Realistic Ottawa lifespans
These ranges assume proper post depth below the frost line and reasonable maintenance.
- Pressure-treated wood: 15–20 years
- Western red cedar: 25–30 years
- Vinyl: 30+ years
- Aluminum: 40+ years
- Chain link: 20–25 years
The one-third rule
If more than a third of the posts or panels need work, replacement usually wins. Patch repairs on an aging fence rarely match in colour, and you end up paying mobilization costs repeatedly instead of once.
Signs it is time
Watch for multiple leaning posts, soft rot at the base of several boards, rails pulling free of posts, and sections that have moved out of line with the property boundary.
Plan the replacement season
In Ottawa the best replacement windows are late spring after full thaw, and early fall before ground freeze. Booking in winter for a spring build generally gets better scheduling and locks in pricing before the season's material increases.
Quick checklist
- Count how many posts show movement
- Probe the base of boards for soft rot
- Compare five-year repair cost against replacement
- Book the build for spring thaw or early fall