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Spring Fence Checklist: #1. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

by Barrier Bob

After months of snow, frost, and freezing temperatures, your fence is among the parts of your property most affected by winter weather. Spring is the ideal time to evaluate how well it survived and to take proactive steps that will keep it in top shape all year long.

Earlier this week we introduced in brief seven steps recommended for springtime fence inspections. This is the first instalment in our Spring Fence Maintenance Series, where we look at conducting a thorough fence inspection. Consistent care will extend the lifespan of your fence, preserve curb appeal, and maintain privacy and safety around your property.

Understanding your fence's condition

Before you clean, repair, or treat your fence, you need to understand its current condition. A systematic inspection identifies all issues, allowing you to prioritize work and gather necessary materials.

Tools You'll Need:

  • Notepad and pen or smartphone for notes and photos

  • Tape measure

  • Level (2-foot and 4-foot)

  • Screwdriver or drill

  • Flashlight for examining post bases

  • Work gloves

  • Ladder for tall fences

What to Inspect:

Posts (Most Critical Component):

Walk your entire fence line examining each post carefully:

  • Vertical alignment: Use a level to check if posts are plumb. Even slight leaning (5-10 degrees) indicates foundation problems requiring attention.

  • Ground-level integrity: This is where rot typically starts. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood at and just below ground level. Solid wood resists penetration; soft, spongy wood indicates decay.

  • Concrete footings: Look for cracks, heaving, or separation from the post. Concrete should be sloped away from posts for drainage.

  • Movement: Push firmly on each post. Any wobble or flex indicates loose footings or structural compromise.

  • Height consistency: Sight along the fence line to check if all posts are the same height. Variation suggests frost heave or settling.

Fence Boards or Panels:

Examine every board or panel section:

  • Rot and decay: Look for dark discolouration, soft spots, and areas where wood crumbles under pressure. Bottom boards touching soil are most vulnerable.

  • Cracks and splits: Check for vertical splits, horizontal cracks, and separation at knots. Small cracks can be repaired; large splits require replacement.

  • Warping: Boards should lie flat against rails. Bowing, cupping, or twisting indicates moisture damage.

  • Loose boards: Try to move boards—they should be firmly attached. Loose boards need new fasteners.

  • Missing pieces: Note any boards partially broken off or missing entirely.

  • Color and finish: Assess whether protective stain or sealer has deteriorated, leaving bare wood exposed.

Rails (Horizontal Support Beams):

Rails bear significant weight and stress:

  • Sagging: Rails should be straight and level. Sagging indicates rot, inadequate support, or broken connections.

  • Rot: Check rail ends where they meet posts—this junction traps moisture and commonly rots.

  • Attachment points: Verify rails are securely fastened to posts with no gaps or separation.

  • Cracks: Look for stress cracks, especially in the middle span of long rail sections.

Hardware and Fasteners:

Small components often signal larger problems:

  • Rust and corrosion: Orange or brown staining around screws, nails, and brackets indicates rust that weakens connections.

  • Protruding fasteners: Nails or screws backing out suggest loose connections or wood shrinkage.

  • Missing fasteners: Count fasteners at connection points; most should have 2-4 per rail-to-post connection.

  • Bent or damaged brackets: Metal brackets should be straight and firmly attached.

Gates:

Gates endure more stress than fence sections:

  • Operation: Open and close the gate several times. It should swing smoothly without binding or sagging.

  • Hinges: Check for rust, looseness, or wear. Lift the gate slightly while open—excessive play indicates worn hinges.

  • Latches: Test latching mechanisms for smooth operation and secure catching.

  • Alignment: When closed, the gate should sit evenly in the opening with consistent gaps top and bottom.

  • Diagonal brace: Anti-sag cables or diagonal bracing should be taut and properly positioned.

corrugated metal gate with cedar frame

Cedar-Framed Corrugated Metal Gates are weather-resistant and rugged.

 

For Metal Fences:

  • Rust spots: Any orange discolouration indicates corrosion requiring attention.

  • Paint condition: Peeling, bubbling, or missing paint exposes metal to accelerated rusting.

  • Welds: Check welded joints for cracks or separation.

  • Bent components: Posts, rails, or pickets that are bent compromise structural integrity.

For Vinyl Fences:

  • Cracks: Examine posts and panels for stress cracks, especially around fastener locations.

  • Discolouration: Yellowing or fading indicates UV degradation.

  • Separation: Check that rails haven't pulled away from posts.

  • Missing caps: Post caps and rail end caps should be present and secure.

Document Everything:

  • Take photos of all damage and problem areas

  • Note the location of each issue (e.g., "third post from north corner")

  • Estimate severity (minor, moderate, severe)

  • Create a prioritized repair list

  • Sketch a fence map marking problem locations

This documentation helps you plan repairs, communicate with contractors if needed, and track changes year to year.

Coming Up Next

What happens if your inspection yields an area of concern with your fence? Checklist item #2 is all about cleaning your fence properly without damaging it -- then we'll get to the basics of repairs and prevention. 

by Barrier Bob
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