How to fix rot on fence?

[jdsimps]

What do i do about rot on a fence?  It has been covered by a vine.

[EricL]

Hello @jdsimps 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your fence.

Your first order of business is to remove the vine in order for you to properly assess the amount of damage that it has caused to the fence. In order for us to assess the condition of your fence panels, would it be possible for you post a few photos of your fence. We can then make recommendations whether it can still be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. A guaranteed give away that the fence panel needs to be replaced is if it crumbles in your fingers when pressed. It is easy to break apart when bent or stressed in any direction and is no longer structurally sound.

But if it is still strong and is structurally straight it just might need a bit of a clean and repainting. But as I mentioned we'll have a better idea once we see photos of your fence.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[jdsimps]

Hi Eric

Thank you for your reply.  I have taken down the vine, Star Jasmine, and also the lattice that was supporting it.  

I was just a bit worried that the fence looked a bit 'soft' in parts.  I have now attached a photo.

[JacobZ]

Hi @jdsimps,

Your palings don't seem rotten from the photos you've uploaded. They're a bit weathered, but I don't think they rotting.

If you tap your knuckles on the spots that appear soft, is there a hollow sound? Or does it sound like timber?

If they are hollow, the easiest solution would be to replace the paling. The paling would look different as it would be at a different stage of weathering, but it would solve the rotting issue.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob