Repair or Replace? How to Assess Winter Fence & Deck Damage in London, Ontario

Kristofer Ovsenek
Mar 8
2 min read

Spring is finally showing up across London and St. Thomas. But as the snow melts, it often reveals exactly how much damage our brutal Southwestern Ontario winters did to your backyard.

If you’re staring at a leaning fence or a spongy deck, you’re probably asking: Can I just repair this, or is it time to replace it? After a decade of building in this area, here is the honest truth so you don’t throw good money at a bad structure.

1. The Leaning Fence (Frost Heaves & Rotted 4x4s)

The Problem: Your fence looks like a zig-zag or the posts snapped at the grass line. Cheap 4x4 posts and shallow footings were pushed out of the ground by the winter freeze.
The Verdict: REPLACE. Do not pay someone to bolt a metal bracket onto a rotted post. It’s a temporary band-aid. When we replace a fence at Naklo, we use heavy-duty 6x6 posts and deep footings. Once we set a post, the winter weather isn't moving it.

2. The Wind Blowout (When Standard PVC Fails)

The Problem: Your standard vinyl privacy fence has cracked panels or sections that bowed out and blew across the yard during a Kilworth or Mount Brydges windstorm.
The Verdict: IT DEPENDS. If it’s just one cracked board from a branch, repair it. But if the whole fence rattles, it’s a waste of money to keep patching it. Upgrade to our Elite Aluminum & PVC Hybrid Fence. The marine-grade aluminum frame locks the PVC firmly in place—meaning it won't bow and it won't blow out.

3. The Spongy Deck (Hidden Frame Rot)

The Problem: Your deck boards feel soft and wavy. Melting snow sat on your deck for months, seeping down and rotting the wooden joists from the top down.
The Verdict: REPLACE THE FRAME. Homeowners often ask us to just put new premium composite boards over their old frame. I’ll be honest: that is putting lipstick on a pig. If the frame is spongy, it’s unsafe. When we build, we apply premium waterproof joist tape over every single piece of framing to stop water from touching the wood, adding years to your deck's life.

Don’t Wait for the Spring Rush

Every year, homeowners wait until the Victoria Day weekend to call a contractor, only to find out the best builders are booked solid for the summer.

Get ahead of the line. If you want an honest assessment of your backyard and a structure built to actually survive an Ontario winter, contact Naklo Fence & Deck today for a free estimate. Let’s build it right the first time.