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.
