How to Repair a Fallen Fence
- Preparing to Reset a Fallen Fence. To start the process of resetting a fallen fence, lay the fallen section of the fence down with the picket or panel side up ...
- Cleaning Up the Post Holes. Next, you need to remove any old concrete or broken-off posts from the fence-post holes. ...
- Resetting Posts. ...
- Reattaching Panels or Pickets. ...
How do you fix a fence that has fallen over?
Set one post and a half bag of concrete in each hole. Start at one end of the fallen fence. Add water to the first hole and mix the concrete with a scrap of lumber. Use a level to check the post from front to back and side to side.
How do you fix a sagging fence post?
Reattach loose rails to firmly anchored fence posts. Just test existing posts by pushing on them from either side. If they resist force, you can probably just reattach sagging sections directly to them. Push or clamp the rails back into place against the post (with “quick clamps” if you have them).
Can a leaning fence be repaired?
Repairing badly leaning fences requires a triage approach. The first thing you have to do is make sure it doesn’t get worse while you’re working on it! Then, go ahead and force your leaning fence into a vertical position by propping it up with 2×4 braces.
What happens if a fence post falls down?
Wind, shifting soil, falling trees and other blunt impacts can cause posts to fail. Once a fence has completely fallen, the only lasting repair is complete re-installation of the posts. Posts and other fencing materials that are not broken or rotten can be reused, but not old concrete that has shifted, as it can rarely be reset firmly.
In This Article
A fence is only as good as its posts. Wind, shifting soil, falling trees and other blunt impacts can cause posts to fail. Once a fence has completely fallen, the only lasting repair is complete re-installation of the posts.
Preparing to Reset a Fallen Fence
To start the process of resetting a fallen fence, lay the fallen section of the fence down with the picket or panel side up and the posts toward the ground. Remove any screws from the panel faces with a cordless drill driver. Stack the fallen panels or pickets for reuse.
Cleaning Up the Post Holes
Next, you need to remove any old concrete or broken-off posts from the fence-post holes. Dig the hole out to its original size and depth. Ten to 12 inches across and 24 inches deep is typical. The original depth can be determined by measuring from the bottom of an old post to the ground line.
Resetting Posts
Replace any broken, rotted or badly damaged posts. Set one post and a half bag of concrete in each hole. Start at one end of the fallen fence.
Reattaching Panels or Pickets
Now you're ready to reattach the first panel by lining up the edge of the panel with the outside of the post. Drive two 3-inch treated deck screws through the face of the panel and each horizontal rail into the post face with a cordless drill.
What to do if a post is rotted?
If the post is rotted or broken, you may be able to repair it with a pair of splints or you may have to replace the entire post. Advertisement. If the post seems intact but has come loose in its hole, a pair of stakes or, better yet, a new concrete base can steady the post. To stake a post:
How to repair a 2x4 rail?
Step 1: Before you make repair, saturate the damaged areas and a 2x4 liberally with a wood preservative. This keeps the rot from spreading. Step 2: To make a cleat to support the rail, make sure the rail is level, then fit a 2x4 snugly underneath.
What are the components of a wood fence?
The components of a wood fence include vertical posts, rails that run horizontally from post to post, and screening material such as boards or pickets. Examine your fence, no matter what its type, and you can probably identify each of these elements. Rot is a wood fence's biggest enemy.
How to plumb a post?
To plumb a post, set it in in its hole, hold a level to one side, and adjust the post until the level's bubble is exactly centered. Step 7: To set intermediate posts, measure the height of each end post above grade level to ensure that both are the same height .
Can you use untreated wood for a fence?
With the latter, no finishing is necessary; the fence can be left to weather naturally. If you must, you can use untreated wood for screening and top rails, and for bottom rails that are at least four inches above the ground. You'll need 4x4s for fence posts, 2x4s for rails, and 1x4s or 1x6s for screening.
Is the Post Damaged?
Reinforce posts by adding braces to support the post base. Simply drive the brace into the ground and attach the brace to the undamaged section of the post.
Is Your Fence Gate Sagging?
If the fence is sagging, reinforce it with a no-sag kit to bring it back to square.
Is Your Fence Dirty or Mildewed?
If your fence is dirty or has mildew, use a pressure washer to clean it. Let it dry completely and then apply stain.
Are Animals Digging Underneath Your Fence?
If your dog digs under your fence, you may need to address a behavioral issue at some point. In the meantime, you can create a physical barrier to prevent or discourage digging.
General Fence Maintenance
While regular maintenance won't totally eliminate the need for repairs in the future, it will help to preserve the fence and maintain its longevity.
Planning Your Fence
To help ensure longer fence life, remember these pre-installation tips:
Why is my fence post unstable?
A wooden fence post can lean and become unstable because of shifting soil or from the post expanding and contracting as it absorbs moisture. It’s common for wood fence posts to loosen in their concrete bases due to freeze and thaw cycles or because the post may have rotted at the bottom.
Why does my fence sag?
A fence can lean and sag due to weather, soil erosion, or rot. Find out how to fix a leaning fence so you can keep it in good condition year-round. A leaning or sagging fence not only diminishes a home’s curb appeal, but if it’s left unrepaired, it can also lead to more expensive fence replacement. Maintaining the fence around your home will ...
How long does it take to reattach a fence post?
If the soil around the fence is dry and rocky, fill in the hole with half-wet sand and half small gravel. Pack the hole tightly. You can also fill the hole with fast-setting concrete and pour approximately a gallon of water on top. Make sure the water has thoroughly mixed with the concrete. It should be dry in about 40 to 60 minutes, and you can reattach the fence panel to the post in roughly 4 to 6 hours.
How long does it take for a concrete fence to dry?
Make sure the water has thoroughly mixed with the concrete. It should be dry in about 40 to 60 minutes, and you can reattach the fence panel to the post in roughly 4 to 6 hours. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Can a wooden fence post be bent?
A wooden post can become unseated and wobbly, or it can be rotted at the base. A metal fence post can be bent or unstable. If a wooden post is rotted, broken, or has insect damage, it will need to be replaced. The same goes for a bent metal post.
