Whether they’re built from wood, metal, or another material, fences are susceptible to the same kinds of damage. Inspecting yours regularly is key to identifying issues and getting them repaired before they become bigger problems.

Some of the most common Summerville Fence Repair issues include leaning posts, wood rot, and termite damage. A shabby-looking fence can detract from your home or garden, but you don’t need to spend a lot to give it a fresh new look. Post caps are available in a variety of colors and materials to suit your taste, and they help keep your posts dry and free from damage such as moss growth and pests. You can find vinyl fence post caps to fit snugly right over the top of your posts, or you can opt for wooden or metal ones. If you’re worried about the weather, consider a steel fence post for long-lasting durability and rust protection.

Wooden posts are susceptible to rain or snow damage, which can cause them to break down and rot more quickly than if they had proper protection. Wood fence post caps provide an affordable way to add a protective barrier from the elements that can help prolong your posts’ lifespan and protect your investment.

The most common type of broken fence post is a wood one, but metal or steel options can be used to add strength and style to your fencing system. Replacing an existing post can be difficult if it’s set in concrete, but you can try to save the existing structure by digging out the old post and then inserting a new one. Make sure the new post is of the appropriate size and treated against rot to prevent future problems.

If you’re using a chain link fence, the problem may be a bent wire section that’s either been cut by someone trying to gain access or has been twisted up by the weather over time. This can be fixed by re-tying the wire with linesman’s pliers, or you can use a hammer and screwdriver to loosen a rail coupling at one end of the damaged section. Once the old rail is removed, the sleeve that holds the new rail can be slipped over it, and the rail coupling can be put back in place.

If you want to install a fence post cap over the newly inserted rail, you can screw or nail the cap on. You can also use exterior-grade construction adhesive to make a quick and inexpensive repair that’ll hold up to the elements.

Leaning Posts

The foundation, or footing, of each fence post can either support the entire fence structure or cause it to become crooked and lean. Leaning posts are common, especially in windy weather, and can easily be corrected by digging them out and adding concrete to their footing. This will keep them firmly upright and allow you to reattach the fence panels.

First, make sure that the problem isn’t more serious than simply a shifting of the foundation or that it’s due to rotting wood. If the issue is more severe, a professional will be needed to do a thorough inspection and recommend a proper repair plan.

Next, dig a hole around the affected post with a shovel. You’ll likely hit some concrete from the original installation, but don’t try to break this up—just remove enough soil to expose the footing.

Once the post has been dug out, use a level to plumb it and get it in line with the other posts. This will prevent the rest of your fence from becoming crooked. If you want to ensure that the fence stays straight, you can affix braces directly to the post using steel angles, which are available at most home centers and hardware stores.

Alternatively, you can use expanding foam to fill the holes around the post and help it expand into its correct shape. This is a cheap alternative to cement and is often a sufficient solution for minor repairs.

It’s important to remember that if your fence is shared with neighbors, you may need to contact them and let them know that you’re digging out their side of the fence so that they can help. This is because you’ll need to access their property during this process, and they may want to pay half of the repair bill. In some cases, it’s clear who owns a fence, but in other cases, you might need to check a land survey, transfer, title plan, or conveyance deed before starting the work. It’s also a good idea to confirm that your neighbor isn’t planning to build anything nearby, which could affect the integrity of your shared fence.

Wood rot or termite damage

Wood rot and termite damage can look very similar, and it is easy to misdiagnose one or the other. Both cause serious structural damage to wood, and both can be very costly to repair if not taken care of as soon as possible.

Unlike dry rot, which is caused by fungi that attack and break down the fibers of the wood, termite damage is actually caused by small insects eating away at the wood. This is because termites feed on wood and use it as a building material for their colonies. This means they will quickly chew away at the wood, leaving it hollow and wavy in appearance.

Since wood rot and termite damage are both caused by moisture, it is important to keep an eye out for either or both of these problems and to take quick action when you notice them. This is why responsible homeowners should always check their homes regularly and perform routine maintenance so that they can catch any issues before they become big problems.

When a fence is damaged by termites, it will need to be treated by a professional termite control expert. This will usually involve removing the affected wood and treating it with termiticide or another type of pesticide to prevent future infestations. This treatment is important because, even though termites are tiny, they can still do a lot of damage to structures like fences in a short amount of time.

While some of the damaged wood may need to be replaced, other wood that was only partially destroyed by the termites can often be bolstered with additional wood supports. This is a much cheaper and more effective way to repair wood that has been damaged by termites than simply replacing it entirely. This is especially true for older wood that would be difficult or impossible to replace with newer materials.

Falling Panels

A fence that falls down can pose a threat to safety and decrease curb appeal. A fencing professional can rehang panels that have fallen off for an average cost of $275. A lot can influence the price of a fence repair, including the size of the damaged area, the length of the entire fence, and what material is being repaired. If the fence is a unique design or made from hard-to-work-with materials, that can drive up costs. Complicated designs are also harder to fix. Local conditions, transportation, and taxes on materials can sway prices as well.

Posts and other fencing materials can fall due to wind, shifting soil, or a blunt-force impact. The best way to prevent this from happening is to install fences with concrete posts. This is not only more durable, but it’s also stronger than wood and can withstand much more weight.

The same goes for other fencing materials, such as metal. In some environments, such as high humidity or heavy rains, metal can easily rust or become warped. When this happens, the fence may begin to lean and eventually come down if it’s not addressed quickly.

If you have a rusty or warped section of your fence, you can usually fix it with a fresh coat of paint or wood stain. This will restore the appearance of your fence and protect it from moisture damage. This makes it a great way to extend the life of your fence as well. For a typical fence restoration, expect to pay about $700 to $3,000 when done by a professional. This is a cheaper option than replacing the whole fence, and it will still look great once finished.