Tag fence repair

Repairing damage from storms, addressing wood issues caused by heat and moisture fluctuations, and applying protective coatings are common fence repair tasks. A damaged fence can be costly to maintain and may affect your property value.

Professionals at Fence Repair Summerville look beyond the surface to evaluate if there are structural problems that need attention. They also assess the extent of damage and determine whether a full section replacement or spot repairs are better options.

If a section of your fence has been damaged by weather, or just seems worn and old, it’s time to decide whether to repair it or replace it. It usually depends on how much damage there is, and the overall condition of the rest of the fence. Cosmetic damage like peeling paint or fading stain is easy enough for most people to handle, but problems that affect the whole structure or are widespread will require more work.

Leaning sections of fence are a clear sign that the structure is starting to come apart. If left alone, this could lead to the complete collapse of a section of fence, so it’s important to take care of it right away.

Replacing a panel on your fence can be done with a few tools, and is fairly easy for most people. The first step is to remove the ties holding the fencing fabric to the top and bottom rails. This can be done with linesman’s pliers, by twisting them in counterclockwise. After that, choose a slightly longer replacement section and untwist it at the top and bottom to remove it.

Next, remove the screw or nail holding the panel and remove it from the posts. Finally, dig out the broken or weakened post and backfill the hole with tamped dirt or gravel. Once the hole is filled, you can put in a new post.

Wood fences are a little different, and will usually need to be cleaned before you can start working on the panels. This is especially true for older fences, which should be pressure washed to remove accumulated moss and mildew. After the cleaning process, the wood can be stained and sealed to help it resist rot and weathering.

If you are replacing a damaged board on your fence, try to use the same type of wood as the existing boards. Using mismatched wood can cause the boards to warp and age differently, making the repair look patchy and unattractive. It’s also a good idea to apply a stain or sealant to the entire fence to protect it from moisture and sun damage.

Repairing Leaning Posts

A fence is an important part of any property, providing security and adding value. But when it starts to lean, it’s not just unsightly; it’s also a safety hazard for anyone walking or driving past. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix if you address the problem promptly.

The first step is to figure out what’s causing the fence to lean. Moisture and soil instability are common causes, as can be a tree root system growing too quickly. If this is the case, it’s recommended that you remove the offending root and replace the post as soon as possible.

Another possibility is that your fence isn’t anchored properly to the ground. In this situation, a simple solution is to dig around the post and add a concrete footing. This will help to ensure that the posts are strong and secure in the ground, so they’re less likely to lean.

To do this, clear away any grass or dirt from around the affected post to expose the base. Then, dig a hole that’s three times the width of the post and a third of its height deep (so a 6ft fence panel would need a post in a 2ft hole). Once you’ve dug to the proper depth, pour in the concrete, making sure that it’s sloped away from the post for best drainage.

Alternatively, you can use a bag of quick-setting concrete to reinforce the existing post. Again, dig around the post to expose the base, and then mix the concrete with two-thirds of the recommended water amount until it has a consistency similar to oatmeal. Pour the concrete over the base of the post, and then push it back into a vertical position and check with a level.

If you don’t have any concrete or aren’t comfortable using it, a type of foam called Sika Post Fix is an excellent alternative. Just follow the instructions on the package to activate the product, and then use it to fill the hole in the side of the sagging post. This will keep the post in place while it sets, so you can brace it with boards to prevent it from leaning further.

Repairing Rust

Rust can be a big problem for any fence, as it compromises both the appearance and the structural integrity of the structure. It forms through a process called oxidation, where iron in the metal reacts with oxygen and moisture to form the unsightly rust. Factors like rain, humidity, and other environmental conditions can accelerate the rusting process, so repairing or replacing any signs of rust as soon as possible is essential to protecting your fence and preserving its value.

Wooden fences often show signs of deterioration, including warping, sagging, and splintering, while metal ones may develop rust and dents. These issues are best addressed as they occur, as letting them worsen can lead to costly repair bills in the future.

For wooden fences, this means sanding rough areas and sealing the wood with weather-resistant paint to protect it from water and prevent further damage. For metal fences, this includes scrubbing away loose rust and removing any dents with a wire brush or sandpaper. Once the area is clean and dry, a coat of rust-inhibiting paint can be applied.

If you have a chain link fence, replace any damaged sections of mesh by cutting out the damaged section and unrolling a new one over it. Attach it to the posts and rails with new wire ties or clamps.

Lastly, for metal fences that are starting to rust, use a cold galvanizing spray to recoat the affected areas. You can also choose to repaint the entire fence in a fresh coat of color to add curb appeal and protection.

Once your fence is repaired and looking good as new, you can help it keep its looks with routine maintenance. Inspect it at least once a year for early signs of rust or other problems, and touch up any chips or scratches to avoid further deterioration. With some care and attention, you can keep your fence enhancing your property and keeping your family safe for years to come.

Repairing Broken Slats

Wood, vinyl, and chain link fences all require regular inspection to address damage before it deteriorates beyond repair. Many issues, such as rot, warp, and insect damage, are easier to address than you might think. In fact, in some cases it might be better to swap out a damaged section rather than invest in a full replacement. However, this depends on the overall condition of the fence and how much repair is needed to restore its integrity and function.

Ensure a thorough inspection is carried out before commencing any repairs, and the necessary tools and materials are collected. This includes a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers/nails/screws, drill, saw, replacement slats (depending on your type of fence), a level tool, and wood stain or sealer/protector.

If the fence is a metal one, inspect it for signs of rust or corrosion. Remove any rusted areas with a wire brush or sandpaper, and then apply a rust converter to the area. This chemically changes the rust into a stable compound and prevents it from further deterioration. Once the rust converter has had time to work, follow up with a metal primer or paint. This provides a protective barrier, stopping moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal surface and causing further corrosion.

Check the hinges of a gate, and the hinge posts for any signs of bending or loosening. A loose gate is easy to fix, but a crooked or sagging fence hinge requires more effort and skill to correct.

Replacing a damaged panel is usually the easiest of all the fencing repair tasks. If your fence is nailed or screwed directly to the post, use a wrecking bar to gently pry it away from the frame/rails and expose nails, then lift the panel clear. If your fence is fixed using panel clips, simply unscrew the clip from its rail or post.

If the panel is just loose, re-secure it with new galvanised screws or nails (depending on your fence type). If you are replacing a panel that was previously pressure-treated, don’t need to add any additional preservatives as the industrial treatment will still provide rot/insect protection. However, if you are replacing an untreated panel, be sure to treat the cut ends with an end-grain wood preservative to maintain protection.