When it comes to cedar fencing, if the cedar pickets are properly maintained, they have the potential to last for many years. On the other hand, there are times when cedar fences require more than a few repairs. In circumstances like these, it’s possible that completely replacing the cedar fence is the wisest course of action to take.
It is not always a simple choice to determine if a wooden fence needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. When deciding what to do, you should take into account the following aspects:
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The Age of the Fence
If your wooden fence is more than ten years old, you should probably consider replacing it rather than fixing it. You can save money in the long run by doing so. Wood will eventually rot and become more prone to attack by insects like termites as time passes. In addition, older fences that have been exposed to the elements for a significant amount of time might begin to decay, distort, and experience a decline in their structural integrity over time.
The Amount of Damage
When it comes to larger repair jobs that include significant damage or degradation (such as major rotting or bowing), it may be easier and cheaper in the long run to replace the entire fence rather than try to patch up the old structure.
The Cost of Repairs
If the cost to repair your fence exceeds fifty percent of the cost to replace it, you should replace it instead of repairing it. In this case, you should choose replacement over repair.
Getting the Job Done Right
If you are not confident in your ability to perform a repair job on your own and do not have the financial means to hire a professional, it may be in your best interest to replace your fence and begin the process from scratch. Instead of taking the risk of an amateur repair job going wrong, you can use this method to verify that all of the components are installed in the correct manner.
If your cedar fence is more than 15 years old and there are multiple cedar pickets that are damaged, it is possible that it would be advisable to replace the cedar fence entirely. In addition, if cedar posts have rotted, warped, or shifted in any way, replacing them may be the most cost-effective approach. Last but not least, if a cedar fence has gotten substantially warped over time, it is quite likely that replacing it is a better alternative than attempting to fix it.
The length of time you’ve had your cedar fence and how well it’s been maintained are the two most important factors to consider when selecting whether to repair or replace it. However, if your cedar fence is older and in generally poor shape, replacing it with new cedar fencing may be the more cost-effective decision. Repairs may be a smart option if discrepancies are minimal and the cedar fencing is relatively new.
The greatest thing you can do if you are unsure whether or not you should repair or replace your cedar fence is to seek the advice of an expert. A trained professional in the field of fencing can examine the state of your cedar fence and advise you as to which of the potential solutions will save you the most money in the long run. In the case of cedar fencing, if repairs would take too much time and be too expensive, it is possible that replacement may be required. You will, however, have the piece of mind that comes from knowing that your cedar fence is secure and safe if you hire an experienced professional to assist you.
source: https://cedarfencedirect.com/blog/2022/11/08/when-to-replace-your-wood-fence-rather-than-repair-it/
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