Homeowners, be careful! Fencing projects can be dangerous if you try to do them yourself without the right skills and tools. Thousands of Kiwis end up in hospital each year from DIY fencing accidents. We get the temptation to save money by not hiring a professional fencer. But complex fence installations are best left to the experts. Without proper training and equipment, you risk serious injury, poor work quality, and costly fixes later on.

This article will examine five fencing projects that are best left to professional fencing contractors. While simple repairs and minor installations like fence post digging can potentially be DIY jobs for the ambitious homeowner, more complex endeavors require skills and tools the average person simply doesn’t have. Safety should always come first when taking on home improvement projects. Read on to learn which fence building and repair tasks you’re better off calling the experts to handle. With the right fencing contractor, you can have peace of mind knowing the job will be done right the first time.

Installing a New Wood Privacy Fence

Installing a new wood privacy fence is no small task. It involves digging properly spaced post holes, filling them with concrete, setting the posts plumb, and aligning them perfectly straight and evenly spaced. You’ll also need to properly space and nail the boards to the posts while avoiding splits in the wood. This is precision work best left to the experts.

Many DIYers underestimate how tricky it can be to get wooden fence posts aligned and spaced just right. The posts can easily shift out of alignment as the concrete sets if you don’t brace them correctly. Once the concrete has been set, misaligned posts are extremely difficult to fix. DIYers also often space the posts unevenly, making it hard to properly attach the boards. And if you don’t pre-drill holes before nailing in the boards, they can split, marring the appearance of your fence.

Installing a wood privacy fence is a project where attention to detail is crucial. Even small mistakes can lead to a fence that is wobbly, uneven and unattractive. This is why it’s highly recommended to call in a professional fencing contractor to handle the job. They have the expertise and tools to efficiently install sturdy, perfectly aligned posts and properly space and nail the boards to create a privacy fence that will last for years while boosting your home’s curb appeal. Don’t leave it to chance and compromise on the quality of such an important home improvement project. Call the fencing pros for outstanding results you can rely on.

Replacing Chain Link with Wood

Taking out an old chain link fence and putting up a brand new wood one in its place seems easy enough, but this project can get complicated quickly. Removing the metal posts that hold up a chain link fence, especially ones that have been in place for years, can be backbreaking work. The posts are usually set deep in concrete to keep the fence stable, so getting them out requires digging down to break up the concrete before the posts can be removed.

Once the old fence is taken down, you might think it’s smooth sailing from there, but installing wood posts and fencing brings its own set of challenges. The new wood posts will have to be set in concrete for optimal stability too, but chances are the new post holes won’t line up exactly with the existing ones. That means extra concrete work to fill in old holes and dig new ones for the wood posts.

And then there’s the actual installation of the wood fencing, which takes precision and carpentry skills to get the fence boards cut, mounted, and spaced correctly. Going from chain link to wood is a completely different animal, from the post installation to the way the fence boards are secured.

For most homeowners, taking on a chain link to wood fence replacement is too much to handle. Your best bet is to call in the experts and have the fence pros do the heavy lifting—literally. Leave it to the experienced fencing contractors to remove the old fence, rework the post holes, set the new posts and install your wood fence. They have the right tools and skills to get the job done right. Attempting a DIY replacement can easily turn into a frustrating, expensive mess. Save yourself the headache by calling the fencing professionals to swap out the chain link for beautiful wood.

Installing a Fence on Uneven Ground

Installing a fence on a property with sloped or uneven terrain can be tricky for DIYers. The challenges come when trying to measure and space fence posts properly on ground that isn’t flat. Here are some key difficulties and tips on this type of installation:

• Measuring consistent spacing between fence posts is difficult on uneven ground. The slope means posts need to be different heights and angled to follow the contours. Professionals use equipment like laser levels, transit levels, and surveying rods to achieve precise measurements for each post position.

• Digging post holes and anchoring fence posts is more complex on a slope. Posts need to be dug deeper on the downhill side and shallower uphill to account for the angle. Pros have special augers and tools to bore accurate post holes in the slanted ground. They also use more robust materials like concrete to anchor posts.

• Establishing a straight fence line that follows the contours of a slope takes practice. Professionals have trained eyes to determine proper angles and fence alignment along the graduated ground. It’s not easy for DIYers to eyeball the correct angles and spacing in uneven terrain.

• Stretching and securing fence fabric on sloped ground takes the right approach. Pros use gradual ascension techniques to prevent sagging and maintain appropriate tension. They also use specialty fence products made for graduated terrain.

The bottom line is installing a fence on uneven ground requires special skills and tools. The professionals have the proper equipment and experience to measure angles accurately, dig proper post holes, set posts securely, and stretch fencing fabric in a lasting way. DIYers should avoid taking guesses that could lead to an uneven, insecure fence. Call the fencing experts for the best results on bumpy terrain.

Install a Pool Fence

When it comes to your pool, you want to make sure your family is safe and secure. Installing a pool fence is crucial, but it can be a tricky project with extensive safety codes and requirements. While a simple chain link fence may seem like an easy DIY, you’re better off calling in the pros for a pool barrier.

Pool fences require specific height and gate requirements based on local codes and laws. The fence must fully enclose the pool and not have any gaps or openings. You also need a gate with a self-closing and self-latching mechanism placed away from the water. Proper installation is key to preventing climbing and accidents.

Professionals have the expertise to handle the intricacies of a pool fence install and ensure it adheres to safety standards. They can assess your property, develop a customized barrier plan, pull permits, and use the right materials. Trying to cut costs by tackling it yourself can result in an unsafe fence and lead to violations.

In addition to safety, you want your pool fence to be aesthetically pleasing and enhance your backyard. Pros can incorporate your desired style and select durable materials that provide security without detracting from your landscape design. They can also incorporate fence toppers and plantings to soften the look of the barrier.

When it comes to protecting your family around the pool, don’t take chances by handling the fence install yourself. Work with qualified fencing contractors to create a compliant barrier that also complements your pool area. The investment is well worth the peace of mind knowing your children are safe in their own backyard.

Repairing Severe Damage from Weather or Accidents

Mother nature and careless drivers can wreak havoc on a fence. Storms blowing through can topple fence panels or snap posts in half. Falling trees and branches during high winds can smash large sections. Out-of-control cars and trucks can plow right through, leaving behind a mangled mess.

Attempting to patch up this level of destruction as a DIY project typically leads to disappointment. Replacing a few pickets here and there is one thing, but repairing whole spans of fence requires expertise. Professionals have the right tools and skills to remove and dispose of damaged sections, replace broken posts, and seamlessly integrate new panels.

For example, if high winds blew panels off your wooden privacy fence, the pros at Real Fencing can extract any remaining post studs and install fresh new posts properly embedded in concrete footings. They’ll rebuild the fence to its original height and appearance, matching any existing panels so new pieces blend right in. No more gaping holes left behind from the storm.

Or say a big oak tree crashed down on your vinyl fence during a thunderstorm, crushing an entire 20-foot span. Real Fencing’s team can see away the mangled mess and haul it away. They’ll rebuild the damaged portion from the ground up, aligning new post heights with the undamaged sections to either side. Fresh vinyl panels will be installed in the original style and color, leaving your fence looking as good as new.

In the case of collision damage, Real Fencing can work with your insurance company to handle the repairs. They’ll clear away any wreckage and rebuild the fence to its pre-accident design. With their quality craftsmanship, you’d never know anything happened.

Don’t let substantial fence damage from storms, fallen trees, or accidents go unrepaired. Call the experts at Real Fencing to properly restore your fence’s function and aesthetics. Their skilled crews have what it takes to tackle big repair jobs and get your fence back in shape.

Conclusion

When it comes to fencing projects around your home, there are certainly some scenarios where DIY makes sense. Installing a simple picket fence or repairing a few broken boards are jobs an experienced homeowner can likely handle. However, as we’ve covered, there are more complex fencing projects that are best left to the professionals.

Attempting to install a fence on uneven ground, a pool fence, a new privacy wood fence, or replacing a chain link with wood, without expertise can lead to safety issues, code violations, and potentially hazardous mistakes. Similarly, repairing major structural damage or a collapsed section of fencing is typically beyond the scope of an amateur.

The bottom line is that while minor fence repairs are doable, it’s important to be honest with yourself about your skill level. Taking a trial-and-error approach with complex fencing projects can not only produce poor results but also put yourself or others at risk of injury. An experienced fencing contractor like Real Fencing has the training, equipment, and eye for detail to handle these jobs properly.

When faced with any sizeable fencing installation, replacement, or repair, call in a professional fencing company like Real Fencing. With over 10 years of experience, they have the expertise to get the job done right the first time, keeping your property safe, functional, and code compliant. Don’t let an accident or injury occur due to DIY uncertainty. For the big fence jobs, leave it to the experts at Real Fencing.

FAQ’s

What are some examples of complex fencing projects that require a pro?

Installing a fence on uneven or hilly terrain, building a pool fence up to code, replacing an entire run of privacy fencing, and removing a chain link fence to install wood fencing are all examples of complex projects best left to the professionals. The stakes are high to get these types of fences built properly.

Why is installing a fence on a slope or hill tricky for a DIYer?

Fences on uneven ground require special planning and equipment to set posts properly and follow the contours of the land. An amateur is likely to end up with a fence that is uneven, unstable or has large gaps at the bottom, allowing pets or kids to escape.

How can a DIY pool fence project lead to safety issues if not done correctly?

Pool fences have strict code requirements for height, self-closing gates, and picket spacing to prevent child drowning accidents. Without experience, a homeowner may miss important safety specs or use inferior materials. This compromises safety around the pool.

What risks are present when replacing a full run of aging wood privacy fencing?

When old privacy fencing needs a complete replacement, there are risks of the remaining posts being unstable or rotted, requiring full removal. A pro can replace posts properly and ensure new panels are level, sturdy, and meet height codes for privacy.

Why is switching from chain link to wood fencing well beyond a DIY skill level?

Removing a chain link fence and installing wood in its place requires digging out and disposing of multiple post footings. A pro has the equipment and process to install new wood posts correctly and securely without damaging the yard.