Can My Dog Damage My Vinyl Fence?

Our furry and fuzzy friends add so much love and laughter to our lives. But they can cause problems to their outdoor perimeters that we install to keep them safe and secure. Beyond doing your best to train your dog to behave appropriately, you can watch out for issues in your yard. We delve into ways that your pets may prompt problems to your fence, so you can watch out for them.

Curious digger: Some dogs enjoy digging – whether it is to explore or try to catch a little critter. When your dog digs around your fence panels or posts, it can cause problems. Holes beneath posts and panels can allow access to unwanted raccoons, rabbits and other creatures and also create unstable fence areas. If there are unstable areas of your fence, they may be more easily caught and damaged by a strong wind.

Jump around: A large amount of jumping by your dog in the same spot can cause structural damage and snap your fence panel. Unfortunately, vinyl fencing can be more susceptible to the weight of a heavier pooch jumping on it and causing cracks.

Curious climbing: Outdoor cats can especially be the culprit of climbing your fence panels to catch some rays in the sun. Just like jumping, the weight of your pet can cause issues to your fence as it is not intended to be walked on. Repeated climbing can cause cracks, snapping, leaning and more.

Nasty nail: Scratching can really cause damage to your fence panels. Wood fencing is especially vulnerable to your pets’ nails. Vinyl and chain link fences are more durable against scratching.

Puppy love: If your little friend is teething, chewing can be a way to ease the pressure or it may become a habit down the road. Either way, fencing is not a chew toy and can be damaged by sharp teeth. Consistent chewing can cause weak areas and points in your fencing and spur structural issues.

Potty break: Urine from your dog can wreak the most havoc on your fence. The moisture can create mold and mildew and damage to your fencing over the years. Urine can also cause discoloration and age your fence before its time. While you cannot keep your pet entirely away from your fence, you can keep it updated and maintained to withstand your pets’ actions.

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Wood fences are most susceptible to rotting over the years. Here are the most common causes of rot in your fence.

Just like with anything that lives outside, fences tend to rot when they aren’t properly maintained. In fact, wood fences are most susceptible to rotting over the years. The reality is, rot is a destructive condition that can severely impact the overall structural integrity of your fence over time. Ultimately, knowing the best ways to respond to signs of rot in your fence will surely be the best way to salvage your fence for the long haul. Here are the most common causes of rot in your fence and the ebay solutions to treat them effectively and efficiently.

Understanding Wet And Dry Rot

The first thing you’ll want to know is that there is a difference between wet rot and dry rot. In fact, wet rot is usually caused as a result of wood absorbing moisture and then remaining damp for extended periods of time without ever having the opportunity to dry properly. On the other hand, dry rot is simply caused by any continuous exposure to dry and hot conditions. The reality is, both types of rot are hazardous to your fence and should be avoided at all costs. Ultimately, homeowners don’t want their fences to become brittle and fall down, so maintaining your fence properly becomes increasingly important.

A Rotting Structure Already

If your fence is already showing significant signs of rotting, it might be time for a replacement. In fact, to make the appropriate repairs to any type of rotting fence, it’s important to find a professional fencing company who can diagnose the specific cause and see if there are ways to repair parts of the fence without replacing the whole thing. The reality is, if you haven’t taken any time over the years to maintain your fence, the damage may have reached a point that a replacement might be the best solution. Ultimately, having a professional who can discuss the various options with you to determine the best solution for your specific needs and your specific situation is always the ideal way to go.

Preventing Rot In The Future

There are absolutely steps you can take beforehand to prevent rot from ruining your fence in the long run. In fact, removing moisture or dry heat from the fence is always the goal for any homeowner who has a fence in their yard. The reality is, periodic coats of wood water — for wood fences — can be a welcome remedy towards properly maintaining the fence over the years. Ultimately, knowing the best maintenance tips for your specific fence will surely be the way to go to prevent rot from ruining your fence in the future.

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As a homeowner, you opted to install a wood fence for its natural beauty, but as the years rolls on, wood can begin to deteriorate no matter how much you take care of it. Wood will eventually break down. Before you pull out that can of stain or paint, check out these signs that your fence is past the point of another coat.

1. Visible rot: While isolated rotten pieces of wood can be switched out and updated, many areas of damage and deterioration will not be good with just a coat of stain. Keep an eye on where your wood fence meets the ground as this is where rotten areas will most likely pop up due to the wood’s closeness to moisture from the ground. During maintenance, the fence at the bottom should receive extra TLC to help keep it preserved as long as possible.
2. Not so straight: Windy weather days will take a toll on your fence after years of standing up against the seasons. When your fence begins to lean in areas, that is due to the general structure losing essential strength. Again, a panel or two can be replaced and so can a few posts, but leaning in lots of areas means it’s time for a new fence.
3. Splits & lost pieces: Cracks in your wood fence are again the result of the sun, rain and cold creating vulnerable areas. Stained and painted wood will eventually break down due to age. Warped and split boards will eventually lead to overall structure issues with your wood fencing.
4. Lost fasteners: A handful of loose or missing nails or screws is no big deal, but as you continue to replace them, those areas of wood will eventually break down and not be able to support a new fastener. There is no point in adding new screws or nails to aging wood.
5. Costly repairs: Even with consistent maintenance and staining, you will have to pay for repairs or do them yourself. As costs add up, there will come a time when it is more cost-effective to replace vs. repair your wood fencing.

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Here are some ideas that you should be open to when looking for your very own dog fence.

Part of the joy of owning a dog is letting them run loose in your yard. However, that’s not so easy if you don’t have a fence. A dog fence allows your dog to get valuable exercise and might let you in on the fun too. There are all kinds of options out there as well, ranging in size and function. What’s right for you and what dog fence will work for your pup? Well, that can depend on a number of factors! Here are some ideas that you should be open to when looking for your very own dog fence.

Wood Fences

If you want to go traditional, you can’t go wrong with wooden dog fences. They offer a natural look, are customizable so you can create one to fit your needs, and they can offer a good amount of privacy depending on what type you pick. Speaking of, there are many styles to consider—a picket fence is a

classic, split-rail fences are also minimalistic but look great, and pallet fences can be a fun DIY project to work on if you only need a dog fence for a smaller area of your yard. Wood fences are one of the easiest options to recommend to people as they’re just so commonly installed.

Metal Fences

Looking for something durable yet affordable? Look no further than a metal dog fence. Something like a chain link fence can help keep your dog social and able to watch your yard for you. You could also go with something more ornamental like steel or aluminum, which can add some extra aesthetic pop to your yard, though they can be quite costly as an option.

Vinyl Fences

Plastic is very common in dog fences. Specifically, you might want to look at vinyl fencing, which is great because it requires little maintenance and doesn’t crack, rot, or splinter. You can even make vinyl fences look just like a wooden fence. Vinyl fences are easy to clean and are durable enough to last you for years to come, so this is one option that should be considered if you’re looking for a fence for your dog.

Invisible Fencing

If you only want to keep your dog from going where it shouldn’t and don’t care about any of the other benefits of fencing like security or privacy, there is the unique option of choosing an invisible fence. This could be a wireless dog fence, which requires additional training, or some people even use wired fences, which can hurt your dog. If possible, look into a physical boundary or try a wireless dog fence.

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Wrought iron continues to stand the test of time as an iconic fence material selection. It has been around for ages and offers a way to customize that makes it stand out as a special fencing material. Check out some old-school facts about this still popular fencing option.

In the beginning: The handcrafted art of creating wrought iron has its origins way back in the 12 century. The smelting process, extracting metal from ore, allowed the original blacksmiths to access and use more of the metal. “Wrought” is actually the old form of the past tense of work as blacksmiths had to work the iron to create shapes and forge the pieces. You would find a lot of wrought iron around castles and palaces in the Medieval times in Europe. No two pieces were alike as it was a more complicated process by hand.

Industrial Revolution: Production of iron increased at smelting and forging changed with coal replacing wood for extracting the ore and a new tool being introduced. While most of the process was still completed by hand, rolling came into play, which had iron ore bars piled and reheated to be rolled out into more uniform pieces.

In the States: The Colonists brought wrought iron fencing to the US, but the process was expensive, so typically only wealthier families had it in place on their properties. As blacksmithing became more prevalent, the cost went down and wrought iron was more commonly used. Wrought iron fencing was more elaborate as the Victorian era rolled in. The artistic side of wrought iron truly made its way to the top of the artform as details such as scrolls and finials were crafted. This time period is when the traditional look of wrought iron was developed and still stands the test of time today.

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Metal fences are quite a durable option. However, even the best fence materials can experience wear and tear.

The concept of metal fencing replacement might seem strange. After all, metal fences are quite a durable option. However, even the best fence materials can experience wear and tear. It’s essential to be proactive in fence maintenance for that reason. Here are the signs that you might need to replace your steel, iron, or aluminum fence.

If Accidental Damage Has Happened to Metal Fencing

Has your fence experienced structural damage from a motor vehicle crash, falling trees, or a weather-related event? If so, then metal fencing replacement should happen as soon as possible. Damaged areas will not only make your fence less durable. However, this damage impacts your safety, privacy, and security.

Corrosion

Modern metal fencing comes with specialized rust-resistant material. However, metal fences aren’t entirely immune to rust spots. We suggest that you have these spots repaired before they eat away at your fencing and cause it to crumble. We also advise paying close attention to the joints that keep the fence standing. Rusty and corroded joints can cause this structure to lose its structural integrity.

Bent, Warped, Leaning, or Sagging Metal

A leaning fence is a safety hazard no one should ignore. You shouldn’t merely attempt to bend back bent areas because, at this point, there is severe damage. In addition, this type of motion will cause your metal fencing to weaken even further. The structure could fall and hurt someone. Also, as it learns more and more, it could pull down connected fencing materials and nearby structures.

Damaged or Exposed Fasteners

It’s always best to look at the screws or nails holding your fence together. If your fasteners are corroding, sticking out from your fence, are wearing down, or are no longer securing segments of your fence together, your fence has a high chance of falling apart.

Corroding Welds

Metal fences have welded areas that contribute to the fence being so strong. Unfortunately, rust appears at welded joints commonly, causing them to become weak and split. Extensive repairs of welds can be challenging. Therefore, more often than not, a metal fencing replacement is better.

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Read on to learn more about how wood rot can impact a fence.

As anyone with a wood fence knows, maintenance is an essential part of owning any fence but in particular, one made of wood. Wood is prone to being damaged in many ways, but thankfully, it’s easily kept away with a few maintenance steps. One kind of issue that many wooden fence owners run into is wood rotting. It’s a real threat to many pieces of outdoor wooden infrastructure and fences are no different. If you’re worried about wood rot in particular, or just want to stay better informed to protect your wooden fence in general, read on to learn more about how wood rot can impact a fence.

Types of Wood Rot

When we say wood rot, we’re referring to both dry rot and wet rot, both of which are caused by fungi. Wet rot is, as the name suggests, much more common when moisture is wet and will attract fungus that prefers moist wood. Comparatively, dry rot only needs 20 to 30 percent moisture content within the wood for it to germinate. While many kinds of fungi can cause wet rot, the only fungi that cause dry rot are Serpula Lacrymans, which can cause rot in more places than just your fence!

How to Tell

If there are multiple kinds of wood rot, how do you tell which is which? Dry rot is usually noticeable due to its ability to crack or split timber. However, this can happen beneath the surface of the fence, so you may not see it. Another sign of dry rot is yellow or grey mycelium which can begin fruiting if given enough time. Wet rot can cause similar cracks but the wood is comparatively damp and soft, accompanied by a musty smell.

Either way, it’s a problem. However, dry rot is generally much worse and requires quick treatment. Dry rot can spread to all kinds of materials so it’s prone to getting on your deck, patio, or even inside your home, requiring expensive repairs if you want to get rid of the problem once and for all.

Prevention and Treatment

Keeping moisture away is necessary for preventing wood rot. This may be because of standing water if your yard is missing drainage or you may need to remove some of the plants around your fence. Removing wet rot is usually as simple as removing the source of moisture and using a fungicide. Dry rot tends to require some more attention and can include removing any affected wood, which is why it’s so important to tackle the issue as early as you can.

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Living near the Windy City, our region definitely has its share of windy days. We have all been there: running out to pick up our garbage cans or chasing down lawn furniture that is getting away! Wind is part of living in the Midwest and if you are considering installing a new fence, then this […] The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here are the best ways you can take steps to effectively and efficiently seal your wooden fence.

Don’t underestimate the power of a wooden fence. In fact, weathering is a common issue among wood fence owners everywhere — particularly in the mid-atlantic region. The reality is, the ultraviolet rays in sunshine can end up wreaking havoc on your wooden fence over time. Ultimately, having some type of protectant on your wooden fence to ensure it stays protected against the weather elements can do wonders towards extending the lifespan of your wooden fence overall. Here are the best ways you can take steps to effectively and efficiently seal your wooden fence and thereby extend the lifespan of your wooden fence overall.

Knowing The Specific Type Of Wood

For the most part, wooden fences can be at higher risk of rotting when they are exposed to external weather elements that can wreak havoc on any type of wooden fence. But, knowing the specific type of wood your fence is made from can help to determine the best course of action to take when it comes to properly treating your wooden fence and taking proactive measures so you avoid any potential rotting in your wooden fence over time. In fact, some types of wood are designed to be more durable than others. The reality is, all wooden fences will typically require waterproofing measures in place so they are less impacted by weather conditions over a period of time. Ultimately, understanding the specific type of wood you are dealing with is a great way to make sure you better understand the overall expected lifespan of your wooden fence overall.

Weather Exposure Ruins Wood Fences

Unfortunately, significant weather exposure will ruin a wooden fence if it’s not treated properly. In fact, lignin is known as a natural polymer found in wood that tends to repel water while also binding it together — the cells themselves. The reality is, wooden fences that are exposed to too much water or too much light will end up getting weaker and weaker over a significant amount of time without the proper seal and protection. Ultimately, there are basically a few proactive measures that homeowners can take to prepare their wooden fences to withstand the test of time — or the unexpected weather elements that might wreak havoc but won’t actually ruin your wooden fence over time.

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If you have wrought iron fencing that hasn’t been getting the maintenance and upkeep it needs, you may be able to restore it. Read on to learn more.

Wrought iron fencing is one of the most sturdy fencing options available today. Few things come close to the strength and durability of this type of metal fencing. It is not without its drawbacks however. While it is unmatched in terms of stability and aesthetics, it requires considerable maintenance sometimes to keep it that way. Unlike wood and even aluminum fencing, wrought iron rusts. And this rust can lead to structural instability if it is left alone. It also doesn’t look nice. Well-maintained wrought iron fencing is beautiful! But rusty fencing is just scary. If you have wrought iron fencing that hasn’t been getting the maintenance and upkeep it needs, you may be able to restore it. Read on to learn more.

Get Rid Of The Rust

The first thing that you need to do is examine how much rust there is and how much damage it has caused. If it is just surface rust, you are safe to remove it and restore your fence. If the rust has eaten the metal anywhere or left large divots or depressions, you should have a fencing professional check it out before you put too much effort into the project. The fence may need to be replaced, or sections replaced. If the rust is all surface rust, go ahead and remove it with rust remover, a sandblaster, or sanding paper. Remove the old paint so that the new coats will adhere evenly. Once the rust is removed, neutralize the metal to prevent future rust. You can use a commercial rust neutralizer or make your own by combining equal parts lemon juice and vinegar.

Prep Before Paint

Paint the entire fence with a rust-inhibiting primer to seal the metal from the damaging effects of moisture. The primer will also prepare the metal for the actual paint that you will apply next. Apply two coats of primer to the entire fence.

Paint

After priming (and allowing it to dry as directed), apply two coats of paint to your fence. The paint should be formulated for metal and a rust-proofing version. Make sure that the coats are thick and thoroughly cover all of the surface of the fence.

Commit To The Maintenance

Finally, once you’ve done this work, don’t throw it away by slacking on maintenance. Check it regularly for signs of peeling or cracking and for any signs that rust is returning.

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