Should I repair the fence or replace it?
Repair makes sense when the damage is limited and the rest of the fence is sound. A few broken pickets, one leaning post or a gate that needs new hinges are all good candidates. Replacing makes sense when many posts are rotted, boards are soft, or the same fence keeps needing fixes.
A simple check for wood is to push a screwdriver into the post near the ground. If it sinks in easily, rot has set in and the post will not hold for long. If several posts fail that test, patching the boards will not help much. In that case, compare a fresh wood fence with a low-upkeep vinyl fence.
You will get an honest look at the options. Sometimes a repair is the right answer, and sometimes it only buys a little time.

