need concrete reinforcement. Have the boards, panels, and posts replaced as needed, and for fence repairs in Katy due to a recent storm where a nearby tree may have fallen, be sure to contact us as we offer same-day and next-day service.
2. Installation troubles
Fence types affected:
Wood
Vinyl
Chain-link
Iron
Solutions:
Common fence installation problems include:
Shallow post holes
Failure to factor sloped ground during installation.
Utility line damages
Fence posts should be sunk a minimum of two feet into the ground. Any shallower, and they won’t be very sturdy. For added strength, fence posts should be set in concrete, not sand or gravel. Installing a fence on sloped ground can be tricky. You can order custom vinyl or chain-link fence panels designed for a slope, but most contractors will address the issue on-site. The installers can use a stepped design that follows the slope of the ground. They can also leave a gap at the bottom of the fence. Notifying the utility companies is one of the most critical steps in the fence installation process. No matter where you are in the country, call 811 to let your utility companies know where you plan to dig. A crew will come out to mark the location of buried lines. This helps avoid accidents and service disruptions. If you have an irrigation system, show the installer where the shutoff valve is. If your sprinkler line is damaged accidentally, the installers can shut off the water. Beyond electrical and water lines, consider the locations of buried sewer, gas, cable or power lines, septic tank, and drain lines.
3. Stained or mildewed fence
Fence types affected: Wood and Vinyl
Solutions: Wood can be pressure washing will remove discoloration and mildew growth. Once your fence is clean, apply a stain to maintain its durability and increase its lifespan. Learn more about cleaning a wood fence. The same goes for vinyl, but you can also get away with using a water hose and mild detergent. If this does not do the trick, then consider using a pressure washer. It’s normal for every fence to lose its sheen over time.
4. Rot and insect damage
Fence types affected: Wood
Solutions: One of the disadvantages of wood fencing is its vulnerability to rot and insect damage. Certain types of wood (like cedar and pressure-treated wood) are more resistant than others. If your wood fence has rotted or is infested with insects, you might need to replace it completely. Smaller sections may be salvageable. Larger sections of damage may need more than fence repairs, but this all depends on how well the post is holding up. Ensure you seal your wood fence every few years to prevent weather-related rot and insect damage.
5. Missing boards or pickets
Fence types affected: Wood and Vinyl
Solutions: Replacing boards or pickets for wood fences is easy enough. Remember that you’ll have to paint or stain the pieces to match the rest of your fence. Vinyl fences are usually prefabricated, so you might have to replace an entire panel if you have a vinyl fence. It’s time to call a pro when you’re having to regularly replace boards/pickets or when large sections of your fence need repair. Repairs may buy you a few years, but don’t waste money regularly repairing a fence that will need to be replaced soon.
6. Property lines and local laws
Fence types affected: Everyone that lives within a homeowners association can be affected. If your fencing repair company in Sugar Land or Katy doesn’t offer this service, call a survey company to map out your property line. Ensure your fence is installed within your property lines and according to local and HOA regulations. One reason it’s helpful to use a reputable fence repair company in Katy or Sugar Land is that they have local knowledge to assist you better.
Few Helpful articles
Avoid Common Fence Repairs In Katy or Sugar Land
Fences aren’t completely maintenance-free. Even easy-care materials need attention now and then. Remember these takeaways to avoid common problems and ensure your fence looks good for years. Think you need to hire a verified fence repair crew in Sugar Land to check out any damages. Give us a call at (281) 545-7740.