Your Sprinkler System Might Be Destroying Your Fence
Think your fence stain is failing in specific areas? Your sprinklers could be the real culprit. King says he frequently sees sprinkler heads spraying directly onto fence boards night after night, leading to rot, peeling stain, and premature wear. The fix: Walk your yard while the irrigation system is running and make sure water isn’t constantly hitting the fence.
Not All Fences Are Designed for Privacy
Before choosing a fence style, ask yourself one question: What is the fence supposed to do? Privacy fences typically made of wood or vinyl block views into your yard. Boundary fences made of aluminum or iron define property lines while maintaining visibility. If you want backyard seclusion, a decorative iron fence probably won’t get the job done.
Vinyl Fences Cost More Up Front, but Can Save Money Later
Wood remains popular, but vinyl is gaining ground. Why? It doesn’t rot, rust, or require nearly as much maintenance. Many newer vinyl products even mimic the appearance of stained wood. Bottom line: The upfront cost is higher, but the lifespan can be significantly longer.
The “Good Side” of the Fence Isn’t Just About Looks
You’ve probably heard that the finished side of a fence should face outward. But experts actually prefer the opposite side (the side with the rails) to face inward. The rails can act like a ladder, so keeping them inside the yard makes the fence harder to climb from the outside.
Splitting the Cost With Your Neighbor Can Be a Win-Win
When neighbors share a property line, they often share the cost of a fence as well. One solution is alternating fence panels so both homeowners get sections of the finished side facing their property. It’s a simple approach that keeps everyone happy and can cut costs in half.
Building a Fence Right Next to Another Fence Can Create Problems
If your neighbor already has a fence, resist the urge to build a second fence directly beside it. The narrow gap between fences can become a magnet for weeds, trapped moisture, and even tree growth. Over time, that can weaken both fences. When possible, talk with your neighbor before building and come up with a plan together.
Fence Posts Need to Go Deeper Than You Think
One of the biggest causes of a leaning fence? Posts that aren’t buried deep enough. For a typical six-foot privacy fence, posts should extend about two feet into the ground. Cut corners here, and the entire fence could begin leaning within a year.
A Sagging Gate Usually Starts at the Post
If your gate drags, sticks, or won’t close properly, the problem often isn’t the gate itself, but a weak post. One solution is a heavy-duty steel post paired with a steel gate frame. Unlike wood, steel won’t twist, swell, or warp over time.
The Foundation Matters More Than the Fence
Homeowners often focus on fence boards, stains, and style. Contractors focus on what you can’t see. The depth of the posts, the amount of concrete used, and the overall installation process will determine whether a fence stands straight for 15 years or starts leaning after a few seasons.
The Best Fence Upgrade Is One You’ll Never Notice
Want the secret to a longer-lasting fence? Use galvanized steel posts instead of wood. While the fence may look exactly the same from the outside, steel posts dramatically reduce the risk of rot and structural failure. It’s one of the upgrades professionals make whenever budget allows.
