Is Your Old Fence Ready For Oviedo Storm Season?

How Old is Your Oviedo Fence?

When was the last time you took a good look at your fence? When you come home to the same fence every day, it’s easy to overlook imperfections. Your brain simply registers that a fence is there (hopefully) and moves on. But when you live in Oviedo, regular fence maintenance ensures that your fence remains stable even during storm season. If your fence is more than 10 years old, regular self-inspections are crucial to ensuring it doesn’t become a hazard. 

Storm Season

June through August, storms are imminent. If your old fence is already nearing retirement, and the right gust of wind sweeps through, it could damage more than just your greenery. With winds between 75 and 95 mph, now is not the time to put off anchoring your fence posts. Panel fencing is known to become like a sail during storms. If the winds push your fence into your home, you’ll be paying for a lot more than post bracing. 

Humidity & UV-Rays

The high humidity and intense heat from May through October accelerate the rate of damage to your fence. Every year, with the sun beating down on it, you probably don’t even remember what color your fence was when it was brand new. Then, with the humidity in Central Florida, any wood fence is prone to rotting and warping. When you’re considering a new fence installation, it’s important to be aware of these factors so that you can choose a material that will last.

Can Your Fence Be Fixed?

No reason to jump the gun on a new fence installation when your fence can be fixed. When you inspect your fence, you’ll want to assess the extent of damage. Asking yourself these questions can help you determine whether you should repair or replace your fence.

Is your fence leaning?

If your fence is leaning, to what extent is it leaning? Is it just one post or multiple? If it’s only a post or two, you may be able to get by by just having the posts reset. But depending on how many posts need straightening, this cost can add up. 

Is there widespread damage?

Replacing a panel or two might not be a bad idea, but if you’re looking at your fence and see damage across its entire length, it’s probably time to replace it.

How old is your fence?

If your fence is under 10 years old and you answered no to both of the above questions, it should last a little longer. Unless you just can’t stand to look at it anymore and just really want a new fence anyway. 

Cost Comparison

Ultimately, when you are adding up the costs to repair your old fence, make sure you consider how much needs mending. On the surface, a fence repair seems like the cheaper option. To be transparent, there are some situations where it is cheaper and totally acceptable. A few posts, panels, or hardware replacements are no big deal. However, if you miscalculate or realize the extent of the damage is worse than you thought, you’ll end up spending a lot on repeated trips to the hardware store. Likely more than you would have spent on a new fence.

Long-Term Value

The cost of a new fence installation can feel daunting. That’s why working with a reputable fence contractor in Central Florida is so important. Getting the most out of your new fence is the goal. That’s why good fence contractors, like Superior Fence & Rail of Central Florida, offer fence warranties. With a good warranty, you are protected, even during storm season. So when you are googling “fence contractor near me in Oviedo,” make sure they offer a warranty to protect your fence investment. 

Improving Curb Appeal

Planning to sell your house in the future? A new fence could increase more than just your home’s curb appeal. Home improvement projects, like installing a new fence, can even increase your home’s resale value. If you were buying a new home, and you pulled up to a property with your current fence on it, would it change the way you see the property? If the answer is yes, then it might be time for a fresh start.

A Fresh Start

You deserve to get your money’s worth out of your investments, and if you don’t feel like your old fence had the lifespan you were promised, it makes sense you want to make it last just a little longer. But if your fence is at the end of its life, and you can’t deny it now that you’ve answered the questions above, replacing it could save you time and money. Sometimes it’s just easier to start fresh.That way, you can have a clean slate and plan for regular maintenance so that your new fence lasts much longer than your old one. Especially if you have a reliable fence contractor on your team in the future.