3 Signs You Need to Hire a Fence Contractor
You got your wood fence a few years ago, and you’re immensely proud of it. It’s a good-looking fence, and it’s served you well.
But if you want that fence to last, you need to take care of it. An aging wood fence can create all sorts of issues if you’re not paying attention.
Not sure whether your fence needs some TLC? Here are three signs you need to hire a fence contractor.
The Fence Sags or Leans
A fence sagging under the weight of life is one of the more obvious signs it’s time to call a contractor.
A sagging or leaning fence can be caused by a number of things, from weakening in the posts to weather damage.
Unfortunately, the underlying issue is more than a cosmetic problem. It won’t do any good to simply straighten the fence again–a leaning or sagging fence is often a sign of structural issues, especially compromised posts.
Once this happens, you’re going to have to replace sagging areas completely. Unless you happen to know how to install a fence in your free time, it’s best to call in a professional.
The Fence Shows Signs of Damage
A scratch here and there is one thing. But significant signs of damage to a wooden fence can result in a weakened fence that doesn’t keep your property as private as you’d like.
For example, have you noticed any holes in the wood? What about what looks like sawdust surrounding the fence?
These are telltale signs that the wood is infested with termites. Hint: if you see what looks like a white ant, it’s not a white ant. There’s no such thing as a white ant. It’s a termite.
You have to get rid of the infested planks before the termites spread to other areas of the fence. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace the fence altogether.
Of course, termites aren’t the only pests that eat wood. Here are a few common wood-eating insects to watch out for.
The Fence is Soft to the Touch
One of the biggest attractors for termites and wood-eating insects is wood rot. When the wood softens due to rot, it’s easier for insects to burrow through it.
How do you know if the wood has rotted? Touch it. If it’s soft, or if it’s easy to scrape off a layer with your fingernails, the wood is rotting.
If your fence is rotting, you’ll need to replace the rotting sections before the rot can spread through the whole fence. Left to run its course, wood rot could cause the entire fence to disintegrate.
It will also attract all sorts of wood-eating insects in the meantime–insects which could spread to your home if given the chance.
Need to Hire a Fence Contractor?
So, do you need to hire a fence contractor?
If so, we can help. We’re a highly-rated, responsive team of fencing professionals serving the Chicago area.
If you need to speak with us about your fencing options, use our contact page to get in touch.