FAQ’s

If the right materials are used and the fence is built correctly it can last for over 20+ years. There are many factors that can play a role in the longevity of it like moisture, debris, soil type, correct material, correct nails/staples/screws, etc. We recently did a job where we replaced one of the fences we put in 1993 and the posts were still in good shape! That goes to show you that if it is well cared for it can last a long time.

There are many different ways to help you fence last longer, new or old. The majority of issues we see that cause a fence to need to be replaced is that it gets too moist. This can be due to overwatering of the area or sprinklers hitting the fence. Another issue we see a lot of build up debris in the bottom rail of the fence or around the kickboard. So try to keep debris out of and away from the fence. The remedy for excess moisture is to not overwater as well as adjust sprinkler head angles and velocity of which the water comes out.

Redwood gates can shift over time due to weather, moisture, ground movement, or normal settling. Some of the most common causes include:

• Gate sagging from worn hinges or inadequate support
• Post movement or lean, especially if posts are rotting or shifting in the ground
• Wood expansion from moisture, causing the gate to swell and bind
• Ground settling or grade changes affecting alignment
• Latch or hinge hardware loosening over time
• Fence movement nearby putting pressure on the gate frame

ALoose or falling fence boards do not always mean you need a completely new fence. In many cases, especially with older redwood fences, the issue is simply that the nails have backed out, trim boards have failed, or sections have loosened over time from weather, moisture, and normal wood movement. That said, the real question is usually what condition are the posts and structural rails in? After 30+ years in the fence industry, we often see three common situations:

• Minor Repair: Boards or trim are loose, but the posts and rails are still solid. In this case, the fence can often be re-nailed, screwed back together, or reinforced relatively inexpensively.
• Partial Structural Failure: The boards are falling because one or more posts or rails have failed. This is common when fences begin leaning or wobbling. Repairs may involve replacing posts or installing “buddy” posts to stabilize the section.
• End-of-Life Fence: If the fence has widespread rot, multiple failing posts, deteriorated rails, and brittle boards, repairs can start approaching the cost of replacement. At that point, a new fence is usually the better long-term investment.

One thing homeowners often don’t realize is that once fence boards begin pulling loose, it can sometimes be a sign the fence is flexing because the structure underneath is moving. The best approach is usually an in-person inspection to determine whether the fence still has a solid backbone worth repairing or whether replacement makes more financial sense long term.