5 Signs it's Time for a New Fence

If you've had a traditional wooden fence in your garden for many years, the chances are it might have seen better days. There comes a point with wooden fencing at which, no matter how much time and treatment you put into looking after it, it will need replacing. So, what are the five signs that it's time to install a new fence?

Discolouration

Over time, your wooden fencing can become discoloured by the sun or rain and the growth of moss, lichen, or mould. Fences that were once stained brown, chestnut or grey can start to turn a murky or dusty green which both looks unsightly and can cause the structure of the wood to weaken and split. Regularly staining your fences can help prevent this damage and discolouration, but it will be challenging to achieve the fresh look of a brand-new fence. If you find that staining is no longer giving you the look you require, it might be time to replace the fence entirely.

Rotting

If you've started to notice that your wooden fence is beginning to rot, it probably won't last too much longer. Once a fence has started to rot, the structure will quickly deteriorate, weaken and will be prone to breaking. If you spot the signs of rotting before they take hold, it can be possible to treat the affected area before it spreads to the rest of the fence. Unfortunately, rot is often not discovered until it is too late and you will then need a new fence for your garden. Our fence panels and fencing timber is pressure treated to improve the life-service of your fence. 

Damage

Damage to a fence can be caused by many different things. High winds, rain, or snow can cause your fence to lean or buckle as it tries to bear the brunt of the weather. If the damage is not too extensive and the essential structure of the fence is still intact, it is possible to fix the leaning panels or broken feather edge boards. However, if the damage has caused the fence to fall over entirely, it will need to be replaced, perhaps with a stronger wood than the existing fence. Our traditional, classic fence panels are made by Premier Forest Products, and use up to 30% more wood than our competitor’s panels.  Premier Fencing panels are heavy-duty and built to last. 

Other problems that cause damage to a fence can be more difficult-to-control, including kids' stray footballs, wild animals, birds, or pets that like to chew wood. These issues can cause problems such as dents, splits or holes which can be difficult to repair without replacing an entire panel.

Lost Fittings

A fence has many fastenings and screws keeping it together and keeping it attached to the fence posts. Over time, these fittings can start to become loose or they can fall out entirely, leading to the structure of the fence becoming compromised. The weather can also cause the fittings to become damaged as water damage can cause the wood to swell and contract, loosening the nails or screws and making them prone to falling out. If this happens, a spell of high winds or bad weather can make the fence come away from the fence posts and potentially fall apart. Rot can also affect the fittings, which, again, will lead to the fences needing to be replaced.

It Costs Too Much To Repair

Most people will try repairing their fences before spending money on a replacement but in the case of fences, repairing can cost more in the long run than replacing. It can be very expensive to keep having to make small repairs every time any damage occurs. This can also be time-consuming and quite stressful if you are worrying about your fences every time the weather is bad. So, after a few repairs, it might be time to consider replacing your fence, rather than repairing it. 

Time to Install a New Fence

If any of these problems apply to your garden fencing or if you've just decided you want a new look, it might be the right time to install some new garden fencing in your outdoor space. At Mill Timber Direct, we stock a wide range of great-value, heavy-duty fence panels in many different styles, including traditional overlap panels, classic feather edge (or close board) panels, decorative panels, and feather edge boards. If you are interested in our fencing panels or feather edge board fences,  try our fence panel calculator or feather edge board calculator, to get a list of materials you’ll need to complete your fence replacement; just add to basket and we’ll deliver within 3-5 working days. 

Here at Mill Timber, we also have all the accessories you need to easily erect your fences, including fence posts, rails, fixings, and tools. Explore Mill Timber Direct today to plan your new fences and transform your garden, ready for the summer months.