1. Rotting or Warped Boards. Birmingham's humidity accelerates wood rot. Press your finger into a board — if it sinks or feels spongy, act before the rot spreads to neighboring panels.
2. Leaning Posts. A fence leaning more than a few degrees has compromised structural integrity from soil erosion, rot, or storm damage. It won't correct itself.
3. Missing or Broken Panels. Gaps are a security and safety risk — especially with children or pets. Missing boards also invite moisture in, accelerating damage nearby.
4. Rusty Hardware. Metal screws rust, expand, and crack surrounding wood — one reason we build with wooden nails exclusively, eliminating this failure point entirely.
5. Age Over 15 Years. Even a well-maintained fence has a lifespan. Past 15 years, schedule an inspection before problems compound into a full replacement.
