How to Repair and Reinforce Your Home’s Fencing (Explained)
A fence is a major structural component of your home, and it’s important to keep it strong so it can support your yard and protect your property. If your fence starts to lean, you can make a few simple repairs to strengthen it.
Moisture and soil instability can cause wooden fence posts to rot or shift over time, leading to a leaning fence. Incorporating concrete footings can help prevent this from happening.
Posts
A leaning fence is often caused by a rotten post, which needs to be replaced. This may require digging out the old post and replacing it with a new one. Then it’s important to either concrete the new post in or pack crushed rock around it for added strength. In addition to this, you’ll need to temporarily brace the fence to keep it from falling over while you dig out and replace the old post.
If the posts in your fence have become loose from their concrete footing, you can correct this by putting a wedge between each post. You can also use a piece of 2×4 to create a cleat, nailing it to the bottom of each post to hold it in place. If you don’t want to dig out and replace the old posts, try using a heavy-duty fence post repair bracket. These have an L-shaped portion above the ground, holes for screws, and a stake below, which you’ll need to drive into the ground.
A fence post can shift in the soil, usually because it wasn’t set in enough cement or the concrete footing was too small. If the fence is in good shape, you can often correct this problem by simply stomping down the soil or gravel around the post.
However, if the soil or concrete footing has shifted, it’s probably time to dig out the old post and replace it. This is a difficult job, but it’s one that can save your fence from collapse. Before you start working on this task, be sure to dig out the old concrete or soil as well as possible, and use a shovel or demolition bar to loosen any dirt and debris.
Rails
To make the fence sturdy and long-lasting, it needs rails. Depending on the style of fence, these can be run parallel to each other or at a slight slope from one post to the next. To ensure that you install them properly, measure and mark each location for the bottom rail on each post before starting. It’s also a good idea to use guide blocks, called cleats, for the lower part of the first rail to help with installation. You can either nail or screw the cleats to the posts using rust-free nails or screws, or you can use metal fence brackets that fit into open U-shaped grooves in the posts and rails. If a fence panel is damaged, you can often repair it by reattaching it to its neighboring panels securely and using wood glue. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to replace the panel.
If a fence is sagging, you should check to make sure that the rails are properly secured to the posts. If not, the sagging could be caused by loose posts, which are usually easy to tighten and can prevent serious damage in the future.
You should also inspect the bottom rails to make sure they aren’t sagging or pulling on the ground. If they are, you should add a cleat to the post to support the bottom of the rail, or you can use a different method of reinforcement such as a T-brace.
To prevent sagging, you should install the bottom rails at least 6 inches above ground level. This will keep the boards away from ground moisture and help avoid rot or insect damage. For steep grades, you can install a longer bottom rail between each pair of posts in a stepped style to better accommodate the grade.
Pickets
Wood fences take a beating from sun, wind, rain, snow, and below-ground frost. Adding preservatives and stains helps, but the best way to protect fences from this abuse is to use rot-resistant materials. The best choices are either pressure-treated lumber or natural cedar. Both last longer than untreated lumber, but only pressure-treated wood is resistant to below ground moisture. A patio cover company dallas services are one of the best options if you ever need them.
To repair a leaning fence, first find out why the fence is crooked. Sometimes a strong gust of wind can knock a post loose. But the post may also have shifted due to moisture and soil instability. Moisture causes dirt to become wetter and softer, which can cause a wooden fence post to shift or rot. Soil types vary from rocky to sandy, with different levels of stability. Tree roots can also put pressure on a fence and cause it to tilt.
If a post is rotted, dig a hole to the appropriate depth and set a new concrete footing around it. This isn’t always possible, however, if the post is embedded in the ground by tree roots or other means. If this is the case, a permanent replacement will be required.
When replacing a picket, make sure the replacement is a matching size and shape. Otherwise, the rest of the fence might look odd or uneven.
Check the fence ownership, if the fence is between two properties. This can be confirmed by checking the county recorder or assessor’s office, a transfer, title plan, or conveyance deed. If you’re not sure of the ownership, it’s a good idea to discuss the issue with your neighbor before starting any work on the fence. This can prevent problems with trespassing and property lines.
Post-Rail Connectors
If you’ve found your fence leaning and want to address the issue without completely tearing down and replacing everything, start by clearing away anything that might be pushing against the structure. Whether it’s decor, branches, or other objects, removing them may help your fence straighten out and prevent future issues. Once you’ve cleared out the area, check to make sure that the problem isn’t caused by loose screws or any other structural flaws that can be easily tightened.
If the sagging is due to a loose rail, consider installing a connector that fits between the post and the bottom of the horizontal section of the rail. These metal brackets feature holes for screws or nails and a stake below that’s designed to dig into the ground. If you’re unable to get into the ground to set this type of bracket, consider digging a hole on one side of your fence, placing the stake below the sagging rail, and putting in a steel angle, which will then attach to the bottom of the post.
A sagging fence doesn’t just look unsightly; it can also be dangerous, especially for pets or children who may run into it. To keep your fence stable and secure, use a level to check the length of each rail in the middle and on each end. If you find that the length is uneven, mark the locations of the posts where the rails will connect and then cut 2×4 rails to the appropriate lengths. Once you have the lengths marked, install the rail-to-post connector and screw or nail it in place.
Once you’ve addressed any sagging or other structural problems, it’s time to apply a coat of wood stain and sealant. This will protect your fence from weathering and prolong its lifespan. Choose a color and finish that matches the rest of your home and yard, and be sure to apply multiple coats to ensure that your wood is protected thoroughly.
Concrete Footings
The concrete footings underneath fence posts are what really keeps them steady. When these footings deteriorate, the fence starts to lean and shift over time. Installing new footings is one of the best ways to prevent fence leaning.
Fortunately, you can repair these footings without digging up the whole fence. First, clear the area where the fence is leaning so you can get a good look at it. Remove anything that’s pushing against it, like decor or tree roots, and clear away loose screws. Then dig using a shovel, trowel or demolition bar until you can see the footing. If it’s rotted, you may need to replace the entire post.
If the post is still solid, you can stabilize it with steel splints or braces. You can find these at most hardware stores, though you may have a harder time finding them if the fence isn’t new. E-Z Mender splints are made to reinforce 4 x 4 posts, and are U-shaped with a jacket that’s powder coated to resist rust. They have a sharp point at one end and a nailing lug at the face. You can drive the splint into the ground and hammer it in, or you can pre-drill holes for screwing it to the wood to prevent splitting.
If you can’t find a splint that fits your post, you can use a heavy-duty post repair bracket. These are like heavy-duty duct tape for wood. They’re designed to keep a post stable if the bottom section of the post is rotten or broken off, and are easy to install. Just dig a hole with a clam-shell post hole digger 18 inches from the damaged part of the post and screw the brace into it. Then fill it with concrete to set it.