Wooden fences should be evaluated for broken, loose, cracked or missing sections. In addition, they should be checked for moisture deterioration or wood destroying insect infestation and damage. The gates for the fence should be checked for cracked, loose or broken sections, and ease of operation. Wood gates often sag with age. They can be stabilized with a turnbuckle or X bracing.

Metal fences should be inspected for rusting, and loose and deteriorating sections. Rusted sections should be scraped, primed and painted. Chainlink fences are generally constructed of galvanized steel. Galvanized (zinc) coating protects the steel against rusting, and is usually applied by hot dipping or electroplating. The hot dip process produces a heavy zinc coating that is very effective and protects the fence from the elements.

Chainlink fences that have not been galvanized have a tendency to rust. Some chainlike fences have vinyl coatings to protect the material against rust; this is an effective material.

Fences around pools should have properly operating self-closing and latching hardware.