When your fence gets damaged due to wear and tear, weather events, pests, or other factors, you’re faced with deciding whether to repair or replace it. This decision depends on several key considerations specific to your property, needs, and budget. Evaluating the fence’s current condition, repair and replacement costs, aesthetic preferences, timeframes, durability, safety, and environmental impact will help determine the best course of action.

Repairing may provide a cheaper and quicker short-term fix, but replacing could be a better long-term investment if the fence is old or extensively damaged. Your goals, whether they are restoring function for the lowest cost, enhancing aesthetics, increasing safety, or reducing environmental impact, play a major role as well. Carefully weighing all these factors allows you to make an informed decision on whether to resuscitate your existing fence through repairs or start fresh with a brand new replacement.

Assess the Condition

When deciding whether to repair or replace a damaged fence, the first step is to thoroughly assess its current condition. Consider the following factors:

• Age – How old is the fence? Even with proper maintenance, most fence materials deteriorate over time. If your fence is near or past its expected lifespan, replacement may be the better option.
• Material – What is the fence made of? Some materials like wood rot and warp much faster than vinyl or metal. The material can clue you into how much useful life it may have left.
• Extent of damage – Carefully inspect the entire fence and note any warped, cracked, missing or broken boards or posts. Consider the fence as a whole system. Severe damage in a concentrated area often means more underlying structural issues.

Conduct a hands-on inspection up close. Look along the fence line from both sides as well as above if possible. Document the fence’s condition with detailed notes, photos, and measurements of damage. This information will help inform repair costs versus replacement.

Repair Costs

Repairing a damaged fence can add up costs quite quickly. Some of the main factors that contribute to repair costs include:

Labor – Whether you DIY or hire a professional, labor will likely be one of the biggest repair costs. Professionals typically charge by the hour and fence repairs can be time consuming, especially if sections need to be completely replaced. Even DIY repairs require your valuable time.

Materials – The materials needed for repairs like replacement boards, posts, nails, screws, stains, etc. can add up. You may be able to reuse some materials from your existing fence if they are still in good condition. But any materials that are rotted, cracked, or damaged will need to be purchased new.

Accessibility – Depending on the location of your damaged fence, accessibility can drive up repair costs. Sections that are difficult to access like behind dense vegetation or in steep terrain will take more time and effort to repair. Rental equipment like lifts or scaffolding may be needed in some cases, adding to the costs.

Take all these factors into account when estimating potential repair costs for your damaged fence. Get multiple quotes if hiring a professional to ensure you understand the full scope and cost of repairs.

Replacement Costs

When deciding whether to repair or replace your damaged fence, one of the biggest considerations is the replacement cost. Replacing an entire fence can be quite expensive. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Materials

• What material do you want to use for the new fence – wood, vinyl, chain link metal, etc? Different materials have vastly different price points. Wood is generally the most economical choice.
• What type of wood – pine, cedar, treated lumber? Opting for a premium material like cedar can increase costs significantly.
• How much material do you need? Measure the perimeter of your property to determine the linear footage, then get quotes on material costs. Expect to pay more for materials if your property has a large perimeter.

Demolition

• If replacing the entire fence, the old one will need to be demolished and removed. This isn’t a DIY job – you’ll need to hire a company to tear down the existing fence safely.
• Many fence companies include demolition in their quotes. But it’s a cost factor to keep in mind if getting piecemeal quotes.
• Proper disposal fees for the demolished fence materials also need to be budgeted for.

Installation

• Installing an entirely new fence is labor intensive. While a DIY project is possible, hiring professionals is recommended for the best results.
• Get quotes from multiple fencing companies. Expect to pay per linear foot installed based on the type of material. Installation of a simple wood fence may range from $15-25 per linear foot. More complex materials will be higher.
• Factor in gate installation costs if needed. Any landscape restoration or grading required after installing the new fence also adds cost.

The expenses add up quickly when replacing an entire fence. But you gain the benefits of an entirely new, uniform enclosure expected to last over 25 years.

Aesthetics

The appearance of your fence can significantly impact the overall look of your property. If your existing fence matches other fences in the neighborhood, replacing small sections with newer materials can make it look mismatched. On the other hand, repairing severe damage may result in an unsightly patchwork effect.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your fence, consider how it contributes to your home’s curb appeal. A damaged or dilapidated fence detracts from your property’s appearance. Replacing it entirely can greatly improve the aesthetics if the original fence is outdated or unsightly. A new, uniform fence can give your home a clean, polished look.

Repairing may be the better option if the overall fence is still in good condition. Spot repairs and a fresh coat of paint can spruce it up at a lower cost than full replacement. However, extensive repairs may still look messy compared to a brand new fence. Think about visibility from the street when weighing aesthetics.

Timeframes

The timeframe for repairing or replacing a damaged fence can have a significant impact on your decision.

Repairing a fence is often a shorter process than full replacement. Minor repairs like replacing a few pickets or posts can sometimes be done in the afternoon. More extensive repairs will take longer but are still typically faster than installing a brand new fence. A contractor may be able to complete repairs over a few days or weeks, depending on the scope of damage.

Replacing an entire fence will require more time. Removing the old fence, preparing the site, installing new posts and panels, and adding finishing touches can take several weeks to complete. Lead times for purchasing fencing materials may also add delays. And if you need to obtain permits for the new fence, that can extend the timeline as well.

When evaluating options, think about your needs and constraints. If you need a solution quickly for safety or privacy reasons, repairs may allow you to restore function faster. But if you have flexibility and are looking for a longer-term fix, replacement may be worthwhile despite the longer timeline. Understanding the timeframes involved can help guide your decision making.

Durability

When deciding between repairing or replacing your fence, it’s important to consider the relative durability and lifespan of each option.

Repairing a fence can often extend its life for a few more years. Small repairs like replacing individual pickets, posts, or rails can target specific problem areas. However, repairs are unlikely to restore a fence to like-new condition. The existing untreated wood or materials will continue to slowly deteriorate. Major repairs may buy you 5-10 more years at most.

Replacing the fence with a new one will give you a structure built to modern standards with fresh materials. New fences made of rot-resistant or treated wood, vinyl, composite materials or metal can last 15-25 years or longer. So while more costly upfront, a full replacement offers superior long-term durability. It’s a clean slate.

If your existing fence is already quite old and dilapidated, replacement is likely the better investment. The lifespan of a brand-new fence will easily outlast the remaining life of an old fence, even with repairs. But if your fence just needs minor fixes, targeted repairs may be worthwhile to extend its life a bit longer before full replacement. Evaluate the condition carefully when weighing expected durability.

Safety

When assessing whether to repair or replace a damaged fence, safety should be a top concern. An unsafe fence can present risks to people, especially children and pets.

It’s important to check if your existing fence meets any relevant safety codes or standards. For example, in New Zealand, pool fencing must adhere to strict requirements under the Building Act and Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. If your fence surrounds a pool, any repairs or replacement must comply with the legal height, climbability, and strength factors.

Even for regular residential fencing, you’ll want to evaluate any risks posed by broken boards with protruding nails or screws, missing or loose panels, large gaps, missing gate latches, and other issues. These could lead to injuries from sharp edges, head entrapments, the ability for children to wander outside the property line, and more. Replacing deteriorated fencing can greatly improve safety.

Also, consider whether your property has any unique risk factors that need mitigation. For instance, if you live on a busy road, having a solid, high fence adds protection. Or if you have an unfenced water feature like a pond, new fencing helps safeguard children and pets.

When weighing repair or replacement, think about potential safety hazards and aim to bring your fence up to a level that responsibly minimizes risks. Safety should be a priority in any fencing project.

Environmental Impact

When considering whether to repair or replace a damaged fence, it’s important to think about the environmental impact of each option. Repairing a fence often requires less new material than fully replacing it. Reusing as much of the existing fence as possible reduces waste and the need for additional raw materials to be sourced and transported.

However, depending on the fence materials, replacement may offer an opportunity to choose a more sustainable option. For example, replacing a wood fence with a recycled plastic fence uses less trees and avoids chemicals used to treat wood. Plastic fencing also lasts longer, avoiding repeat repairs and replacements.

Looking at end-of-life factors is also useful. Can materials from the old fence be recycled or repurposed? Pressure-treated wood may be unsuitable for recycling and need to go to the landfill. Newer fencing made from recycled plastics or sustainable woods may be more recyclable at the end of life.

Consider sourcing any new materials needed for repairs or replacement from local suppliers to reduce transportation impacts. And properly disposing of any waste from the old fence through recycling facilities.

With some thought given to materials, durability, and recycling, either repairing or replacing a fence can be a sustainable choice. Consider all the environmental factors to make the decision that is right for your specific situation.

Making the Decision

When deciding whether to repair or replace your damaged fence in New Zealand, there are several key factors to consider:

Weighing the Factors

• Cost: Look at the total cost for repairs versus replacement. Repairs may seem cheaper upfront but require continual maintenance. Replacement is a larger initial investment but will last longer.
• Appearance: Will a repair blend in aesthetically or will patches and fixes worsen the look? Replacement offers a uniform and visually appealing new fence.
• Timeframe: Repairs can be done quickly while replacement takes more time for removal, permitting, and installation. If you need an immediate fix, repairs may work better.
• Durability: Repairs are unlikely to match the structural integrity of a brand new fence. Replacement provides long-lasting strength and stability.
• Safety: Repairs on a deteriorated fence may not fully restore safety compared to replacement. Assess any risk factors.
• Environmental impact: Reusing existing fence materials has benefits over replacement. But old treated wood could leach chemicals. Consider sustainability.

Budget

Get quotes for both repair and replacement costs. Look at the overall value you’ll gain over the lifespan of a new versus repaired fence. A new one may be worthwhile if the budget allows. Check if insurance covers any costs.

Recommendations

As a team at Real Fencing, we specialize in both repairs and replacements, ensuring we provide the solution best suited to your fencing needs. Our services are comprehensive—spanning from fence building to maintenance.

For extensive damage or rot, a full replacement is likely your best long-term solution. However, if the damage is minor and your fence is otherwise functional, targeted repairs could be sufficient.

We offer a wide variety of fencing types such as timber fencing, aluminum fencing, garden fencing, and more, ensuring we can match or improve upon your existing fence’s appearance and durability. Our expert team services multiple locations throughout New Zealand, delivering fast, effective solutions regardless of your timeframe.

Crucially, we prioritize sustainable solutions, balancing environmental stewardship with customer needs and safety.

We invite you to consult with our Real Fencing experts—we can provide a professional assessment that caters to your unique needs and budget considerations. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality of service, years of experience, and competitive pricing.