Fences

Fences should be in good repair. Missing slats should be marked as a major condition concern only if there are SIGNIFICANT (general rule of thumb would be 25% or more of the fencing with significant problems would be a major condition, although this is not absolute as some very serious loss can occur from a smaller area with extreme damage). Missing pieces on the fence presents a liability exposure due to the sharpness of the damaged wood.


If missing slats allow access to the property and there is a pool/hot tub in the back yard, this specific condition should be noted and marked as a major concern. Missing sections contributing to poor structural integrity of the remaining fence should be noted as a major condition concern. SIGNIFICANT leaning of the fence or sections that pose a liability exposure due to falling over (collapsing) should be marked as a major condition.


Peeling paint on the fence should only be classified as a major IF it is extreme and there is bare wood exposed to the weather, resulting in dry rot. Minors in this category include, but are not limited to, a couple of missing slats, a few slats with slight damage or the fence slightly leaning over in a section.