Repair or Replace: A Guide to Fence Panel Replacement vs Fixing a Fence

When maintaining your property, your fence is the first line of defence, and the condition of your fencing is often a reflection of you and your aesthetic values. While it is nice to have a modern and newly upgraded home, sometimes simple economics mean decisions about repairing or replacement present more of a problem than we would like. This is certainly true for fencing, which can be an expensive outlay when considering the costs of fence panel replacement.

The choice between fence panel replacement or fixing a fence is often influenced by factors such as the extent of the damage, cost implications, time implications, and long-term durability. Understanding your expectations and limitations can help you make the right decisions for your home. In particular, the need to replace fence panels often arises after severe weather events, requiring DIY skills to handle the replacement and maintain the integrity of your fencing.

Assessing the damage to your fence is important, it can help you decide whether to replace or repair it. Here is how to evaluate the situation and the low down on fixing a fence:

1. Visual inspection – look for obvious signs of damage like rot, cracks, warping and loose panels and less obvious signs, like wear and tear that could become a problem down the line
2. Structural integrity – check fence posts and gravel boards for stability. Push the fence to see if it moves or feels unstable in any way. If the structure wobbles the fence post could be rotten and this indicates much more extensive work is required
3. The extent of damage – if more than 20-30% of the fence panels and post are damaged, replacing fence panels is often more cost-effective than repair
4. Age and material – the age of your fence and the material it is made from will affect its resilience. Consider the lifespan of your fence when deciding to replace or repair
5. Repair history – if you have already repaired the fence many times and the problem is reoccuring, it is probably time to replace your fence. Frequent repairs are a sign that the fences and its components have reached the end of their lifespan

Signs like the following will mean the fencing is beyond economic repair:

• Insect damage – if your panels and post have small holes and sawdust-like frass then you probably have an insect infestation problem
• Leaning – a fence that leans will require new fence posts and possibly footings
• Rot – if the wood is wet when it should not be, soft and crumbly, the wood is probably rotten and beyond repair
• Splitting and cracking – large splits and fractures to the panels or fence posts cannot be repaired and should be replaced

If you encounter any of these signs, especially in multiple areas, it might be time to replace your boundary fence. Always consider the long-term implications of your choices and balance the immediate cost against the expected lifespan and future maintenance of your fence. It is worth reading our fence buying guide here.

In cases of irreparable damage, you will need a new fence panel to ensure the stability and appearance of your fence.

Fixing your fence is an option if after inspection you can be confident that a repair will suffice. Fence repair is often more cost-effective than a full replacement when the damage is minor and localised. After the inspection, if you notice that a panel has become loose or a few gravel boards are loose, then an easy repair is more effective and money-saving than waiting until a minor problem becomes an issue.

Repairing minor fence damage is a manageable task that can save you loads. Here is a step-by-step guide to fixing common fencing issues:

1. Loose panels – tighten any loose screws or hammer in nails that have popped out
2. Minor wood rot – remove the rotten section with a chisel and apply wood preservative to the affected area. Fill any holes with wood filler. Sand area once the filler is dry
3. Chipped or damaged paint – sand the chipped or peeling paintwork until smooth and wipe away any dust. Repaint the fence panel with weather-resistant outdoor paint
4. Weak posts – if your fence post is wobbly but not rotten, you can reinforce it with a new concrete surround. Dig around the base of the post and pour in wet concrete. Make sure the post is straight and let the concrete set
5. Replace fence post caps – these might seem like decorative items, and they are but they also protect the end grain of your fence from rain frost and heat
6. Attach new fence panels – when attaching a new fence panel between timber posts, use new galvanised screws to fasten the panel in position, whether using clips or not

Deciding to go the whole hog and replace the fence panels happens when repairs are no longer sufficient to maintain the fence and its ability to protect your boundary. Most fence panels are available in common sizes and types, making it easier to find suitable replacements. Here are some useful suggestions and criteria for opting for replacement.

Consider these factors when replacing fence panels:

1. Extensive damage - when lots of fence panels are affected by rot, structural damage or persistent issues that have resisted your repairs
2. Ageing fence panels or posts - when an old fence becomes past it is best, and past its natural lifespan. When flogging the old fence becomes more expensive than replacing it
3. Safety concerns - when the fence poses a risk to you, your family, friends, and your neighbours. This is especially important when your boundary backs a public right of way
4. Durability and visual effect - using timber posts for installing new fence panels can enhance both the durability and visual appeal of your fence.

Below are thoughts on maintenance levels and aesthetic appeal for various fencing materials:

When fence conditions compromise safety or when ongoing repair costs begin to outweigh practicality, the investment in new panels becomes the best option. Choose the right materials for your needs and you can ensure your new fence will stand the test of time and continue to look fabulous with minimal maintenance – minimal maintenance, now, that deserves a round of applause!

Use the same kind of fence panels, made in the same material and style as the existing fence panels. It is important to match the wooden fence material and style to ensure a consistent and cohesive look.

Match the style, so if you have contemporary style fence panels, find a style that matches or is completely different, so the mismatch looks deliberate. If you chose a traditional style in the first instance, your choice would remain in stock for years, so you can replace like for like. Fortunately, standard sizes and types of panels make it easier to install a new panel without much hassle or need for customisation.

Make sure you stain or paint the entire fence so that it matches. If the new and existing panels are a completely different colour, then go for exterior paint, not wood stain. Before staining or painting, ensure that all post holes are properly filled to maintain a consistent appearance.

As an avid gardener, you will instinctively know when your fence needs replacing. If you are new to gardening, you might not be quite so clued up on when your boundary fence needs repair or replacing. We hope this post has been useful. While we are on board with the make-do and mend ethos, we also know that once the condition of your fence becomes a security issue you need to take immediate action to secure your boundary and keep the people who live with you safe and those passing by free from the possibility of injury. When it comes to your fence it is better to be safe than sorry.