How to Repair a Fence: A Guide for Homeowners

A fence offers your home privacy and security, but it won't do that very well if it's in disrepair. Weather elements like the sun, rain, and snow can be harsh on wood over time, leaving you with a rotting fence.

Your fence can often sustain damage in more minor ways, like a loose board. This often won't require you to replace the whole fence and instead just replace particular areas of the fence.

Luckily, repairing a broken fence can be a simple task. Here is how to repair a fence so you can restore privacy and security to your home.

What Type of Fence

There are a few types of fences homeowners can have, and which one surrounds your home will tell you what kind of materials and supplies you need.

Wood and vinyl fencing are two of the most common types of residential fencing. These fences can be simple for homeowners to repair as the materials are readily available and repairs can be simple.

Other types of fencing like ornamental metal and chainlinks aren't as simple of a repair for homeowners. The materials aren't as readily available and you may need to hire a professional to complete the repair.

How to Fix a Leaning Fence

A leaning fence can be caused by a few different issues such as the ground shifting, rotting wood, or something knocking the fence over. You'll have to determine the cause of the leaning before repairing the fence.

If the posts in your leaning fence are rotted, you will have to replace the fence posts with new ones. Be sure to choose a wood that has been weather treated and can stand up to the elements.

If the posts aren't rotted, the fence may simply need to be straightened and the foundation strengthened with compacted rock or concrete.

Replace a Fence Post

You may need to replace a fence post if you have a broken fence or rotting wood. Start by detaching the pickets and fence rails from the wood posts. If your post is secured directly in the ground, you should be able to pull it out.

Replace the broken fence post with the new one by securing it in place with nails and screws. From there, you can paint or stain the post to match the rest of the fence.

Repair a Fence Panel

Repairing a fence panel is another simple job that requires you to remove the affected section by removing screws and nails. From there, you can replace the entire panel if it has rotted.

Or you can realign and reattach the fence panel to the posts if the panel was simply loosened or blown over by the wind.

How to Repair a Fence Like the Professionals

If you notice issues with your fence, it's best to address them right away, so the issues don't get worse. Your fence may be leaning, or you need to replace a part of it after it has been damaged by the elements. You can learn how to repair a fence fairly easily.

In many cases, fence repair is a job that homeowners can handle themselves with the right tools and supplies. But for extensive work, or if you need to replace the whole fence, it might be best to have a professional do the job.

Are you looking to upgrade the fencing around your home? Rio Grande Fence Company has decades of experience offering quality service to homeowners. Contact us today for a free instant quote on your project.