A fence provides privacy and protection for your family and can be a beautiful addition to your yard. But a fence that is damaged by wear and tear, weather, or structural deterioration amounts to little more than an eye sore. You probably know that Easter Fence, Deck, & Renovations is one of the most respected fence contractors in St. Louis for installing new fences. What you may not know is that we also offer professional fence repair services.
Every day, we hear from homeowners whose fences have fallen into disrepair and are considering whether to repair the damage or replace their fence. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the considerations that you should weigh to help you make a well-informed decision.
Replacing Your Fence: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Replacement
Long-term durability: Installing a brand-new fence is like hitting a reset button on longevity. A new fence that hasn’t been subjected to weather, shifts in the earth, and time will always be more structurally sound and will offer more longevity over a repaired fence.
- Better aesthetics: There’s nothing like the look of a new fence. It will enhance your curb appeal and eliminate the “patchy look” that can happen when repairing an aged fence with new components that may not be as faded.
- Increased property value: If your fence is showing its age, a modern replacement can boost your property’s resale value.
- Lower maintenance costs: Simply put, a new fence will require less maintenance. In addition, switching from a wood fence to a modern vinyl fence will provide better resistance to weather and pests.
- Improved security: A new fence will instantly upgrade your protection against intruders and animals.
Advantages of Repair
- Lower up front cost: Small repairs are more affordable than replacing the entire fence. However, they can add up over time.
- Quicker process: If you’re looking for the quickest path, repair often takes less time than replacement.
- Less waste: Some homeowners are concerned with the volume of waste produced when replacing an entire fence. Repairing only the affected area will produce less waste initially. But just like costs, waste can be compounded over time if a series of repairs eventually lead to replacement down the road.
- May not require permits: Depending on the size of the repair project, permits may not be required. However, when repairing a fence, it’s important to ensure that the repairs meet the requirements of your neighborhood’s Homeowners Association.
Replace or Repair Your Fence: Which Option is Better?
As this article illustrates, there are a number of factors that will determine whether it is better to replace or repair your fence. The team at Easter has expertise in both types of projects and would be happy to perform an on-site assessment of your fence to (1) determine if repair is possible, (2) provide cost and time estimates for all your available options, and (3) provide our recommendation as the St. Louis area’s fence experts.
As a family-owned, St. Louis-based company since 1957, Easter knows the value of honesty, integrity, and reputation in a contractor. You can trust our team to help you make the decision that’s right for you and your family, because we want to earn the opportunity to be your outdoor contractor for life.