5 Signs You Need a New Fence

Jun. 16, 2025

5 Signs You Need a New Fence

If you have a fence on your property, you've likely seen it brave all sorts of weather conditions. Older fences are more prone to problems, so it's important to keep an eye on them. At some point, a fence is beyond repair and it's time for a new one. Here are 5 signs that you need a new fence!

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Many homeowners opt to install a fence on their property. Whether it be to keep kids and pets in, or unwanted visitors out, fences are commonplace in suburban areas, country properties, and occasionally in the city. Your fence has to handle extreme weather conditions as well as wear and tear from other sources. You can certainly repair it as issues arise, but after a while it's time to get a new one. Here are 5 signs to look for that will tell you it's time for a new fence. Several of these relate most to wooden fences, but the general principles apply to all materials.

1. Visible Rot or Holes

The first sign that you need a new wooden fence is visible rot or holes in the wood. Over time, even the toughest wood will succumb to severe weather. Cedar fences and redwood fences are hugely popular because of their natural rot-resistance, but even these brave soldiers will weaken as they get older. Your fence is more prone to rot and holes if you live in areas that are often very rainy, humid, or snowy. Ice can be particularly damaging if water gets into the cracks of the wood then freezes. Ice causes the wood to expand past its breaking point, putting strain on the wood fibers and potentially leading to rot and holes. To be clear, if you have one or two boards that show these signs, you can go ahead and replace them. However, if more of your fence is rotted than not, it's time to bite the bullet and hire a fence installer like Palisade Fence!

2. It's Not Standing as Straight and Tall Anymore

Is your fence looking more like the Tower of Pisa every day? If so, it's time to replace it. Well-built fences will be as straight as possible and should stay that way for a long time. If your fence was not installed well the first time, you'll notice it leaning and tipping quite quickly. Some things can cause even a good fence to lean. Wind, severe flooding, soil disruption, etc. can all compromise the posts that anchor the fence into the ground. Of course, any kind of accident can do this as well. If a car crashes through your fence, it's not going to be looking great. The same can be said for fences crushed by falling trees. If your fence does take a hard hit, you might be able to replace just the damaged portion. Slow wear and tear will affect most of the fence, so you'll need a new one installed.

3. It's Mismatched From Your Previous Repair Efforts

Fences, particularly wooden fences, aren't necessarily hard to repair. You can replace individual boards rather easily, maybe even on your own. That being said, if your fence has mismatched boards all over the place, you should consider getting a new wooden fence installed. Not only will a new fence improve the aesthetics of your property, but it will also save you more work. If you have a ton of boards needing to be replaced, odds are the fence is in bad shape and any that were left standing will need to be replaced in the very near future. Save yourself the hassle and call a fencing company that can install a brand-new, custom wooden fence (like Palisade Fence Company).

4. You're Missing Posts

Maybe you're not too much of a handyman and the idea of replacing wooden slats by yourself is out of your comfort zone. You may start to notice that you have lots of missing fence posts. When whole or partial boards break off, the fence is no longer doing its job. Critters can get in, you can see your neighbors, and there may be sharp edges that are dangerous for kids or pets. Rot, insects, strong weather, any type of accident, and even wood warping can cause boards to break. One or two may not be the end of the world, but if your fence is littered with holes and jagged edges, it's time for a replacement. We suggest investing in a redwood or cedar fence with thick, strong boards to prevent future breakage.