FENCES, walls, and gates come in a variety of types of materials and their worst enemy is damp.

This penetrates wooden fences and fence posts and promotes rot. It causes brickwork to crumble when frost strikes and gives rise to rust in nails, fencing wires and hinges.

Problems with fences, walls and gates often make themselves apparent without anyone specifically looking for them. But regular inspections are still worthwhile twice a year in spring and autumn.

Doing this makes it easier to carry out minor repairs promptly which in the long run will prevent major expensive work later on.

Wooden fences treated with creosote or other preservatives need treatment every two or three years to keep rot at bay.

Start by examining your fences. Look at the posts carefully for signs of rot, particularly at ground level. If you find the posts are rotten they must be replaced straight away.

If your fences have horizontal rails jointed into the fence posts, check for rot caused by water penetrating the joints, as well as fence boards or panels for damage or decay.

Have a look at the bottom of the fence to make sure it is not in direct contact with the ground. Fencing should be fitted clear of ground level with gravelboards to span the gap.

Wooden fences are often held together by nails. But these will rust in time and need to be replaced.

If you have a chain link fence, thoroughly check all over for rust and for slackness in the tensioning wires.