Fences are wonderful constructions that provide privacy, security, buffer outside noises, and beautify properties. They can look great for many years, but they’re also prone to some common problems of which people may not be aware until they occur. The following are the top 5 most common fence problems individuals may experience.

Sagging and Leaning

Many fencing materials are susceptible to sagging and leaning, particularly if it was a DIY installation. Fences that are erected in locations subject to high winds are at an increased risk of problems. Poor drainage and other soil conditions can rot and weaken fence posts, making them unable to support the weight of the fence.

Mold and Mildew

Both situations result in unsightly stains that ruin the appearance. Depending upon the material used, it can eventually lead to the degradation of the posts and fence.

Insects

There are multiple types of insect pests that will attack wood fencing. Their boring and breeding habits leave the wood vulnerable to the elements and rot. When they tire of the fence, they may move on to houses and outbuildings.

Boards, Pickets and Panels

Wind, insects, falling limbs, and failing hardware are all problems that can result in the loss of fence boards, pickets and panels.

Property Lines, Laws and Neighbors

Those three ingredients can cause more problems with fencing than all the others combined. It’s essential that individuals know exactly where their property lines are before any fence installation can commence. There are numerous rules, regulations and laws that will apply to fences ranging from heights, materials and styles depending where an individual is located. Permits will need to be obtained prior to installation.

It’s always a good idea to let neighbors know a fence will be going up. They may have a laundry list of concerns, complaints and objections since they may be responsible for a portion of its upkeep.

Hire a Professional

The top 5 problems with fencing are all reason to hire a professional fence installer. They can’t prevent disputes with neighbors, but they can help with selecting the best fencing for the client’s needs, will be cognizant of local fence regulations, and can obtain needed permits. A fencing expert can even assist individuals in determining where their property line lies and is experienced in installations in all types of soils.

Homeowners insurance will typically cover the cost of a damaged fence, but it will depend largely on how the damage was caused. Fence damage may fall under the “other structures” coverage of the policy and may be limited to damage that occurs as a result of vandalism or storms. It’s essential that individuals understand their policies and what it covers.

There may also be monetary limits attached to the amount of coverage provided in the form of percentages. Flood damage is typically excluded from standard coverage policies. Damage resulting from earthquakes is also excluded, even though Florida is tied with North Dakota for the fewest number of earthquakes. An earthquake is Florida is rare, but they have occurred.

Sinkholes are a very real concern for Florida residents and companies are required to offer catastrophic ground cover collapse. However, the coverage is only available as an add-on to an existing policy and individuals will incur additional costs for the coverage.

Fences can be exposed to a variety of damaging conditions and situations. While many of those may inflict damage that mars the cosmetic appearance of the fence, they won’t be covered by homeowners insurance. Fences can be struck by debris from lawn mowers, children driving “ride-on” vehicles, and landscaping mishaps – those aren’t covered. Fences afflicted with mold, fungi, insects, and normal wear and tear aren’t covered, either.

While a car crashing into a fence doesn’t happen very often, if one does damage a fence the homeowner’s policy should cover it. Individuals will also have the option of filing a claim against the driver’s auto insurance, assuming that the driver has an auto owner’s policy.

Trees and limbs falling on a fence from the policy holder’s yard are covered expenses. The insurance company can choose not to cover the damage if it decides the tree or limb fell due to negligence or lack of appropriate maintenance on the part of the homeowner.

If the damage occurs due to a neighbor’s tree, the insurance company may hold the neighbor responsible for the entire cost. The company may also choose to split the cost 50-50 between the homeowner and the neighbor, with homeowners paying the deductible.

Fences can beautify properties from the outside, but you may also want something to dress up and decorate your fence from the inside. There are dozens of creative ways to spruce up a fence that are equally applicable for solid or chain link fences. They can be utilized on the interior to brighten your view or used on the exterior to bring joy to those passing by.

Unique Planters

Planters are one of the most obvious. Additional interest comes from the creativeness of the planters themselves. Consider sections of old rain gutters, “pocket planters” for herbs made of burlap, or old tires. Canning jars and fancy bottles, old boots, wooden pallets, and even PVC pipe can be recycled and fashioned into cost-effective fence planters.

Add Lights

Battery and solar powered lights are an elegant and economical solution that doesn’t require any wiring. Individual lights are an excellent way to create ambiance or a fairy-like appearance while adding an extra level of safety within the environment. If light strings are used, they can be arranged in patterns, to spell out words, or artfully draped to beautify the fence landscape.

Artistic Design

If you have artistic skills – or know someone who does – you can paint or stencil a larger than life flower garden on your fence, a full-fledged mural to please the kids, or anything else you want. One of the most appealing aspects is that a desired design can be created in full color, a single hue, or with glow-in-the-dark paint for a one-of-a-kind look.

Colorful Cups

Specifically designed for chain link fences, the colorful plastic pieces are called “put-in-cups” and insert easily into the fence spaces. They can be utilized to create designs, spell out messages for schools, churches, birthdays, or anything else the imagination can devise.

Barbed wire is a powerful deterrent to would be intruders in any environment. The drawback is that while it may be legal, police warn against barbed wire and similar methods in certain circumstances as the owner could be held legally responsible for any injuries that an intruder sustains. Even posting appropriate warning signage may not be enough to absolve businesses from responsibility and the potential for litigation.

Barbed wire, like razor wire, is prohibited when adjacent to public right-of-ways in a wide variety of commercially zoned districts. Florida has very stringent laws governing the use of barbed wire in any capacity since it can be so dangerous. In non-residential areas, barbed wired can be used for security purposes on top of walls, fences and gates, but must be installed a minimum of six feet off the ground.

Due to its dangerous nature, barbed wire fencing is typically prohibited for use in a number of business environments. It’s usually found atop chain link fencing in industrial and construction settings to aid in the protection of equipment, tools, materials, and to protect against injuries by the general public that may intrude into areas that could prove dangerous. It may also be found to protect utility installations.

No business owner should attempt to hang barbed wire unless they’re fully cognizant of the rules for their specific industry and within their location. Barbed wire is typically the least preferable solution in a variety of situations due to the business owner’s potential liability for injuries should someone attempt to intrude on the property.

There’s a wealth of other options available and the ultimate choice will depend upon the business, usage, and location. The best solution is to consult with a fencing professional who will be knowledgeable of the regulations governing the use of barbed wire in multiple settings.