Wood fences add an organic feel to any property, but they are prone to rot. That’s why they often need repairs. Posts are particularly susceptible to rot, especially when they weren’t treated to fend off wet weather conditions. The lowest rails and screenings can deteriorate when vegetation rubs against the wood and traps water. The following five tips can help you keep your wood fence in the best shape possible.

Know the Components

Wood fences usually consist of posts, rails and screening material. The posts run vertically while rails stretch horizontally between posts. The screening material consists of pickets or boards. Examine each of the fence components at least once per year, and correct any issues before they create bigger hassles.

How to Fix Loose Rails

When deciding how to fix loose rails, evaluate if the posts are salvageable. You can probably fix a break with several metal T-braces or wooden boards. Make sure that you use wood preservative on the damaged areas before attempting to fix anything to keep the rot contained.

Remember that you need to install a cleat for support. You can use a board and attach it to the post with galvanized nails. After making the repairs, seal the sides and top off the mended areas with caulk to keep moisture at bay.

When you use T-braces, they often provide a more durable repair. They look better, and you can get them at home improvement and hardware stores. All you have to do is level the rail, attach it to the post with the braces and caulk the joint.

How to Replace Rails

This all depends on the joints. If they’re badly rotted, you might have to switch out the whole rail. This involves disassembling the damaged fence section so that you can rebuild it. You can have a rail that spans one or two segments. Either way, you’ll have to measure each rail separately because each fence space differs. You can place rails up to 12 inches up from the ground.

How to Repair Fence Screening

If you want to repair rotted or broken screening, it takes a few hours. You will want to use boards that you can cut down to the same measurements as the existing screening. Use a carpenter’s square before actually cutting anything. You can properly cut boards by placing an unbroken piece over a new board and tracing any openings. Use a coping, keyhole or saber saw to cut them out.

How to Stake a Wood Fence Post

Sometimes posts come loose and need steadied. To stake a post, you will need to make a new base. Do this by using boards that reach at least 18 inches above the ground level. During installation, make sure they extend below the area’s frost line.

For this purpose, you will need pressure-treated material, clear all-heart redwood or cedar. If you need a permanent fix, dig the soil out from around the post. Apply temporary braces and add concrete around the base.

Remember to use pressure-treated lumber for repairs when you can because it can handle abuse by snow, wind, rain, frost, snow and rot. That’s because it contains preservatives. Other types of wood that stand up to underground weather conditions include redwood and cedar. However, these materials aren’t cheap. While you can protect your fence with exterior stains and paints, those are useless when it comes to wood that’s underground.

Wood Fence Repair Services

To save time, frustration and mistakes, contact a wood fence repair specialist. Good As New wood fence repair will work with you to repair and improve your current fence and use existing materials — to save you money –whenever possible. We guarantee our wood fence repairs for a full year. Contact us today to find out  more.