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Why Fence Repair Is Necessary
Like a car, fences need regular Fence Repair and maintenance. This may include cleaning, staining, and repairing minor damage.
If a post breaks, you may be able to replace it with a new one. This requires a hole digger, a shovel, and a hammer.
Alternatively, you can cut the old post free with a reciprocating saw and screw in a new one.
Several factors can lead to damaged fence posts, including severe weather conditions that loosen soil around the post, pests that chew away at wood fibers over time, and just simple wear and tear from constant use. When a post is damaged, it’s important to take steps to repair or replace it in order to keep your fence sturdy.
If you’ve noticed that a post is leaning or not standing upright, first use a level to check that it is plumb from left to right and that it is still aligned with the rest of your fence. If it’s not, you can either use a concrete repair spur to fix the problem or replace the old post completely.
Concrete repair spurs are metal repair brackets that can be used to add support to a weak or damaged fence post. To install a concrete repair spur, drill a hole in the existing post and then attach the new spur to it using a special screw or bolt. After the spur is attached, a concrete mixture can be added to the hole and poured in to reinforce the repair and make it stronger.
To replace a broken fence post, start by digging 6 to 8 inches around the base of the old post. Then, use a sledge hammer and cold chisel to break up the concrete footing. Carefully remove the old post and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.
Once you’ve removed the old fence post, dig a hole in the ground to a depth that is below the frost line in your area. Then, prepare the site for your new fence post by clearing away any debris, adding gravel to the bottom of the hole, and then packing it down with a tamper or heavy weight.
If you have a chain link fence, you’ll need linesman’s pliers, a reciprocating saw, and a new section of railing to replace the bent one. To get started, remove the ties holding the bent section of railing to the fence with a pair of lineman’s pliers and cut both ends off. Slip the crimped end of a new section of railing onto one of the cuts.
Splintered Wood
Wood splinters aren’t just painful; they can also lead to infection. Splinters are thin slivers of wood that break off something larger and lodge into the skin, like when walking barefoot on a wooden deck or dock. They can also occur in wood that’s been used for a long time, such as a desk or table.
When wood splinters, it’s usually because the glue has lost its grip and the veneer has separated or cracked. This is common in woodworking, and almost every piece of plywood or fabricated piece of furniture will have some splintered areas. The good news is that it’s easy to repair splintered wood.
Start by cleaning the area around the splinter to remove debris, such as dirt or dust (dental floss can come in handy here). Use a chisel to scrape away any rough edges of the splinter. Once the area is clean, sand the surface with a rough grit of sandpaper to smooth it out. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler, which should be slightly darker than the color of the surrounding wood. Allow the putty to dry according to the package instructions or overnight. Lightly sand it again with a fine grit of sandpaper.
If the splintered wood is not too bad, you can simply glue the pieces back together. If the damage is more extensive, however, it’s best to replace the entire section.
To do this, measure the length and width of the section that needs to be replaced. Cut a new board that is the same length and width as the damaged section. Place the new board in place and nail it down with a hammer and nails. Use a screwdriver to drive in any extra nails, if necessary. Then stain the board to match the rest of the deck.
If the deck is in serious disrepair, it may be more cost-effective to use a deck restoration coating rather than trying to sand it down and resurface the whole deck. These coatings are thick enough to fill in cracks and voids, but they also leave a smooth, weather-resistant surface that’s easy to walk on.
Pest Infestation
Pest infestation happens when a species that is not wanted infiltrates a property, causing damage and possibly putting people or the environment at risk. Rodents and bugs often invade homes, but they can also infest businesses if preventive maintenance is not consistently practiced. Regular inspections and proper cleaning will prevent pest infestations from occurring.
Clutter is a major attractant for pests. It makes it easy for them to hide and makes it hard to clean. Clutter is commonly found in old buildings, parks, and restaurants. Poor sanitation, such as dirty floors, unclean food containers, and spills left unattended, is another major attractant for rodents and pests.
If you have a new home, office, or business, you should regularly inspect it for potential signs of pest infestation. Look around the foundation, windows, and doors for cracks or crevices where insects and rodents may enter. Also check the roof for loose areas and shingles that need to be patched.
Inside the house, look for rodent droppings and traces of nesting. Also watch out for smudge marks on walls, dirt buildup, and a foul odor that can indicate a pest problem. Rodents and other pests like dark, humid places where they can hide and breed. Keep in mind that some pests are attracted to particular types of food. For example, cockroaches are drawn to cheese and other foods that contain fatty acids, while flies can be attracted to garbage or rotting meat.
If you suspect a pest infestation, take action immediately. A pest problem only gets worse if it is not addressed promptly, and it will become even more difficult to remove once the pests have settled in. Keeping up with basic home maintenance, such as dusting and vacuuming, will help prevent a pest problem from developing in the first place. And if you have an established pest problem, hiring a pest control company for extermination services can quickly solve the issue.
Metal Fencing Repair
Metal fences like wrought iron can be expensive to repair when they have suffered severe weather damage. A professional may have to weld the broken sections back together or patch them. Fencing Companies Rock Hill SC will also need to sand, clean, and repaint the area.
Preventing rust and keeping the fence clean will keep the cost down. Repairs are usually charged per linear foot, and certain repairs or areas require a higher labor cost. The backbone of your fence, posts, are often the first to experience issues. They can shift in the ground due to weather or settle unevenly causing sags and droops in the aluminum or steel fencing.
Using a level, check the post to ensure it is plumb (vertical). If it’s off by even a little bit, you can brace the post with a scrap piece of two-by-four screwed into place. With an assistant, push the post upright and make sure it is straight with a bubble level. Once you’re certain the post is secure, fill the soil void around the post with concrete to prevent water from pooling and rotting the base.
A metal fence may also have a bent post that can’t be repaired, either because someone tried to gain access or because of the way it was installed. In this case, a professional should be called to replace the post.
If your post was set in concrete, remove the old concrete from the hole using a sledgehammer and shovel. Then set a new concrete footing around the post using a bucket of mixed half-wet sand and half small gravel, packing the mixture tightly. If the fence was set in sandy or rocky soil, use stay wire to act like bracing for the post.
Alternatively, you can use an EZ mender to repair the leaning post in your metal fence. The EZ mender is a long metal rod with pre-drilled holes in it, which you screw into the hole where the post was located. Once the EZ mender is in, you can use the tip of a sledgehammer to pound it into the concrete and tamp down the end of the EZ mender.
If you have a chain link fence, a bent post can be one of the most challenging problems to fix. You’ll need to re-establish the chain link fabric, so find two points of fabric on each side of the damaged area and untwist them with linesman’s pliers. Then measure a slightly longer replacement section, and install it by twisting the end of the new chain link wire into the top and bottom of the existing rails and then using wire ties to reattach it.
Repairing a Gate
A metal fence gate is more than just a passageway to your property; it is also an attractive feature. If your gate is damaged or rusty, it can be a big eyesore that makes the whole fence look less than great. Fortunately, you can usually repair the gate without replacing it, and it is often cheaper to do so than to replace the entire fence.
Most gates are made of either steel or wrought iron, and these materials are very durable. However, even the best-built gates can suffer from damage and rusting. Fortunately, you can often fix these problems by welding and repainting. A professional will usually charge a few hundred dollars to repair a gate, but you can save money by doing the work yourself.
If your gate hinges are squeaky or sticky, you can try lubricating them with WD-40. You can also add lubricant to other moving parts of the gate on a regular basis to keep them working smoothly. If these techniques don’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the hinges or latches.
Rust is the nemesis of iron and wrought iron fences, and it’s important to address rust quickly. The first step is to remove the rust, which can be done by wire brushing or sanding the affected area and removing any debris. Next, the area is patched and coated in a rust-resistant primer. Finally, the fence is repainted.
Aluminum and wrought iron fences don’t rust, but they can be damaged by heavy precipitation or salt water. The good news is that both aluminum and wrought iron can be repaired with welding. However, a full restoration will cost significantly more than repairing or painting a fence.
Wrought iron is a historic style of fencing, and it typically costs between $30 and $50 per linear foot to restore. This process can include sandblasting, spot welding, cleaning and repainting. Repairing a fence that is made of wrought iron can be more complicated than repairing one that is made of aluminum. This is because wrought iron can be easily broken if the welded areas aren’t done correctly.
Repairing a Rail
Over time, metal fence rails can loosen or break. Some can be repaired by spot welding, patching and rust removal, while others may need to be completely replaced. Depending on the material, this could involve cutting off and welding on new solid steel or tubular steel rails for an aluminum fence or sawing off and welding on a replacement section for a wrought iron fence. A professional will charge by the hour to weld a new section or piece of fence, and prices vary by location.
Chain link fences are most common, but even wood, vinyl and wrought iron fencing can break due to age or weather. Repairing broken sections can be tricky, so it’s best to hire a professional. Labor is usually charged by the hour, but specialized repairs like rust removal or replacing a panel can increase costs.
A broken rail can be a real eyesore. To replace it, first remove the wire ties connecting the top of the chain link mesh to the rail. Using pliers, loosen the ties and then use a reciprocating or hacksaw to cut off the existing section of rail. Next, purchase a new rail at a home improvement store that matches the length of the old one. The new rail should have one tapered end and one wider end for attaching to the existing fence. Mark the new rail where it will fit into the existing fence, and then cut it with a reciprocating or hacksaw.
If the damaged section of fence is just bent, it might be possible to hammer it back into place. However, if it is warped or broken beyond repair, it’s usually more cost-effective to simply replace it. It’s a good idea to check out your local home improvement stores for options, as many have both metal and vinyl fencing available. They can also help you find a matching color for your replacement section. For a newer look, you can also consider painting the entire fence.
Repairing a Section
If a section of your metal fence is damaged by weather, critters or even vandalism it may need to be replaced. A pro can do this for you or you can try it yourself. You will need to know the dimensions of your damaged area to purchase the right length of fencing fabric. This can be done by measuring the distance between the post and end of the fence or using a tape measure to determine the actual size of the damaged section of fence.
If the damage is severe it may be necessary to replace a full panel. This will cost more but it is often the only option. This is also true if a portion of the fence has been completely destroyed by wind or other forces.
When repairing a section in a chain link fence you will need to remove the old wires from the rail. To do this you will need a pair of linesman’s pliers and the right length of new fencing. You will need to remove the old wire ties that were holding it to the top and bottom railings, then cut the other end of the old fencing and slip on a coupling sleeve. This will join the ends of the old and new fencing and allow you to run your hand between them without getting snagged on any wires. Now you can attach the new fencing to the rails by using the old wire ties that were there.
A good tip to remember is that when welding any metal it’s always best to work in an open area and be sure nothing flammable is nearby. It’s also important to wear the proper safety equipment such as a welding helmet and gloves.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your home owners insurance covers your fence repairs it will need to be documented before the repair starts. Documentation can be as simple as filling out a form but it’s important to do this. This way if something goes wrong during the repair process you will have documentation that will prove what was done and what the costs were. It’s important to find a reputable contractor for any type of repair to ensure the job is done correctly.
