Intended for both protection and decoration, a fence is a worthwhile investment. However, despite how effective it can be, it’s not indestructible. As American Fence Company explains, no matter what type of material it’s made from, portions will need to be repaired or replaced eventually. Having served New York’s Hudson Valley for more than 40 years, American Fence Company understands how difficult it can be to make that call; however, they want everyone to know that it doesn’t always have to be that way.

To make it easier for you to determine whether or not your fence should be repaired or completely replaced, American Fence Company has a few things they’d like you to know.

Wooden Fences

Given the material, wooden fences can generally be repaired piecemeal depending on the size and type of damage. Small cracks and holes can usually be repaired with wood putty or filler. If there are any boards that have discoloration or warping, they will need to be replaced. However, if your entire fence is painted, any discolored boards can easily be repainted.

Vinyl Fences

Made to withstand the elements much more than wood, vinyl fences are fairly low-maintenance and won’t suffer significant damage. However, too much direct sunlight and heat can cause it to crack. If that happens, that section will need to be replaced.

Metal Fences

Like vinyl, metal fences are quite sturdy. The most common issue is that posts may come loose if the soil underneath has eroded, but this can be remedied by properly filling the soil or gravel back in. Another potential problem for metal fences is rust; if the damage isn’t too wide, a bit of cleaning, priming, and repainting should do the trick.

Aside from these things, one more important guideline to follow is the 20% rule. If more than 20% of your fence is in disarray, American Fence Company suggests having it replaced completely. The cost of repairs and any subsequent replacements will ultimately cost more. 

If you have a fence in Hudson Valley that's seen better days, call American Fence Company today at (845) 427-5894. For more information about all their installation and repair services, visit their website.