Fence Repair or Replacement Costs in 2024

Category Landscaping

22 May 2023,

Off

Your outdoor fence is very important for security reasons, not to mention the effect it has on your curb appeal. Your fence keeps you safe but it also affects the value of your property.

Most homeowners know this, and when signs of aging or deterioration appear, they know that a fence repair or replacement is necessary.

If your fence is showing such signs of disrepair, you have two options – you can choose to repair the fence or get a fence replacement.

Planning this project starts with an assessment of your fence to know whether it is practical to repair it or replace it with a new one. You can ask a fence contractor to do a check-up and get advice on the best options to do this.

You can fill up the short online form on this page, free of charge, to connect with the best fence contractors in your area!

Tips for a fence replacement

For building or repairing a fence, it is advisable to get a professional. In doing so, you will ensure that your fence complies with municipal requirements as well as stand the test of time.

After all, any renovation project, whether large or small, costs money and affects the value of your home.

If you are planning a fence renovation, below are some things to consider.

Do you need a permit to build a fence?

As a rule of thumb, it is always advisable to check with your local municipality.

The fence must not encroach on the right-of-way of public roads. It must be at least 1 meter away from the sidewalk and more than 1.5 meters from a fire hydrant.

In Ontario, homeowners must obtain a fence exemption before putting in a new fence. If the existing fence fails to meet the fence requirements, a homeowner can be issued a notice of violation.

While most cities in Canada don’t require a permit for a residential fence, you still need to confirm it with your City Planning Office because each city has different rules. There are also height restrictions for every city so make sure to know your city’s requirements.

Know and respect Property Lines

Check your property lines before doing any repairs or installing a new fence. Know the bylaws regarding the height and appearance for fences in your area or neighborhood.

You also need to check with utility companies regarding utility lines and to mark them before you dig anything.

Even if you are just repairing the fence, it is a good idea to check that it was installed in the right place.

Do a damage assessment.

Assess your needs before beginning any repairs. This step can help you save on costs and ensure that any repair or replacement to your fence is done properly and will last long. It is recommended that you ask a fence professional to do this for you.

If a fence is damaged extensively, it may not be worth repairing and must be replaced entirely. Again, a fence contractor is the best person to tell you what your options are to ensure your time and investment is not wasted.

Types of materials for fences

Fences can be a thing of beauty. As mentioned earlier, a fence can greatly improve the exterior appearance of your property.

You can find different materials for building a fence. Below you will find the most popular ones throughout Canada.

1. Cedar

Cedar is the most preferred material for privacy fencing because it looks good and lasts a long time. It is also not vulnerable to warping or shrinking. It also repels insects and decay naturally but is not 100% impervious to rot after several years.

You may want to secure the posts to concrete to keep soil (and rot) away or you can use treated wood for the posts. You can choose from a wide variety of designs including a lattice top for maximum aesthetic value.

A cedar fence is a great choice for homeowners who want a stylish fence on a flexible budget. The top advantage for using cedar in fences is the long lifespan.

2. Vinyl

Vinyl fences have been popular for years but is still relatively new on the market.

In the past, vinyl easily became brittle and sag but manufacturers have greatly improved vinyl products for more durability and style.

Thickness is quite important and the thicker the gauge, the longer a vinyl fence will last. Consider asking a fence professional to install a vinyl fence because it needs to be precise.

If you have a large yard and want curb appeal that does not break the bank, a vinyl fence will do the job.

3. Redwood or Teak

Redwood or teak costs more but they are outstanding materials for a fence. Just like cedar, they repel insects and decay naturally.

Due to the higher cost, redwood or teak fences are ideal for smaller yards. For maintenance, you need to do staining and ceiling every few years.

4. Metal

Metal fences can be contemporary or even classic to match your home interior. They are also incredibly durable. For example, wrought iron fences have been around for many, many years and have not gone out of style.

Metal fences offer aluminum, cast iron, or steel. You can also incorporate wood in your metal fence. Metal fences need regular treatment with paint to deal with corrosion over time.

5. Treated Wood

Pressure-treated or chemically treated wood planks are popular because they are economical. They offer privacy at very reasonable costs. Although it is cheaper than cedar, treated wood can twist or warp. Be sure to choose good and dry planks to avoid warp issues.

You should paint treated wood or seal them. You can replace any warped planks as needed.

6. Composite

Composite wood is manufactured from wood fibers combined with plastic polymers to give a wood-like appearance. They resist rot and insects but they cost more than vinyl or cedar.

Composite fences also require professional installation. Choose a reputable dealer for your composite fence to ensure good quality.

To maintain, composite fences only need occasional rinsing with water.

7. Concrete or stone

Fences can also be made of stucco, concrete, bricks, or stone to give your property a more elegant look. They are more expensive and require professional work. They also need a structural footing to be able to carry the heavy weight.

It is also possible to combine masonry with wood or metal for added design or to save on costs.

Poured concrete needs steel reinforcement while brick fences have a concrete base with a brick veneer.

Mortar joints in brick and stone fences tend to get loose over time and would need repointing.

8. Chain Link

Chain links don’t offer much privacy but they give adequate security for your pets and from outsiders at a low price.

They are popular for large yards or rural properties. Aside from the lower cost, chain link fences are also suitable for DIY fence work.

Are you wondering which type of fence is best for your property? You need to set your budget to see which material you can afford.

Fence contractors can help you choose the best type of fence suitable to your home’s architecture and budget.

Get free and no-obligation quotes from our partner fence contractors so you can compare and save time and money!

What is the price of a new fence?

The cost of installing a new fence depends on several factors – materials, size, location of the property, layout, etc.

Most contractors charge per linear foot, from $70 to $100 per linear foot, but it can be lower or higher based on the details of your project.

A steel ornamental fence can cost from $40 to $70 per linear foot. They come in many different models and colors.

Aluminum fences cost from $45 to $120 per linear foot but they don’t need any maintenance except painting and also come in many different designs.

Chain-link or frost fences are suitable for small budgets and are durable. They also require little maintenance. They can be vinyl-covered metal or galvanized steel. The average price is $15 to $25 per linear foot.

Wood fences come in different types and prices. Cedar can cost from $ or more per linear foot. Treated wood starts at $30 or more per linear foot. Redwood can cost 2 to 3 times more than treated wood.

Standard vinyl fences with installation cost from $60 to $80 per linear foot but high-end models can go as high as $90 per linear foot.

The cost of a fence installation changes due to rising prices of materials and labor.

When choosing a fence, you must think about the purpose of your fence. Do you need a 6-ft privacy fence to keep out intruders or pests? This will help you choose the right material for your project.

Compare your options using our online comparator by filling out the short online form below! Get free and no-commitment quotes from reputable fence contractors in your area.

Get 3 free quotes for a fence renovation

Compare Home Quotes has reliable and experienced partners that specialize in all types of fence installations.

We can help you plan and prepare for your fence renovation by connecting you with top fence contractors in your area. Receive competitive bids you can compare until you find the right offer that suits your needs and budget.

It only takes 2 minutes to fill out our online form so you can relax while you wait to receive the best bids from trusted professionals.

With a new fence, you can sleep better at night and your home will gain an increase in property value!

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