Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Chain Link Fence
There comes a time when your fence needs to be replaced. This is especially true of chain link fencing, which can wear down quickly and leave you with a damaged perimeter. The good news is, you can often tell when it’s time to replace your fence by watching for signs of deterioration.
Holes
If your fence is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace it. If the damage is small, however, you may be able to repair it yourself. That can be a much less expensive option than replacing the entire fence. The first step in repairing holes is to remove the damaged section of fencing from the top rail. To do this, untwist the wire ties that connect the top of the fence to the rail. Next, remove the old section of fence and lay the replacement over the hole. Be sure to secure the ties in place with a come-a-long to pull the edges of the new fencing closer together.
Rust
The first sign that it is time to replace your chain link fence is if you notice that there is rusting on the fence. Rust is caused by oxygen in the air reacting with metal surfaces. It is common for fences to rust, especially when they are exposed to humidity. However, even when they aren’t in humid areas, rust can form when the metal is exposed to other chemicals like carbon dioxide and water.
Warping
If the frame of your chain-link fence begins to warp, the entire fence could begin to bend, sag, and even twist. This can be a sign that it’s time to replace your chain-link fence. Wooden fence boards are susceptible to warping because of their natural tendency to soak up water. Sealing them with stain can help, but if you have a particularly large fence, it’s wise to invest in stronger wood that will resist warping better. To prevent the fabric of a chain-link fence from sagging, use a come-along cable puller winch and stretcher bar to pull the mesh taught. Hook the come-along puller to a tension bar that’s about 3-feet short of an end or corner post you want to begin your stretch.
Sagging
Sagging fences can be a sign of damage or wear and tear on the materials, or even an improper installation. To fix a sagging fence, you’ll need to remove the top rail and tension bands that hold the fence mesh to the top rail. First, use lineman’s pliers to untwist the wire ties holding the fencing fabric to the top rails on either side of the post you need to replace. Next, lay the new fence fabric on the top rail, securing it with temporary wire ties. Repeat the process to hang the entire section of fence to the new post. Make sure to use ties that are at least 2 feet long.