When Lawns Collide With Fence

When you invest in a new fence, especially one protected by a comprehensive warranty, you expect it to last for years with proper care. At United Warranty Company, we’re here to provide that peace of mind. But warranties come with rules, and sometimes even well-meaning gestures can result in unintended consequences. This is the story of how a family member’s helpfulness turned into a costly mistake, voiding a warranty in the process.

The Gift of a New Fence

A family recently upgraded their property with a beautiful black aluminum fence installed by US Fence Pro. The sleek design provided the perfect combination of security and style, framing their backyard oasis.

To protect their investment, they enrolled in the Pro Warranty Plan from United Warranty Company. This coverage included protection against defects in materials and installation errors, with one key condition: no unauthorized modifications or repairs were allowed.

At the time of installation, the family was thrilled with their new fence. What they didn’t anticipate was that one of their own would unknowingly put the warranty in jeopardy.

Enter the Handy Uncle

The family’s uncle, a self-proclaimed handyman, had a reputation for stepping in to help with odd jobs around the house. Though his heart was always in the right place, his enthusiasm sometimes outpaced his expertise.

Not long after the fence was installed, the uncle visited the family for a weekend gathering. While enjoying a backyard barbecue, he noticed that one of the gate latches appeared slightly misaligned—a minor issue caused by the ground settling after installation.

Without consulting anyone, the uncle decided to "fix" the issue. Armed with his toolbox, he unbolted the latch, adjusted its position, and tightened it back into place. To him, it was a simple adjustment, but in the process, he drilled new holes into the aluminum post and filled the old ones with caulk.

Without consulting anyone, the uncle decided to "fix" the issue. Armed with his toolbox, he unbolted the latch, adjusted its position, and tightened it back into place. To him, it was a simple adjustment, but in the process, he drilled new holes into the aluminum post and filled the old ones with caulk.

Discovering the Damage

A few weeks later, the family noticed that the gate was sticking and no longer closing smoothly. Upon closer inspection, they found that the latch was uneven and the post wobbled slightly at the base. Concerned about the structural integrity of their fence, they contacted United Warranty Company to file a claim under their warranty.

The Investigation

As part of our standard process, United Warranty Company reviewed the family’s claim and sent an inspector to assess the damage. The inspector quickly identified the issue: the gate latch had been improperly adjusted, and the unauthorized drilling had weakened the aluminum post.

The family was shocked when we informed them that their claim had been denied. The warranty terms were clear:

"Any alterations, repairs, or modifications made by an unauthorized party void the warranty."

By making unauthorized adjustments, even with the best intentions, the uncle had unknowingly voided the coverage for the entire fence.

The Aftermath

When the family confronted their uncle about the situation, he was apologetic but surprised. “I was just trying to help,” he said. Unfortunately, good intentions couldn’t undo the damage or reinstate the warranty.

The family was left with two choices: leave the gate as-is or pay for repairs out of pocket. Ultimately, they decided to hire US Fence Pro to replace the damaged post and realign the gate. While the fence was restored to its original condition, the cost of the repair and the voided warranty left the family frustrated and disappointed.

Lessons Learned

This incident highlights the importance of understanding and respecting warranty terms:

Only Authorized Work Is Safe Work

• Warranties often have strict rules about who can make repairs or adjustments. Even minor modifications by unauthorized individuals can void the coverage entirely.

Communicate with Family and Friends

• It’s natural for loved ones to want to help, but it’s important to explain the rules regarding any warranted property. A simple conversation could have prevented this mistake.

Always Consult the Experts

• If something seems wrong with your fence, contact the original installer or your warranty provider before attempting any DIY solutions. Professional help ensures the problem is fixed correctly without jeopardizing the warranty.

Understand the Warranty

• Take time to review the terms and conditions of your warranty plan. Knowing what is and isn’t allowed can save you from costly mistakes.

Moving Forward

The family’s experience serves as a reminder of how easily warranties can be voided by well-meaning but unauthorized actions. While their fence was ultimately repaired, the lesson they learned was invaluable: warranties are there to protect your investment, but only if their terms are followed.

At United Warranty Company, our goal is to support homeowners by providing clear guidelines and expert assistance. If you ever have questions about your fence or its warranty, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Your fence is an investment worth protecting. With the right precautions, it can remain a source of pride and security for years to come—no unauthorized tools required.