Fence Repair 101: Pro Tips

Whether an elegant wrought iron design, classic wood, or a charming white picket fence frames your Walpole, MA home, regular maintenance and Walpole fence repair services are key for keeping it looking its best. Not only does your fence contribute to your curb appeal and make a first impression on your visitors, it also serves a few other important functions.

Fences mark your property lines, provide privacy, keep pets and children safe, and protect your home. There are many types of fences, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. And from time to time, no matter what style or material you have, it will need a little TLC from a Walpole fence repair professional to stay in the best condition possible.

That's where your local Walpole handyman comes in! The team of service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S. Shore can complete a range of services that will ensure your original barrier structure puts its best post forward—so to speak. From installing a new model to restoration and repair, we've got it covered. Depending on the style you have at your Norfolk County home, there are a few different care considerations you should be aware of. Keep reading to learn more about the variety of fence materials, as well as their pros and cons, and common Walpole fence repair issues to watch for.

Wood

The most traditional choice for American homes, there are many styles of wood fence—making it an excellent material for a variety of tastes. Traditional homes look darling with a sweet white picket along the front lawn, and modern houses shine next to a paired-down style. Originally, redwood and cedar were popular construction options because of their affordability and natural decomposition resistance.

These days, natural wood is being replaced by synthetic building supplies because of rising lumber costs. Although many of these materials, such as vinyl, are more cost-effective, there is a trade-off. Wood tends to be a far more environmentally friendly material. Especially because there are many outdoor structure weatherproofing and treatment options that contain environmentally conscious stabilizers and preservatives. These chemicals protect wood fences from a variety of damage, and can be safely disposed of once the wood has gotten too worn.

Even with regular care and maintenance, wood doesn't last forever. The longevity of your wood depends on the type of wood used by your fence contractors or fence company. Cedar can last up to 30 years. Other materials, like pine, only last around a decade. Even treated wood is subject to damage from time to time and will need the occasional Walpole fence repair service.

Common repairs include:

• Staining and damage from the elements
• Wood rot and insect damage
• Missing boards or pickets
• Leaning posts and fallen panels
• Swelling from moisture and humidity.
• Peeling paint
• Splinters
• Popping nails

Why Is Outdoor Timber So Vulnerable to Wood Rot?

Wood rot is probably the most common—and also the most serious—problem for any wooden structure that is outdoors in Walpole and other parts of New England. That's because it is a form of decay that only attacks timber with a moisture content higher than around 20%. Wood that is indoors and always remains perfectly dry has nothing to fear from rot, but timber that is frequently exposed to excess moisture from rain, snow and humidity is almost guaranteed to rot within a few years if it doesn't get regular maintenance and Walpole fence repair services. That's why it's so important to refinish your structure regularly or have it handled by a professional.

Timber that has already been affected by wood rot can't be returned to its former strong, solid condition, so the best way to handle Walpole fence repair is to replace the rotten timber with new, green-treated boards that are resistant to moisture, then paint and seal them for added protection. Need to know more? Here are some answers to common questions about wood rot repair.

Wrought Iron

There's a reason why wrought iron is known as the “100-year fencing.” It truly does last seemingly indefinitely. How many historic homes or heritage buildings in Walpole have you admired that are framed by elegant wrought iron enclosures with elegant lantern posts?

Wrought iron is a luxury material for good reason. It's highly durable, low maintenance, and has a timeless aesthetic. This material also offers a high level of security, as it's very difficult to break, cut, or tear down. That said, it's quite a financial investment to install and requires a highly specialized welder to build. Also, wrought iron does not offer as much privacy as other materials. This could be beneficial if you want to enjoy the view around your home, but some homeowners prefer a privacy fence to better meet their fencing needs.

Should you be fortunate enough to live in a home with a wrought iron fence, take care of it by applying a fresh coat of rust-resistant paint at least once a year. Although it will require few Walpole fence repair services, a couple of issues to watch out for include:

• Rusting
• Patchy or faded paint
• Corrosion

Chain Link

Although this style of structure is limited aesthetically, it has many other benefits. For instance, chain link is very affordable—making it a great material for large properties and commercial spaces. It's also durable, can last up to 20 years, and requires little maintenance, much like an aluminum fence.

Made out of interlocking wire mesh and steel posts, chain link is very quick to install and is often used by public and private properties, including schools, parking lots, power plants and industrial areas. One drawback to chain link is security. It can be sliced with a pair of wire cutters, so it's best to avoid keeping valuables outdoors.

When your chain link fence becomes damaged, a professional repair crew like the team at Mr. Handyman will cut away the broken area and replace it with a new section.

A few common Walpole fence repair issues with this style also include:

• Leaning
• Drooping and sagging
• Crooked posts

Vinyl

If you don't like the appearance of chain link, and don't want the hassle of maintaining wood, then a vinyl fence might be the option for you. This material has many pros, and a few cons too. Vinyl is made out of PVC (also known as polyvinyl chloride), which is a kind of plastic. It requires very little upkeep, and won't crack or splinter like wood. Likewise, this material won't rot, get infested with pests, or require refinishing (such as paint or stain). It's available in a range of colors and styles, and can even mimic the appearance of wood.

One of the main drawbacks is that initial installation costs can be high, and extreme temperatures may cause vinyl to warp.

Common Walpole fence repair services for vinyl include:

• Leaning posts
• Missing pickets or panels
• Staining from bacteria and algae

Benefits of Professional Walpole Fence Repair

Homeowners and business owners tend to neglect Walpole fence repair until the structure is nearly falling down and needs replacement anyway—but you can actually save yourself time, money and stress by being aware of the potential problems and having them addressed before the situation is critical. Here are a few of the biggest advantages you can get from professional Walpole fence repair services.

• Safer for Children and Pets: Anyone with energetic dogs or little kids knows how important a solid backyard barrier is. If you turn your back for mere seconds, they can already be past your property line and, of course, heading straight for the street with the most traffic. If your structure is weakened by wood rot, missing pickets or has a big gap hollowed out underneath, there might as well not be anything there as far as safety is concerned.

• Stop Damage In Its Tracks: Some types of damage, such as rotted wood, can worsen over time and spread to other parts of your property, including your house. Walpole fence repair will stop it and eliminate it before it takes over your whole property.

• Boost Curb Appeal: Your property's appearance may not be right at the top of your priority list, but it's still pretty important. Anyone who is proud of their home wants to keep it in excellent shape, and your barrier structure is right out there at your property line. That means it can really make or break your curb appeal. It contributes a lot towards good first impressions for people who are visiting your property. You may also have Homeowners' Association (HOA) or subdivision standards that need to be adhered to.

Walpole Fence Repair Vs. Total Replacement

You may be wondering if Walpole fence repair is really what your property needs, or if it would make more sense to go for a complete replacement and get a brand-new installation. That's a fair question, and it's one we are often asked by Walpole property owners. In our professional experience, it comes down to the extent of the damage. If just one section has suffered damage but the rest is in good shape, we can solve the problem by replacing just that section. But if the damage is widespread across a large portion of the overall structure, complete replacement will be the most cost-effective solution to get your property protected again and looking its very best.

Here are some situations in which you will likely need to replace stretches of fence or the whole thing:

• More than about 25% of the whole structure has been damaged by factors such as harsh weather, neglect or typical wear and tear over time
• It was hit by a vehicle that jumped the curb or a falling tree branch and has suffered serious damage
• It's infested by termites, carpenter ants or other destructive pests
• You want a new style that will increase property value and curb appeal

How Walpole Fence Repair Can Boost Property Value

Are you thinking of selling your Walpole property in the next few years and interested in finding ways to increase your property value prior to putting it up on the market? Walpole fence repair or replacement is a great way to accomplish that and improve your curb appeal while you're at it. Most prospective home buyers in the Walpole area are interested in a protected yard to keep small children and dogs safely contained, and also delineate property borders. If they visit your property with a realtor and notice you've already got a barrier up that is in great condition, they know they won't have to worry about having one installed. It also reassures them that the rest of the property has been well maintained and is in good shape as well.

On the other hand, if they show up for a viewing and see an old, rotting barrier that is covered in peeling paint and looks like a stiff breeze could knock it down, it's a big red flag before they even get to the actual house that will start alarm bells ringing in their heads. Our team of handyman professionals can get your barrier in perfect condition so there's no cause for concern. If you don't have an existing structure already, a brand-new installation is a good way to get a solid return on investment in the selling price.

Book Our Expert Walpole Fence Repair Services Today!

Whether you need repairs for your fence posts, pickets or gate, when you hire a professional fence contractor at Mr. Handyman, you choose honest, transparent, quality service. We offer top-notch Walpole fence repair services at a reasonable cost for both commercial and residential properties, and we proudly serve many nearby communities, including Norwood, Braintree, and even Duxbury

Our team will work diligently to replace broken posts, replace rotted planks, or handle any other issues with your outdoor structures. Our customers are always our top priority, so you can count on our company to deliver quality workmanship and courteous service with every affordable home improvement project.

To schedule one of our fence professionals for Walpole fence repair, or ask any questions about our services, we invite you to phone our friendly office staff. You can also fill out our contact form online for more information.