Weather damage is the most likely cause of premature fence damage. Know the types of weather issues so you can choose a fence that is made to last in your particular climate.
Wet or Dry Rot
Wet or dry rot is only a concern for wood fences, so the easiest way to prevent this issue is to simply avoid wood fencing. Vinyl wood-look fencing is one alternative, or you can opt for chainlink, steel, aluminum, or wrought iron fencing.
If you prefer wood, then there are still options. Opt for rot-resistant woods, such as cedar or redwood, as these are less prone to both wet and dry rot. Further, keep the fence sealed. Sealing prevents moisture from getting into the wood and causing wet rot, while also trapping the natural wood oils so dry rot is less likely. You can use paint or a sealer to protect the wood.
High Winds
High winds that hit the face of the fencing can cause panels to blow down. Material isn't the main concern in this case. Instead, you can prevent blowdowns by looking at the style and construction method of the fence. Open fencing, like pickets or wrought iron, lets wind through. If you need privacy, offset pickets provide full privacy but they allow wind through since the pickets are offset on either side of the rail.
Fence posts need to be heavily treated lumber or metal, and they may need to be sunk deep into the ground or into concrete footings. Panels must be held in place with screws, rather than nails, to prevent blowdowns.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion is only a problem on steel and wrought iron fencing. Chainlink and aluminum fences rarely suffer this issue. The easy way to avoid rust is to opt for rust-free fencing options, such as the previously mentioned aluminum, or a vinyl or wood fence.
If you prefer steel or wrought iron, then protecting against moisture will prevent rust. You can have steel fences powder coated, which creates a waterproof barrier that can withstand the elements. Painting the fence as soon as steel or wrought iron begins to flake can also help.
Frost Heave
Frost heaves can lead to an uneven fence line with leaning panels and loose posts. It's caused when fence posts aren't seated deep enough or in a stable manner. When the ground freezes and the moisture in the soil expands, it heaves the posts out of the ground.
Frost heave can affect any fence. Proper post installation is the way to prevent it. Fence posts need to be installed deeper than the local average frost depth. The base of the post hole must also be well compacted and lined so that it drains well.
Contact a fencing service for more help.
Share29 April 2021
I've found that one of the perks of being a homeowner is the privacy that your own home provides. However, sometimes there can be a lack of privacy if you are in your yard and it is unfenced. When we bought our home, there was not a fence. One night, after the neighbors dog wandered through our barbecue one time too many, I decided that it was time to look up a fence contractor. We soon found a great price on a fence with a fantastic fence contractor. Now we can keep our privacy while still feeling open towards the neighbors.