How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace a Fence

If you are a fence owner and your fence is looking like it’s seen better days, you are probably facing the decision on whether or not to repair or replace it. Both of these options are worth exploring, but it’s important to understand the facts prior to committing to anything. That’s because both options come with their own respective costs, benefits, and disadvantages. Sometimes, a simple new coat of paint or staining might be the right answer. Other times, replacing the entire fence is the right call. We want to help you make the best possible decision for your own unique scenario, which is why we’ve put together the following article. Keep reading on to learn how to decide whether repairing or replacing a fence is the right call.

When Repairing is the Right Choice

The first thing to think about is what type of material your fence is built from. Some materials are much more durable than others. In most cases, repairing is much more affordable than replacement, so assess the specific damage to your fence and make your decision from there.

Wood fences tend to require regular maintenance and repairs. That means that even if your wood fencing is warping, splintering, or discolored, it doesn’t mean that you necessarily need a new fence. Wood filler, paint, and even replacing certain parts of the wooden fence are all less expensive alternatives to a full replacement.

If you have a vinyl fence that you recently noticed isn’t looking it’s best, you might just need to replace a single picket. Vinyl is a great material for fences because it requires very little maintenance. Cracking is a form of damage that can affect vinyl material, but if the damage is only in a certain area of the fence, replacing those pickets is likely the right choice.

Aluminum fences are another popular fence option that is extremely durable and doesn’t often need to be replaced entirely. You might need a welder or a professional fence company like Fence Craft of Upland to help out with repairs on this material. Accidents, weather-related damage, and shifts in the soil can all cause damage to your aluminum fence. If you can fix these issues with a simple repair, it will save you lots of money and time.

When Replacement is a Necessity

A good rule of thumb to follow is that when more than 20% of the fence pickets need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to just replace the entire fence. Everyone’s situation is unique when it comes to fence replacement, but keep in mind that replacing individual pickets can get expensive fast due to labor costs. If you are trying to avoid dealing with a full replacement or simply want to make your fence last as long as possible, investing in a fence repair an maintenance company service like Fence Craft of Upland is a great idea. Reach out to us today to get a free quote and have a professional provide guidance on your unique situation.