6 Common Fence Problems

A fence can be a great addition to your property. It’s something a lot of buyers look for, so it’s a good investment in terms of resale. And on the practical side, a fence does a great job of giving you some privacy and keeping pets contained.

Fences aren’t maintenance-free, unfortunately. Even with easy-care materials, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for any signs of problems. Make sure you don’t let small issues worsen or get out of hand. That can eventually add up to a pricey repair bill. Worst-case scenario? Your fence might need to be completely replaced.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The average lifespan of popular fence materials
• The top six most common fence problems to watch for
• How to know whether your fence is worth repairing
• Simple takeaways for avoiding common fence issues

Average Lifespan of Popular Fence Materials

With regular maintenance, most fence materials will last many years before needing replacement.

Wood

The lifespan of wooden fences varies dramatically depending on the type of wood. Cedar (15 to 30 years), spruce (4 to 7 years), and pine (5 to 12 years) are commonly used in fence construction. Pressure-treated wood should last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Vinyl

Expect a vinyl fence to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.

Chain-link

Most chain-link fences will last about 15 to 20 years.

Iron, Steel, and Aluminum

Metal fencing will last decades, assuming it isn’t damaged by a vehicle or a fallen tree. Traditional wrought iron will rust almost immediately if the paint finish is scratched. Steel and aluminum are more commonly used today. Those easy-care materials last just as long as iron and are less costly to install.

Top 6 Most Common Fence Problems

Even with consistent maintenance, you may have the occasional issue with your fence. It is outdoors and subject to constant weather exposure, after all.

Check out these common problems and tips for fixing them.

1. Leaning or fallen fence, posts, or panels

Fence types affected:

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Chain-link

Solutions:
Do your best to determine what’s causing your fence to lean or panels to become loose. High winds and eroded or washed out soil can cause these types of problems. Sometimes the repair is as simple as straightening out the fence posts.

Call a landscape professional to address soil erosion and drainage issues. If possible, choose a company with drainage system or grading experience. They’ll have the know-how to solve the drainage problem and prevent recurring issues. As a short-term solution, put down stones or gravel in problem areas around your fence.

For fences damaged by fallen tree limbs, have the boards, panels, and posts replaced as needed. Posts that are weakened but not seriously damaged sometimes just need a little reinforcement.

2. Installation troubles

Fence types affected:

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Chain-link
• Metal

Solutions:
Common fence installation problems include:

• Shallow post holes
• Failure to factor sloped ground into the design
• Utility line damage during installation

Fence posts should be sunk a minimum of three feet into the ground. Any shallower, and they won’t be very sturdy. Fence posts should be set in concrete or gravel for added strength.

Installing a fence on sloped ground can be tricky. You can order custom vinyl or chain-link fence panels designed for a slope, but most contractors will address the issue on-site. The installers can use a stepped design that follows the slope of the ground. They can also leave a gap at the bottom of the fence.

One of the most important steps in the fence installation process is notifying the utility companies. No matter where you are in the country, call 811 to let your utility companies know where you’re planning on digging. A crew will come out to mark the location of buried lines. This helps avoid accidents and service disruptions.

If you have an irrigation system, show the installer where the shutoff valve is. If your sprinkler line is damaged accidentally, the installers can shut off the water. Beyond electrical and water lines, also think about the locations of buried sewer, gas, and telecom lines as well as septic tank and drain lines.

3. Stained or mildewed fence

Fence types affected:

• Wood
• Vinyl

Solutions:
Wood. Pressure washing will remove discoloration and mildew growth. Once your fence is clean, apply a stain to maintain its durability and increase its lifespan. Learn more about cleaning a wood fence.

Vinyl. Clean your vinyl fence with mild soap and water. If your fence has tougher stains, use a stronger cleaning solution or a pressure washer. It’s normal for vinyl fences to lose their sheen over time.

4. Rot and insect damage

Fence types affected:

• Wood

Solutions:
One of the major disadvantages of wood fencing is its vulnerability to rot and insect damage. Certain types of wood (like cedar and pressure-treated wood) are more resistant than others.

If your wood fence has rotted or is infested with insects, you might need to completely replace it. Smaller sections may be salvageable. Larger sections of damage may call for an entire fence replacement. Maintain your fence by sealing it every few years to prevent weather-related rot as well as insect damage.

5. Missing boards or pickets

Fence types affected:

• Wood
• Vinyl

Solutions:
Replacing boards or pickets for wood fences is easy enough. Remember that you’ll have to paint or stain the pieces to match the rest of your fence. Vinyl fences are usually prefabricated, so if you have a vinyl fence, you might have to replace an entire panel.

It’s time to call a pro when you’re having to regularly replace boards/pickets or when large sections of your fence need repair. Repairs may buy you a few years, but don’t waste money regularly repairing a fence that will need to be replaced soon.

6. Property lines and local laws

Fence types affected:

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Chain-link
• Metal

Solutions:
If your fencing company doesn’t offer this service, call a survey company to map out your property line. Make sure that your fence is installed within your property lines and according to local and HOA regulations. One reason it’s helpful to use a reputable fencing company is their knowledge of local laws and regulations about fences.

How to Avoid Common Fence Problems

Fences aren’t completely maintenance-free. Even easy-care materials like vinyl and metal need attention now and then.

Keep these takeaways in mind to avoid common problems and to make sure your fence looks good for years to come:

1. Hire a verified fence professional for installation and any major repair work.
2. Check out any damage promptly. Depending on the extent of it, a new fence might be your most cost-effective option.
3. Clean your fence and seal it as necessary to extend its life.
4. Maintain your wood fence by cleaning and sealing or painting it every few years. This will help avoid rot and insect damage.