It looks like another winter has come and gone (save for a freak April snowstorm). So now is the ideal time to assess the health and happiness of your home’s fence.
Early spring is a critical juncture for scheduling repairs to prevent further damage (note: we book up early at Malone Fence Company) or, in some cases, to make plans for replacing a fence altogether.
We understand the motivation behind the “squeeze every last dime out of this thing” approach. But if your fence is just one big gusty windstorm away from a collapse, you’re asking for trouble.
Here are some red flags to look for as you review the state of your fence:
- Inoperable gate: Are you the homeowner who has tried to rig your gate with a coat hanger or, worse, just props it open with a stack of bricks? Wrestling with the gate puts pressure on the whole fence, so don’t neglect this piece.
- Leaning or uprooted posts: This one in particular makes us shudder. Next time high winds strike your neighborhood, those posts could be coming down.
- Rusted or badly twisted metal: Old metal fencing poses particular hazards, and these aren’t problems that weather time well. Don’t risk a pet or person getting caught up (or cut up) on your aging fence.
- Missing or broken rails: These can be replaced if you don’t wait too long. Once sagging sets in, though, you’re looking at serious structural damage.
- Rotting posts: Early intervention is key here, too. Rotted wood can be cut out and replaced in sections. But if you neglect it for too long, the rot will spread and lead to a weak, sagging fence that needs replacing.
It’s not at all too early to start thinking about these issues, and we’re happy to come by for an inspection and talk you through your options. But don’t delay! Be sure to call us at 978-744-7339 before our calendar fills up.
