Why do the screws on the fence snap after install

fencerepair

I have installed a wooden fence in my yard using outdoor use decking screws. I've noticed that some of the screws in the boards I've installed last year are starting to snap in half and I'm having to replace them. Is there a reason why this is happening? Or is this just to be expected routine maintenance?

Best Answer

Fence boards tend to warp due to extreme sun exposure and changes in moisture levels. This puts a substantial strain on fasteners. If you did not purchase high-quality screws, this would explain the problem. Low-quality fasteners use weak metal alloys and have much less strength than better screws, which would pull through the wood before they'd break.

You can add new screws as needed or pull and replace them with better screws all one at a time (to avoid having to reposition boards).