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How Often Do Wood Fences Need To Be Replaced

When you are ready to replace your fence, consider Jay Fencing. We are the leading fencing contractor in Toronto, with many completed projects and satisfied clients.

Wood fences are desired for their rustic beauty and excellent properties for privacy. They take well to styling and if maintained well will age beautifully. You will want them to last as long as possible because of the considerable replacement cost. But how long can a wooden fence last before you have to replace it?

You obviously don’t want to wait until the fence is falling apart before investing in a new one. But if looked after well, you can enjoy your wood fence for 10 years before you have to replace it.

It is possible that your wood fence can last longer than 10 years. But for that to happen you have to stain and treat it every year. Still, 10 years is a good service life for wooden fences, which do not handle the elements very well.

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Discoloured Boards

Direct sunlight and moisture all tend to discolour wood, unless if you stain and treat the wood fence repeatedly. While that weathered look may be a sign of aging, it does not always mean a wood fence needs to be replaced. If the boards and posts don’t show any warping, splitting, rot, or termite damage, the fence may be left alone, or simply be restrained and treated.

Some people actually like that silver-grey weathered look and intentionally leave their wood fences to discolour. If you too like the look, be sure to continually inspect the fence for any signs of damage so you can repair and maintain the look for as long as you can.

Signs that Your Wood Fence Needs to be Replaced Your Existing Fence

While the more common question may be on how often you have to replace your wooden fence, the more practical one is what signs show that a fence’s best days may be behind it. The type of wood used, the quality of construction, and the type of fence all affect the durability of a wood fence.

The most common woods used for fencing are pine, spruce, and cedar. Spruce is the least durable wood, lasting between 4 and 7 years, with pine fences having an average life span of 5 to 12 years. Cedar though more expensive is well worth it, lasting between 15 and 20 years.

It follows also that a well-constructed fence should last longer. Some types of wood fences, like board-on-board, also hold up better than others. Unfortunately with wood fences, when they really need to be replaced everyone will notice. And being the most visible part of your property for visitors, it can have a drastic effect on the property’s curb appeal.

The following are some of the tell-tale signs of a wood fence that needs to be replaced:

Rotted Posts And Boards

It is not always that you notice signs of rot on your wood fence that you have to replace it. If it is just a couple of posts that have rotted but the rest of the fence is still in good condition, just replacing the posts may prolong its service life.

Of course, it helps if you can notice signs of rot early when the fence can still be repaired. This is possible by regularly inspecting the fence, checking the posts and boards for stability. If you constantly worry you may fall over with the fence while testing for stability, you have to replace it.

The Fence Is Unstable And Leaning To The Side

Sometimes you may not see actual signs of rot on the wood fence. But you may notice that the fence is now wobbly and leans to the side in parts. That is a sign the fence is no longer stable.

Oftentimes a fence that stands askew is a sign the structural support is failing, meaning it is in danger of collapsing. More than its effects on the aesthetic quality of your fence, you should consider the safety risk this poses.

Because its weight is no longer evenly distributed, the fence may collapse at the slightest force. To protect your pets and even your small children, you should look into replacing the whole fence.

Refresh Your Property’s Looks With a Replacement Wood Fence

Your perimeter fence is your first line of defence against intruders and thieves. You shouldn’t wait until the fence has collapsed completely to replace it as that compromises your family’s safety and isn’t the best look for your property. Boost security and curb appeal, and protect your property’s value with a new fence.

When you are ready to replace your fence, consider Jay Fencing. We are the leading fencing contractor in Toronto, with many completed projects and satisfied clients. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Home » How Often Do Wood Fences Need To Be Replaced

How Often Do Wood Fences Need To Be Replaced