What causes a fence to sag and lean?
We’ve all seen that house with the fence that’s leaning over to one side. Perhaps it’s that house with the bowed fence that looks like it could fold in on itself at any moment. There are many factors that can contribute to the deterioration of a fence. Knowing some of the conditions that can cause these problems can help you take preventative measures with your fence. Knowing can also help you when you’re having a new fence built for your home or commercial property.
Weather damage
Storm damage is a big contributor to wear and tear on a fence. A hurricane or tropical storm isn’t that only rain that can weaken the structural integrity of a fence. Flood waters can weaken the structure of the wood along with moderate winds over time. Once a fence is weakened every subsequent rain storm will add to the damage. Weak wood won’t support itself as well as a fence with a strong foundation. This can cause a fence to warp and bend under its own weight.
Poor quality hardware
A fence can be built using exceptional wood but if the hardware used to join all the pieces is subpar you could end up paying for it in the not so long run. Poor hardware like cheap nails can rust out. This can not only cause discoloration at mounting points (rust streaks) but can also cause planks to shift and loosen over time. This is where you start to see planks that stick out or fall off completely.
Improper installation
If a fence isn’t built with a solid foundation it won’t last long against the harsh Austin spring storm weather. If you’ve ever seen a new looking fence knocked over or flat on its side you can bet it wasn’t installed properly. Fence posts need to be installed to the proper depth to ensure stability. Other factors like the type of soil, location/area, the type of fence, even fence height can affect how a fence needs to be installed.
There are many contributing factors when it comes to sagging, leaning or warped fences. Knowing what can cause these symptoms can be valuable when having repairs done or when building out a brand new fence.
The experts at Ranchers Fencing and Landscaping are equipped to build you the best fence in the Austin, Texas area. Contact Ranchers Fencing and Landscaping today to get all of your fence questions answered and to have your high-quality fence professionally built.
