​The lifespan of a fence depends on you. A typical cedar wood fence is built to last 20-25 years, but there are things homeowners can do to extend the life of their fence. For many of our customers, we know that keeping children and pets safe is the main objective.

But many times, full-fence replacement is not a viable option. Finances may be an obstacle at the moment. Or maybe you’re selling your home soon, and your fence isn’t in significant disrepair but could still use a little work. Each customer’s situation is different. Here are three options for repairing and prolonging your wood fence.

Broken fence post? Here’s a simple fix to deter further damage. For a falling fence, the first thing to be done is to brace the fence post to limit additional damage. Make sure you have:

• A level
• A hammer
• Screws or large nails
• Two 4-5’ stakes

If the vertical fence post is broken or askew, level the post by pushing it straight into the ground. Then, measure two feet perpendicular from the fencepost and bang a stake into the ground. Nail the opposite end to the post, forming a 45-degree angle. Repeat this on the opposite side of the fence so that the falling down post is bolstered on both sides. The post is now completely braced and should hold up through any storm. This is a temporary fix but can be made permanent at another time by simply replacing the broken post, which can be done as long as the fence rails are in good shape.

Prolong your fence’s life – keep it looking new nearly 20 years later!

The tools you’ll need:

• A wallpaper pump sprayer (find one at your local hardware store, these are relatively inexpensive – especially considering the cost of a new fence!)
• Oil repellant spray (i.e., Thompson’s WaterSeal for fences)

Fill the pump sprayer with the oil repellant spray. Then spray and brush the sealer onto your fence posts and rails. Pay particular attention to the rails and dowel ends. This helps reduce the risk of rotted rails. This is an excellent tip for prolonging the life of your wood fence and will keep it looking new even up to 18 years after installation.

Ice dams, wind storms, blizzards, frost heaves, and snow are wreaking havoc on us and our homes and businesses. Spring will come inevitably. When it does show up, the light will shed on the many problems property owners have in store.

Areas of concern will be roofing, gutters, downspouts, asphalt, awns, basement flooding, and especially fences. Snow has been shoveled, piled, and plowed on any fence by Bob, your Neighbor, and Mother Nature herself. It has not only been snow, but record low temperatures, which cause frost heaves that push and pull posts and undermine the fence’s level and stability. And I would bet your gates out of whack just like your back – from all that shoveling.

Most fences will need minor adjustments and gates to be rehung. Repairs can be made, so have no fear. After the melt, give us a shout – we’ll come right out. Estimate, repair – have no despair! Geo Brothers Fence knows how to repair, and we care! Give us a call today!  (978) 998-0660

A fence can serve many purposes for a home or business. Some fences are installed for privacy, while others may be put in for security reasons. A fence can also help to protect property from trespassing and vandalism. In some cases, a fence may also be used to provide shade or wind protection.
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• Fences are used as a visual barrier from traffic and neighbors’ yards. They are used for security – to stop any intruders or trespassers. A fence keeps kids and dogs safe. It can protect others from a pool, Jacuzzi, or pond. A fence can help muffle sound as well as break wind, usually in unison with bushes and other landscaping.

 

• A fence can contain blowing leaves, drifting snow, and trash.

 

• A fence delineates your property from your neighbor’s and solves lots of conflict in return. Remember the famous saying “fences make good neighbors”?

 

• A fence can define a property and give it the last piece of curb appeal needed to complete a design.

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• Fences are used to help sell homes. They can block unsightly neighbors’ yards or secure a dangerous drop-off that may sway a prospective buyer with children to pass on your property.

Why do you need a fence? Give the experts at Geo Brothers fence a call. We have the answers you are looking for and are happy to meet with you to discuss your options.