Five Reasons Your Fence Won’t Last As Long As It Should – And What You Can Do To Prevent It

At FloriFence, we replace a lot of fences that should not have reached the end of their service life so soon. Typically, we tell customers that they can expect 15-20 years from a wood fence and 30 or more years from a vinyl or metal fence. However, many homeowners experience a much shorter service life due to mistakes made when designing. 

If you want your fence to reach its maximum service life, don’t make these five mistakes in your design process: 

You chose the wrong material. 

Fencing that is not designed to withstand your property’s climate conditions won’t last long no matter how well you take care of it. Your proximity to the coast, your property’s terrain, and your ability to maintain your fence should all be considered before choosing a material for your installation. 

You don’t regularly repaint or seal your wooden fence.

Wood fences typically don’t last as long as vinyl or metal fencing because they will rot and warp over time. However, you can prevent this process from happening by painting or sealing your fence every few years. This prevents water from soaking into your wood fence, which is the primary cause of wood damage. 

You don’t lubricate your hinges. 

Lubrication is especially important if you have an aluminum or metal fence, or metal locks on any of your gates. Even fences that are rust-resistant can get stiff over years of wear and tear from the elements. Take care of your fence by adding lubricant or WD-40 to your hinges on a regular basis. 

You never clean it. 

Most people rarely, if ever clean their fences after installation. This leads to mold and mildew growth, dirt buildup, and other cosmetic issues that can eventually cause the weakening of the fence itself. We recommend cleaning your fence annually or every two years to ensure it looks its best at all times. 

You don’t landscape correctly. 

The way you care for your yard can impact your fencing in many ways. Cutting too close to your fence with a mower, planting certain plants too close, or not ensuring proper drainage can result in a fence that is damaged, stained, or susceptible to wood rot. To care for your fence, ensure there is enough barrier from water and greenery to make maintenance easier. 

FloriFence can help you choose the right fence and give you the best care instructions to ensure your fence lasts several decades. To learn more about our services and fence options available, give us a call today!