A fence is a necessity in many cases. Building a new fence can also be an expensive undertaking. Likewise, once you have a fence, you want to keep it in good working order. So, you may be an avid do-it-yourselfer or someone ready to call the fencing experts. Either way, avoid the following fencing mistakes.

1. Improperly Placed Fence

If you live out in the country, you might be able to build a fence however you want to contain your property. However, if you have even remotely close neighbors, you will need to pay close attention to property lines. Failure to do so may well result in a boundary dispute with your neighbors, which can permanently spoil your relationship.

So, before you build a new fence, you'll want to have a construction surveyor assess your land. The surveyor should mark out the exact placement of your property lines. Be aware that your neighbors may have a different idea of where the property lands lie. Keep the dialogue open to avoid any disputes. Meanwhile, construct the fence just inside the boundary line.

2. Awkwardly Positioned Gate

Gates should facilitate movement between the outside and the property. If you have a yard with a walkway, the position of your gate within your fence line should be obvious. Indeed, that traffic flow should not only determine where to place the gate but also which way it should open.

For such gates, you want to attend to two considerations. For one, ensure the site where the gate is drains away. Otherwise, you'll have issues with puddles in the entryway. With driveway gates, make sure you have enough room to pull out of the road before either getting out or accessing a gate opener to open the gate.

Concerning properties with longer fences, say in a rural setting, your consideration of the traffic flow is imperative. You'll want to place the gates so that you can easily access the paddock without letting the animals out. However, you also want to place the gates to facilitate livestock movement between fenced-in areas.

3. Undersized or Shallow Fence Posts

The backbone of any fence consists of the posts. The posts hold the fence panels up. Therefore, they bear the brunt of the weight of your fence. However, if the fence posts aren't big enough or sunk deep enough, you will have a fence prone to failure.

With size, the determinant is the type of fence. If you have a light boundary fence, you can have a narrower post. Sturdier fences require thicker posts. For depth, the fence post should be sunk to a depth at least equal to the height of the top of the fence panel.

4. Failing Fence Posts or Panels

You can mostly avoid the above mistakes if you hire a licensed fencing contractor. However, your contractor can do a top-notch job of installing your fence, and you could still have issues.

The most common issues related to existing fences are their failure. The posts can buckle or break. If they're wooden, they're even vulnerable to insect infestations. Ditto with the fence panels, along with issues related to sagging.

All of the above issues are avoidable if you walk your fence line on a regular basis. Inspect your posts and panels for signs of damage. If you catch the issues early on, you can repair them quickly. If the issues are neglected, your fence will eventually fail.

5. Lack of Fence Maintenance

If you have a nearby neighbor, fence maintenance can get tricky. Fencing laws vary by state and even cities. Most ordinances dictate that the owner using the fence is responsible for maintenance costs. However, states and cities might define use differently.

Generally speaking, both neighbors are usually responsible when a fence sits exactly on the boundary between their two properties. So, if you move into a property with an existing fence, find out what your responsibilities are for maintenance.

Don't fall into the trap of the above fencing mistakes. If you're ready for fence installation or maintenance, call Gulf Coast Fence Co.