Your garden fence is more than just a boundary marker; together with a neatly landscaped garden, it provides privacy, security, and aesthetic value to your outdoor space, which can translate into an increase in property value. Over time, weather conditions and regular wear and tear can cause damage. This guide will help you understand common types of fence damage, how to handle fence repair, including fence panel replacement, and how much it costs to ensure it lasts for years.
Common fence damage to look out for
Wooden fences
Wooden fences are a popular choice due to their natural look and versatility. After all, they go with practically every exterior décor style. This said, they are prone to issues such as mould, rot, and insect damage if not looked after properly.
Over time, panels and posts can also become loose due to windy conditions or simply through ageing. If you’re noticing cracks, you might wonder, why is my wooden garden fence cracking? Usually, this is due to a mixture of moisture content and pressure on the wood.
Metal fences
Metal fences, including chain-link and wrought iron, can suffer from rust and impact damage. Paint peeling is another common issue, and physical damage from objects can cause bending or uprooting.
PVC fences
PVC fences are highly durable and usually require minimal maintenance. They are less likely to suffer from damage but may develop small cracks or holes over time.
Electric fences
Electric fences are often used for livestock control and as such are a popular type of agricultural fencing. With this type, damage can occur from impact or weather, affecting their connections.
Composite fences
Composite fences are known for their durability and low maintenance needs, so it’s not often you’ll see extensive damage. These fences, such as those from DuraPost, offer exceptional performance in terms of noise reduction and wind resistance. Composite materials, often made from natural byproducts like rice husks and recycled polyethylene, are less prone to typical damage like rot or insect infestation. Damage will usually be in the form of scratches and discolouration.
Can I repair a fence myself?
If you’re experienced in DIY, you’ll be able to handle small repairs without too much bother. For extensive damage, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure the job is done correctly and to prevent further issues. For those considering an entirely new fence, don’t forget to keep considerations such as security, privacy and materials top of mind.
How to fix a fence: step-by-step guide
1. Assess the damage
Begin by thoroughly inspecting your fence to identify any damaged areas. Look for cracked panels, loose nails, and signs of rot. Understanding the extent of the damage is crucial for planning your repairs.
2. Gather your tools and materials
You’ll need:
- Multi-purpose scraper
- Soap and water or Ronseal garden cleaner
- Crowbar
- Hacksaw
- Spade
- Replacement fence panels or timber
- A Ronseal fence preservative product
3. Clean the fence
Start by giving your fence a good scrub to remove dirt, moss, and algae. Protect any nearby plants and grass. Use soap and water or a garden cleaner like Ronseal to cleanse the timber thoroughly.
4. Remove rotten wood
After cleaning, check for any rotten wood. Use a crowbar to carefully loosen and remove damaged panels. For fence posts, remove the surrounding panels and dig out the rotten post with a spade. You can then replace it with a new post of the same size. We teach you how to protect your fence posts from rot for future prevention in our Postsaver sleeves guide, so make sure to check that out.
5. Fence panel replacement
Next, you should replace any broken or damaged panels with new ones, ensuring they are securely fitted. For more guidance on putting up a fence, you can refer to our fence installation guide.
6. Treat and preserve
Once the repairs are complete, it’s time to treat the fence with a preservative. Products like Ronseal Shed and Fence Preserver come in various colours and offer protection against rot and weather damage. Apply two coats for rough-sawn wood and three coats for smooth-planed wood.
Maintenance tips for your garden fence
In order to see that your fence repairs aren’t wasted, you should do a little regular maintenance and upkeep to preserve the quality of your fence.
Give it a good scrub
Regular cleaning helps keep your fence looking fresh and prevents moss and algae buildup. Use a multi-purpose scraper and garden cleaner to scrub the wood every two to three years.
Remove rotten wood promptly
Regularly inspect your fence for rot and remove any affected timber as soon as you spot it to prevent the rot from spreading along the wood.
Add a pop of colour
Revive your garden fence with a coat of paint or stain. Ronseal products offer a range of colours that are also waterproof and protect the wood.
Windproofing your fence
Wind can be a significant factor in fence damage, so to protect your fence from strong winds, consider installing shorter fence panels or using stronger materials like concrete or steel for posts. For more ideas, explore our article on types of fencing suited to windy areas.
Fence repair costs
The average cost of fence repair
For a traditional lap/waney edge fence that’s 1.8m wide x 1.2m high, you could be looking at an average cost of £102.93 – £148.22 per metre (including labour). Fence repair costs vary significantly depending on the type and extent of the damage. For more detailed information on fencing costs, we recommend taking a look at our fence cost guide.
Fence repair hourly rates
The average hourly rate for a gardener to repair a fence is around £30 per hour. However, this will depend on the complexity of the job and location, with higher living wage areas like London potentially being more expensive.
The best way to get an accurate fence repair price is to get in touch with fencing contractors near you. We recommend getting at least three quotes from local contractors.
Factors affecting fence repair costs
On top of the varying rates, it’s a good idea to keep the following factors in mind so you won’t be surprised by the final expenses.
- Type of damage: Different types of damage, such as rot, insect infestation, or weather impact, will affect the repair cost.
- Extent of damage: The more extensive the damage, the higher the cost. Smaller repairs, like fixing a wobbly panel, will cost less than replacing multiple sections.
- Type of fence: Repair costs can vary depending on whether your fence is wooden, metal, or PVC.
- Number of sections: More damaged panels mean a more costly repair.
- Finish: Additional costs may be incurred for painting or staining after repairs.
Fence repair cost calculator
To calculate the cost of repairing your fence, consider the extent of the damage and the length or number of panels that need repairing. Factor in material and labour costs, and any additional finishing work required to match the repaired sections to the existing fence.
If fence panel repair and replacement is high on your agenda, head over to our fencing calculator to get an estimate in seconds.
Common fence repair costs
- Wooden fence repairs: These can range from quick and simple fixes to more time-consuming and costly repairs, depending on the damage.
- Fence post repairs: The average cost for a lap/waney edge fence post repair is around £102.93 – £148.22 per metre.
- Chain-link fence repairs: These typically cost between £50.26 – £72.37 per linear metre.
- Fence replacement costs: Extensive damage may require replacement rather than repair. Always get multiple quotes for replacement work.
Let’s wrap things up
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential for keeping your garden fence in top condition. By following these steps, you can extend the life of your fence and keep it looking neat. For more information on the best fence fencing for you, explore the Estate Sawmills range.
