How to repair a broken fence posts step by step
- Step 1. Excavate around the post foundation to expose it and assess its condition. Sometimes these are made from weaker...
- Step 2. Break the concrete as close to the post as possible, you are trying to break the concrete foundation cleanly in...
- Step 3. Excavate and break the concrete foundation down to the base of the...
How do you fix a broken fence post?
Tools:
- Cordless Drill (I like this one)
- 3 lb Mini sledge hammer
- 10lb sledge hammer
- Framing Hammer
- Circular Saw
- Drill Bits (3/16″ and 1/4″)
- Gloves (here are the ones I like)
- Pry Bar
- Nail puller (optional but nice)
How to replace a damaged or rotten fence post?
What you will need:
- Saw
- Fencefast Repair Spur
- Fence Post
- Adjustable Spanner
- Ratchet Set
- Spirit Level
- Fencefast dolly
- Sledge Hammer
How to temporarily secure a rotted fence post?
Tools Required
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Shovel
- Sledgehammer
How to reinforce a fence post?
Using 3 1/2 inch galvanized nails, you’ll ensure lasting durability:
- First, measure the rail and cut a sister rail of pressure-treated of lumber the same size as the original rail.
- Cut off the damaged part of the rail.
- Position the sister rail beneath the old rail and add clamps every 12 inches along the length of the board.
- Toenail the sister rail to the posts on both sides, and underneath.
How do you repair a cracked wooden fence post?
Mix Powdered Glue with Water. ... Paint Splits Liberally with Glue. ... Apply Clamps to Post. ... Fill Gaps with Scrap Wood. ... Remove Clamps and Excess Glue. ... Wrap a Chain Around Post. ... Wrap with Galvanized Sheet Metal. ... Secure with Roofing Nails.
Is it normal for fence posts to crack?
However, another issue you may have thought about less is cracking and splitting, which can also have a major impact on the structural integrity of your fence. Some cracks are natural and normal, but many can be avoided by using high-quality wood that has already been seasoned.
How do you temporarily fix a broken fence post?
1:183:16How To Temporarily Secure a Rotted Fence Post - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they put a couple of deck screws on the top again they more likely need to come in at an angle.MoreAnd they put a couple of deck screws on the top again they more likely need to come in at an angle. So they catch. The post. So those through the wood catches a post you want long enough screws.
How do you repair a wooden post?
0:515:33How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing outMoreBy cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing out and then we can work on the post. Now we'll just bang out the pieces of the post with a hammer.
What causes fence post to crack?
Customers often notice splits and cracks in their fence posts first because they're concerned about the structurally integrity of their project. Fortunately it's rarely an issue. In fact it's not unusual for them to be there from the day of installation.
How do I stop my posts from splitting?
1:448:30Prevent Your Boards From Splitting- STOP Cracks in Their Tracks!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat well you can use paint wax or a product called anchor seal from wood craft. And essentiallyMoreThat well you can use paint wax or a product called anchor seal from wood craft. And essentially what you're doing is you're painting the end grain trying to seal those pores.
Does post buddy work?
Yes, Post Buddy will work on a round post, as long as your post is set in a concrete base. It's the concrete base which is important, as it provides a firm, below-ground anchor for our system. You will need to position the Post Buddys as close to directly opposite each other as possible when fixing a round post.
How do you replace a broken fence post in concrete?
Save yourself both time AND money by reading everything you need to know to replace a fence post without removing the concrete below!Take Down the Fence. ... Remove the Main Post. ... Remove any Remaining Pieces and Clear the Foundation. ... Replace the Post. ... Fill the Hole. ... Re-Attach the Fence. ... Removing Concrete and the Post.
Can you put new fence posts in old holes?
Its a spike shaped like 2 sides of a square if you can picture that, with a section on top for a new post to bolt into. The theory is that you bang it into the old hole then fit new post to it. You need a rubber bung thingy to allow you to bang it in without damaging it.
How do you fix a broken post?
1:527:34How to Fix a Broken Fence Post in Under 30 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'll take something to kind of scrape in there. So I find the hole in the concrete where theMoreAnd I'll take something to kind of scrape in there. So I find the hole in the concrete where the post sits. So now you can see that what we're gonna do install this easy mender right there.
How do you fix rotting wood post without replacing it?
3:437:27How to Repair a Rotted Porch Post | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i like to do is put a scarf or a half lap joint when i put the two pieces.MoreSo what i like to do is put a scarf or a half lap joint when i put the two pieces.
How do you reinforce a wooden fence post?
0:198:35The Forever Fence Post Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight in the center of the bad post that you have on either side and you install these galvanizedMoreRight in the center of the bad post that you have on either side and you install these galvanized fence posts. So this one here is just sitting in the hole right now.
Is it normal for 6x6 posts to crack?
The crack in your photo in the center of a 6x6 pressure treated post is common, it's called "checking", and it has no structural significance at all.
Why do wooden fence posts split?
The timber starts to exhibit cracks and splits where it further dries out from it's original point of FSP. It is, by its nature trying to reach an equilibrium with it's surrounding air moisture.
Why do wood posts crack?
While extreme loading or improper notching/boring can cause a wood post (more rarely) or beam to split, usually the splits or cracks found in wooden posts and beams are due to shrinkage as wood dries, occur along the grain, and do not raise a structural concern.
Is it normal for pressure treated wood to crack?
After being outdoors for six to 12 months, treated lumber will develop cracks, called "checks," along the surface of each board. These hairline cracks are a normal part of the drying process.
Is it cheaper to replace a fence post?
Fences Posts are usually pretty cheap to replace but the labor involved can ruin your plans for the rest of the day. Post replacement takes lots of work and will leave you asking half way through the project "if there is a better way".
Do spikes rot wood in concrete?
If you are considering alternatives to wood-in- concrete fence post repair, it is important to gauge your type of fence and weather conditions. The advantage to spikes is that they’re less likely to rot like a wood-in-concrete post. The disadvantage might be stability. Since it is designed to be driven down, the tapered tip will offer less torque ...
Can you repair a vinyl fence?
However sometimes vinyl fence posts or vinyl fence panels can get damaged and need to be repaired. There are a variety of environmental situations that would cause the need for vinyl fence repair. For example, rain can cause ice to frost the fence posts and pull them out of the ground. Filling the hole with cement will help. Other vinyl post repairs can include repairing holes, digging new holes or making existing holes deeper.
Can a wood fence post pull out of the ground?
If the wood crumbles in your hands or the rot or termite damage covers more than about 30% of the post, you will need to replace the entire post. However you are likely to have a wood post that was just recently broken and has not rotted yet.
Can you reuse a cement ball for a fence post?
If you have an old wood fence post that is completely rotted off and you are able to remove it along with all debris, you could reuse the cement ball for a new post. Some have successfully used fence post anchors. This way the post will not be sitting in cement to rot off again.
How to repair a broken wooden fence posts
If there is one garden issue which always seems to raise its ugly head it is broken fence posts.
Damp proof membrane
One of these includes wrapping the bottom 600mm of the post in damp proof membrane tightly before concreting in. However you must ensure the plastic has a tight seal with tape or moisture will still sit against the post. Continuous exposure to sunlight will lead to any membrane above the surface fracturing leading to moisture getting in.
Raised dome concrete foundations
Typically when concreting in posts the concrete ends up about an inch below the soil level. This creates a well that collects water during times of heavy rainfall.
How to repair a broken fence posts step by step
If your timber fence posts have broken you have two options; break out the old post and foundation and replace the post or install a concrete repair spur. A concrete repair spur is the easiest and cheaper option available. Below we describe in detail how to repair a broken fence post with a concrete repair spur.
Step 1
Excavate around the post foundation to expose it and assess its condition. Sometimes these are made from weaker and dry concrete mixes which are easier to break. You are going to have to split the concrete down to the base of the hole. This will enable you to place the repair spur flush against the post without altering its position.
Step 5
Place the concrete repair spur into the hole and make sure it can sit flush against the post and still be plumb. Plumb is when the spirit level is placed vertically against the post and the bubble fits neatly between the two lines. You may need to dig more if this cannot be done without a suitable void around the repair spur.
Step 7
Using an adjustable spanner, start to screw the coach screws clockwise into the timber until the post and repair spur are flush. Repeat with the other coach screw and washers until the post and spur becomes one, solid unit.
Why are my fence posts cracking?
Wooden Fences; George Nash. Tips. If your posts are cracking, it's likely because they are brittle and dry. Apply some type of wood stain or sealer containing natural wood oil to bring back a supple quality to the wood to prevent further problems.
How to fix splits in a post?
Dip a paintbrush into the syrupy glue. Use the end of the brush to force glue inside the spits from the top down. If the split is flexible, pry it open with a screwdriver or pry bar. Paint the split thoroughly with the brush, saturating the splits until the glue runs out of the split liberally. Do all four sides of post if the splits run through to the other side or there are additional splits.
What wood is used for split posts?
Repairing Split Wooden Posts. Wood species such as cedar and redwood are typically used for wooden posts. Other types of posts include pressure-treated spruce or pine. Posts like these resist rot, insects and decay and can remain in the ground for years without noticeable degradation. No matter what the post is made from, however, ...
Can a post be cracked?
No matter what the post is made from, however, it's not imper vious to splits and cracks. Problems occur when the post becomes dried out and brittle. If the split is not stopped, it gets worse. Fix them with the same glue used on waterproof plywood. It bonds the post while filling the crack.
How long does it take for a cement post to dry?
Let it dry 24 hours. If you don’t use cement, and are replacing a wooden post put small gravel in the bottom 6, inches, (15.2 cm), of the hole, then fill the hole with soil to the top and pack it down firmly. Metal poles do not need gravel.
How to measure the depth of a post hole?
Make the hole about 6 inches wider than the post on all sides. To determine depth measure the old post from the top to where it set in the soil. Subtract that from the length of the new post.
What type of fence has corner poles?
Farm fencing usually only has the corner poles set in cement while suburban wood fences may have every wood post set in cement. Tubular metal posts such as those used with chain link fence, are generally set in cement. ...
How does a post puller work?
You may have to straighten bent posts for it to work. A post puller works using a jack-like device to lift the post out of the ground. Some can be powered by hand and others by a power take off drive shaft on a tractor.
What causes a fence post to be damaged?
Common factors that can contribute to ongoing damage include highly acidic concrete footings, moisture traps that collect rainwater at the base of the fence post, and insect infestations, like carpenter ants, termites, and powderpost beetles. 3.
How long does it take for a concrete fence to cure?
Allow about three days for the concrete to cure, then reattach the fence pieces to the fence post with new brackets and screws.
Why is it important to have a fence around your house?
Having a fence up around the yard gives the home a number of advantages, including increased privacy, security, and safety. In fact, in some locations, a fence is mandatory if the home has a pool, so it’s important that the fence is strong and sturdy in order to support any weight applied to it, like a person leaning, ...
Why do you take a look at fence posts?
The reason to take a look at the non-damaged part of the post is to help determine the current quality of the wood. If the entire fence post is just a year or two away from needing to be replaced, then it would make more sense to complete the replacement immediately instead of repairing it.
Do you need to dig twice to replace a fence post?
Ensure proper footing depth for the replacement fence post. While removing the concrete footing is a labor-intensive task, the good news is that the hole doesn’t need to be dug twice, so you just need to make sure that it’s at the right depth to create a proper footing for the replacement fence post.
