When To Repair vs Replace a Storm-Damaged Fence
If you live in Florida, you’re no stranger to storms. But what does the extreme weather mean for your fence? If you have an outdated, low-quality fence, there’s a good chance that it’ll take some damage. What do you do when your fence is compromised? The experts at Mossy Oak Fence Orlando will teach you whether you should repair or replace your storm-damaged fence.
How Storms Can Damage Fences
Fences made of wood, metal, wrought iron, vinyl, and aluminum can all be vulnerable to storm damage depending on the age and quality. High winds in combination with moisture can cause a great variety of harm including:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Rust
- Rot
- Mold
- Splinters
- Warping
- Fading
When sustaining so much damage, your fence can reach the point of toppling over entirely. They can also suffer from loose or missing boards if the winds are intense enough. Storms which lead to floods are also very harmful to fences, especially those made of untreated wood. Even though you can get a good idea of your fence’s status with just a glance, it’s important to not forget to get your hands dirty and check the very bottom of the poles for damage as well. Some major concerns like mold can sometimes develop from the ground up, literally.
When to Repair Your Storm-Damaged Fence
Small imperfections can be treated with the appropriate repairs if you don’t mind those repairs showing. It’s nearly impossible to hide fillings in cracks or paint over rust. And when you get your fence repaired, you’re paying money just to have to replace the fence later anyway when it inevitably gives in to the underlying damage that you can’t see on the surface. Even though repairs seem cheaper in the moment, you’ll end up paying for both the repairs and a new fence when you could just be paying for a new fence.
When to Replace Your Storm-Damaged Fence
It will usually be obvious when it’s time for a brand-new fence when you see severe structural damage that’s hard to miss. These damages can come in the form of:
- Broken or missing panels
- Widespread rotting
- Pest or insect infestations
- Severe warping
Basically, if the repairs would call for replacing 20% or more of the fence, it’s more cost-effective to just replace the entire thing. It will also be time to replace the fence if it has overstayed its welcome and has gone over the typical lifespan. Wooden fences can last up to 30 years, but that’s only if it’s of supreme quality. Cheaper wooden fences sometimes last only five years.
Call the Professionals at Mossy Oak Fence Orlando!
For a long-lasting fence that can withstand Florida storms, look to the experts at Mossy Oak Fence Orlando! We have powder-coated aluminum fences that’ll never rust, pressure-treated wood fences that’ll never warp, and vinyl fences that’ll never fade. Those are only a handful of the many benefits that our high-quality fences have to offer. Call us today at (407) 900-2940 to discuss your options and schedule a free estimate!
