Fixing Damage Done to Your Fence
Your fence plays an important role in the look and functionality of your outdoor spaces. A stunning iron wrought fence adds significant curb appeal to your home, while a wooden privacy fence in the backyard creates a private oasis. During the life of your fence, it’s common for damage to occur. The fence may sustain damage from several sources, such as:
- Hail
- Storm
- Accidents
- Animals
- Foliage
Here are a few ways you can correct these issues:
Dents and Chips in Wood Fences
Minor dents and chips in your wood fence look unsightly but don’t cause structural or functional problems with it. Remove any debris from the area before you get started. Use a sander to handle any chips that are shallow. You don’t have to do much work before the fence looks like new. Applying wood putty to deeper dents or gouges fills in the damaged area and protects the underlying material.
Dents and Dings in Iron Wrought Fences
Iron wrought fences are durable, but they aren’t immune from damage. You can easily repaint over dings to restore your fence back to normal. Simply remove the damaged region of existing paint, apply a primer, and refresh the color. Dents are harder to deal with, but a dent puller can assist you, or a hammer designed to smooth out metal.
Dealing With Large Iron Fence Issues
Sometimes the damage goes beyond a DIY approach. You’re better off replacing portions of the fence if significant parts of it are severely bent or broken, you encounter unfixable issues threatening the structural integrity of the barrier, or it would cost more to resolve the problem than the replacement fencing.
If you could manage the repairs yourself but you’re dealing with widespread dents and dings, factor in the time you’ll take away from other things for this process. The amount of effort plus the opportunity cost may lead you into a situation where a replacement is more feasible.
You have the fence of your dreams, whether you use it to add to the overall exterior look of your home or to help you keep your kids and pets safe. Stay on top of dent and ding maintenance to increase its durability, and recognize when it’s best to throw in the towel and get a fence replacement or help from fence repair professionals.
