A sturdy privacy fence helps to demarcate your property line, keeping your kids and pets safely in your yard while keeping unwanted intruders out. If your fence is leaning or damaged, it's less reliable, easier to penetrate, and can ruin your property's curb appeal. Luckily, a fence repair professional can help. Read on to learn about some possible causes of a leaning fence.

4 Possible Causes of a Leaning Privacy Fence

1. Inclement Weather

Extreme winds can cause a fence to lean, especially if it's older. This is especially true if the winds are accompanied by rain, which moistens and softens the earth, making it easier for your fence to lose stability. Check for broken or unsteady posts after storms and have a professional fix them promptly. This will make the fence more resilient and prevent future leaning.

2. Tree Roots

As tree roots grow deep and stretch across wide spaces, they may eventually collide with parts of your fence that are underground. A professional can cut back tree roots to keep them from destabilizing your fence. Another option is to have the fence's posts reset at different points along the fence line to avoid a collision.

3. Animals

If you live in an area with wildlife, they may be to blame for a leaning fence. For example, deer may scratch their backs against the fence, causing instability. Smaller animals like groundhogs can also be problematic if they burrow too close to a fence post. A wildlife control expert can help you safely and humanely relocate such pesky critters and spare your future fencing.

4. Rotten Materials

Rotting materials is a problem unique to wood fences. Over time, moisture can cause wooden posts to rot and become soft and unstable. A privacy fence repair professional can repair or replace these posts. You can also prevent issues caused by rotting materials by having your wood fence regularly treated with water-resistant sealant.

If you need privacy fence repairs, you can trust American Fence Company in Hamptonburgh, NY. These fully-licensed and insured professionals have been in business for 30 years, bringing their trusted expertise to projects throughout Orange County. Visit their website to learn more about their work or call (845) 427-5894 for an estimate.