Maisey Fence LLC is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and may be constructed of boards, wire, rails or netting. It differs from a wall in that it doesn’t have a solid foundation along its entire length.
Start by walking around the fence and examining each panel for damage or rot. Then gather the necessary tools and materials for repairs: hammer, screwdriver, drill with drill bits, saw, wood glue or epoxy, replacement boards or posts, level, and screws or nails.
Rotting wood is a major concern for homeowners with wooden fences. The fungi that cause rotting devour cellulose in wood, a process that weakens the structure and can lead to its demise. There are several factors that contribute to the deterioration of wood fences, including a lack of sunlight and insufficient maintenance. In addition, the type of wood a person chooses to use for their fence may also make a difference in its ability to resist rot.
Wet rot, the most common type of rot that affects wood fences, occurs when the structure absorbs excessive moisture and remains damp for extended periods of time. The resulting drier and softer wood becomes the perfect host for a different type of fungus that eats away at the fibers and causes structural damage. In this case, the damaged areas of a fence tend to have a musty smell and crumble or crack under slight pressure.
The most effective way to prevent wet rot is to build your fence using woods that are naturally resistant to fungus growth. Hardy woods like cedar and redwood contain natural oils and tannins that help deter fungi, while pressure-treated wood has undergone a treatment that increases its resistance to rot and insects. Another simple precaution is to stain your fence regularly with high-quality stain that protects against moisture.
Dry rot, or brown rot, is caused by species of fungus that thrive at lower levels of moisture than wet rot. Affected wood often looks lighter than the surrounding areas, and it has a distinctive mushroom-like scent. Dry rot also has the tendency to spread by drawing moisture from wetter areas and transferring it to drier spots.
The best way to minimize the risk of rot is to ensure that your fence gets adequate amounts of sunlight and routinely apply a sealant or stain. Stain helps create a barrier against moisture, and it’s important to reapply the protection every two or three years to maintain its effectiveness. In addition, it’s important to trim back any overhanging vegetation that could trap moisture and block sunlight. Good drainage is also key in preventing rot — so it’s essential to bury your wood posts at least a few feet below ground level and install a proper drainage system around the base of your fence.
Encroaching on City Property
Encroachment occurs when someone violates the legal boundaries outlined in a property survey. This can include structures like fences that extend onto another person’s land or even part of a home. It also includes things like trespassing on public land such as a sidewalk or street. Homeowners often discover encroachments during a property appraisal or when they try to sell their homes.
The most common way for homeowners to encroach on neighboring property is to build something near their property lines that exceeds the legal boundary. This could be as simple as building a shed or adding to an existing structure. It can also be as complex as putting in an in-ground pool or extending the width of a driveway.
Sometimes, encroachments aren’t intentional at all. They may be a result of confusion about property lines or a misunderstanding of where the boundary is. If you are unsure about your property line, it’s always a good idea to talk with your neighbors or have a professional survey done before making any changes.
Oftentimes, neighbors are willing to resolve a border dispute with the help of a mediator. This can be a great solution if the issue is fairly minor. However, if you have a neighbor who refuses to negotiate or won’t agree to anything short of removal and compensation, then you may be left with little choice but to take legal action.
If you decide to take legal action, it’s important to have your case prepared. You’ll need to prove that the encroachment goes against your neighbor’s right of quiet enjoyment and that you’ve suffered significant harm as a result. This can be challenging, especially if the encroachment isn’t obvious and you didn’t do any damage to your neighbor’s property.
If you do take legal action, it’s best to do so quickly. This will give the court a better chance of finding in your favor. If you wait too long, it’s possible that the encroachment will be awarded to your neighbor under the principle of adverse possession. It’s also important to remember that the legal process can be expensive and time-consuming.
Leaning Posts
Fortunately, you can often save a leaning fence post with a simple fix. First, you need to determine why the post is leaning and how much. A few causes could include weather damage, something crashing into the post, or a tree root coming up against it and shifting the base of the post. Once you know the cause, you can figure out if the post is salvageable or if it needs to be replaced.
If it’s just a matter of rotted wood, you can cut off the section that is in danger of falling and replace it with fresh lumber. If it’s a more serious problem, you may need to dig out the old post and replace it with a new one.
Another common problem is a weakened concrete footing. Moisture and soil instability can lead to wood rot that weakens the concrete around the base of the post. Over time, this can cause the post to tilt or break. In many cases, reinforcing the concrete footing will solve the problem.
To start the repair process, spread out a tarp nearby and begin digging out the soil from around the affected post. Transfer this displaced soil to the tarp to keep it from spreading around your yard. It’s a good idea to speak with your neighbor if you share a fence with your neighbor because you may need to access their side of the fence for this step.
Once the rotted or damaged portion of the fence is removed, you need to put in a new post and bolt it to the existing footing. You can use concrete or post spikes for this. You’ll also need a post level and a set of braces to keep the new post in place.
If you’re planning to do the work yourself, be sure to buy a bag of fast-setting concrete and a supply of wood two-by-fours for braces. You’ll need one of each per post you’re repairing. In addition to these materials, you’ll need a shovel and a hammer. It’s also a good idea to have a pair of safety goggles and gloves on hand.