Fence Repair Tips for Dallas-Fort Worth Homeowners

Protect Wood Fences

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to fence repair, preventative maintenance is key. One thing fence owners can do for their wooden fence is to protect it from the elements and other damage. There are many smart ways to protect wooden fences. The easiest is with treated lumber. The better the quality you use for your construction material, the more durable your fence will be against sun and wind damage. It is often inevitable for people in the Dallas / Fort Worth area to experience some kind of animal activity around their fences, whether it is the family dogs, horses, or tree squirrels. Chicken wire that covering the wood can deter animals from gnawing or scratching your fence.

Fixing a Sagging Gate

Your fence’s gate is typically the most important part to monitor. It gets the most use and can become a weak spot if not maintained properly. Before your weekend project turns into major fence repair, take action. Any time you notice sagging in the fence. You should take steps to fix the problem. First make sure the post are still securely in place. It is always a good idea to set your gate post in concrete so that it doesn’t become loose. If a loose post is not the problem, you can use shims on the hinges to even out your gate. When making repairs to your fence gate, make sure to use galvanized fasteners and hinges to avoid corrosion.

Dealing with Rot

A rotting fence is a useless fence. Not only does it look bad, it also no longer functions like the fence owner intended it to. Of course, treated lumber is the way to keep rot at bay, if you find that your fence has parts that are beginning to rot, you can treat it. If you catch rot early on, it is much easier to treat. Make sure to inspect your fence for rot often. Pay extra attention to the areas of the fence that are low to the ground. Areas with excessive moisture can also lead to rotting. Make sure to replace these areas with treated lumber. If possible, try to minimize moisture by cutting plants or diverting water flow away from your fence line.

Repairing Fence Rails

Replacing planks and steadying posts are just one part of DFW fence repair. Occasionally, fence rails will come loose and pull away from the posts. If this happens, it is typically because of rotting wood. Check to see if the post is beyond saving. Using a rotten piece of wood for your rail can weaken the fence and spread rot. If the rail is still usable, you can use brackets to reattach it to the post and hold it in place. It is extremely important to use caulk to fill in anywhere you need to drill to fix your rails. Open holes can trap water and attract insects which will lead to a more costly fence repair down the line.

Most fences are designed to last for a long time. If you keep up your fence, it could last for many years. Make sure your fence is looking and functioning at its best. Contact us today for professional fence repair in Dallas-Fort Worth!