Inspecting Your Fence

In the summer, most homeowners take time to inspect their property. You might be checking your grass, landscaping, and garden to make sure you’ve done any necessary maintenance. But are you remembering your fence? Don’t neglect the fence, but look at the following elements.

• Examine the gates. Because they’re the only moveable parts of your fence, gates tend to get the most wear and tear. Open and close gates to see whether they latch correctly. If not, the gate may not be squarely attached to the post. You may be able to fix this by tightening the screws or nails or by re-adjusting the tension on a self-closing gate. If that’s not the problem, the hinges may be damaged. If they’re bent, try to unbend them by hitting them with a hammer. Cracked hinges should be replaced. Check to see if the post is out of alignment or if a misaligned latch needs to be tightened.
• Inspect the posts. Look to see that the posts are securely attached to the ground and give them a light push to check for movement. Make sure there’s no rotten wood at the bottom of the posts and check for damage from lawnmowers or other yard equipment. If your posts are in concrete, inspect the concrete for cracks, and if they have aluminum caps check them for chips or scratches. Check any vinyl caps to make sure they’re securely attached.
• Check the panels and boards. Check the vertical boards for warping, insects, rotting, and landscaping damage, being aware that wood sometimes has naturally occurring knots, cracks, and warping that don’t affect its structural integrity. Clean the fence, pound any loose nails back into place, and replace individual damaged boards.
• If you have an aluminum fence, there’s not as much to check. Push on the sections to see if you hear any rattling of loose screws. Tighten loose screws, replacing them if they are stripped. Look for landscaping damage to the bottom of the pickets, repairing minor damage if possible. Look for signs of rust, so that you can catch it early enough to repair it easily.
• Vinyl fences require very little maintenance. If there’s landscaping damage, you may want to replace that section. Clean your fence with soap and water at least every 24 months.
• Inspect individual links on a chain link fence. If any are bent or snagged, you may be able to reweave the links or straighten them with pliers. If a top rail is bowed, you can probably fix it by rolling the top rail and retying.

When it’s time for a new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, insured, and proud of our reputation for quality work. For a free estimate, contact us or call 832-962-4765.