4 Defects You Can Fix in Your Wooden Fence
It may not always be necessary to replace a wooden fence once it starts showing signs of wear. Some defects can be fixed easily by homeowners to extend the lifespan of the fence. This article discusses some of those defects which you can resolve without involving a professional.
Discolouration
Discolouration is one of the least difficult wooden fence defects to fix since it is usually restricted to the surface of the wood. Start by pressure washing the fence. This will remove the external layer of dead timber cells, kill any mould as well as get rid of the dirt on the wood. Leave the fence to dry and use a quality stain or paint to protect the surface of the wood from the elements.
Warping, Breaking and Splintering
Have you noticed that some of the wooden boards have warped, splintered or broken? Such damaged boards should be replaced because they cannot be restored to a functional state. Take measurements of the affected boards and buy replacements. Carefully remove the old boards without damaging the posts onto which they are attached. Nail the new boards in place and apply paint or a staining product to make the fence look uniform.
Holes and Cracks
You shouldn't resign to seeing your wooden fence having holes and cracks. These can be remedied easily using a wood filler or wood putty. Be careful and select a filler which you can stain in case you prefer staining the fence instead of painting it. The stain or paint will hide the putty so that the attractiveness of your fence isn't compromised after the repairs.
Leaning
Fixing a leaning fence is more demanding than filling the holes in boards and posts. However, a homeowner can handle this project. The posts may have become dislodged in the holes. Check each of the posts in the affected area and identify the ones which aren't straight. Check the horizontal rails as well since the fence can be straightened by driving extra nails into those rails. This repair alone can add several years to the life of your fence.
Assess how extensive the damage to your fence is before you perform any repairs. Combine this damage assessment with the age of that wooden fence. You now have the information which you need to decide whether repairs are in order or it would be better to consider replacing that fence. Talk to a fence contractor in case you aren't sure which option is ideal in the circumstances.
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