A problem with your wood, vinyl, or chain link fence doesn’t necessarily mean a complicated repair or replacement project. The most common fence repairs, a rotten or damaged fence post, damaged wires, or a sagging gate, may even be a DIY project for you. The following tips can help you determine whether your fence problem can be fixed and when to call in a professional.
Repair a fence post
Whether you have a wood, metal, or vinyl fence, rotting or leaning fence posts are among the most common problems you may have. Wood fence posts that are loose or leaning but are not broken or rotten can easily be reset by straightening the post and tamping the soil down tightly around it. If your wood fence post needs to be replaced and it is set in soil, repair by taking these steps:
- Remove boards or rails in the repair area.
- Pull the post from the ground, including broken or rotten pieces.
- Dig a larger hole for the new post using a post hole digger.
- Set the new post in place and tamp fresh soil in layers until you reach the surface.
Some wood posts are set with a concrete base, as are metal and vinyl fence posts. To reset or replace one, you will need to break up the old concrete. Keep the following in mind:
- You will need to dig down around the post to remove it and get access to the concrete.
- For wood and vinyl fences, you will need to remove the boards, rails, and panels.
- Metal chain link fencing will need to be anchored to a temporary stake to hold it in place.
- Ensure your new post is plumb before pouring the concrete base.
Repair chain links
When a section of your chain link fence is damaged or broken, you will need a fence puller, pliers, and a cable cutter to replace that section. Follow these steps:
- Remove the tie wires and use the fence puller to remove the tension on the tension bar in the damaged section.
- Remove the tension bar and open loops at the top and bottom of the fence adjacent to the damaged portion to remove that section.
- Use the removed section as a template to cut a new piece the same size from replacement chain link fencing.
- Use pliers to weave the new section into the existing fence.
- Use the fence puller to stretch the new section into place and reattach the tension bar.
Shore up a sagging gate
Wooden fence gates can tend to droop over time. An anti-sag kit provides the tools and instructions to lift your gate back into place using eye hooks and a turnbuckle. These kits are often included with the hinges and latch hardware that came with your gate.
Vinyl fence repairs
A damaged or broken panel on your vinyl fence is easily replaced by removing the top rail to gain access to the broken panel. Simply remove the damaged panel and slide in the new one before replacing the top rail. A broken section of rail can also be replaced by removing it and replacing it with a new piece cut and drilled to the right dimensions. Before making any cuts, be sure to compare new sections with your existing fence to see that the color matches exactly.
Fence repairs in Mentor and Ashtabula, OH
Fence experts at Thomas Fence are always available to advise you on the condition of your fence. A fence that is in need of repair may be deteriorating in other areas that would make replacement a better option.
If you are looking for help with a fence repair or are considering a new fence in Ohio or Pennsylvania, contact Thomas Fence today, or click here to view the wide variety of fencing available at Thomas Fence.