Spring Fence Checklist: #3. Make Necessary Repairs

Fix-it Felix.

In our previous instalment of our Spring Fence Checklist, we covered cleaning your fence. Once inspection and cleaning are complete, it’s time to fix what you’ve uncovered. Address repairs in order of importance: structural issues first, then functional problems, and finally aesthetic concerns. This approach ensures your fence is safe, stable, and long-lasting before you focus on appearance.

Priority 1: Structural Repairs

Structural problems compromise the entire fence system, so these should always be tackled first.

Leaning or Loose Posts

Fence posts are the foundation of your fence. If they’re unstable, everything attached to them will eventually fail.

For minor leaning (less than 10 degrees):

• Dig around the post 12–18 inches deep and 6–8 inches in diameter to expose the base

• Use a level to straighten the post in both directions

• Have a helper brace the post using 2×4s staked securely into the ground

• Fill the hole with quick-setting concrete, sloping the top away from the post for proper drainage

• Keep the post braced for 24–48 hours while the concrete cures

• Once set, backfill with soil and tamp firmly

For severe leaning or rotted posts:
These posts have lost structural integrity and must be fully replaced. Proper installation requires adequate depth (often below the frost line) and the correct footing size, so professional installation is often the safest option.

Frost-Heaved Posts

In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can push posts upward over winter.

• Wait until the ground has completely thawed

• Excavate around the post to expose the bottom

• Use a sledgehammer and a wood block to gently tap the post back down to the correct height

• Check for level in both directions as you work

• Backfill the first 6–8 inches with gravel to improve drainage

• Finish with compacted soil or fresh concrete to secure the post

Priority 2: Board and Panel Repairs

Once the fence is standing straight and secure, move on to boards, pickets, and panels.

Replacing Rotted or Damaged Boards

• Remove damaged boards carefully to avoid splitting or loosening adjacent boards

• Measure the opening precisely and cut replacement boards to exact length

• Apply wood preservative or sealant to all cut ends to prevent moisture absorption

• Position the new board and check spacing (typically 1/8-inch gaps for wood fences)

• Attach using two galvanized or stainless steel screws per rail connection

• Countersink screws slightly below the surface for a cleaner finish

Repairing Cracks and Splits

Small cracks (less than 1/4 inch):

• Clean debris and loose fibres from the crack

• Apply exterior-grade wood glue deep into the opening

• Clamp or use screws to close the gap

• Wipe away excess glue and allow to dry for at least 24 hours

• Sand smooth if needed before finishing

Large splits:
Boards with significant splits should be replaced. These will continue expanding with moisture changes and weaken the fence over time.

Fixing Warped Boards

• Remove the warped board from the fence

• Slight warping: Add additional screws along the rails to pull the board back into alignment

• Moderate warping: Insert shims behind the board before re-securing

• Severe warping: Replace the board entirely, as forced straightening rarely lasts

Priority 3: Hardware Repairs

Hardware issues often cause sagging, rattling, or gates that won’t close properly.

Tightening and Replacing Fasteners

• Inspect every screw and nail, tightening anything loose

• Replace rusted fasteners with galvanized or stainless steel alternatives

• For stripped screw holes:

  • Fill the hole with wood glue and toothpicks

  • Allow to dry completely

  • Drill a new pilot hole

  • Install a larger or longer screw for better grip

Gate Hardware Repairs

Hinges:

• Tighten all mounting screws

• Replace hinges that are worn, bent, or cracked

• Upgrade to heavy-duty hinges if sagging continues

• Lubricate with silicone spray or WD-40 to reduce friction

Latches:

• Adjust latch alignment for smooth engagement

• Replace broken springs or catches

• Lubricate all moving parts

• Consider upgrading to a more robust latch if failures are recurring

Anti-sag cables or diagonal braces:

• Tighten turnbuckles to eliminate gate sag

• Replace damaged or frayed cables

• Ensure diagonal braces run from the top hinge side to the bottom latch side for proper load support

For Metal Fences

Rust Treatment

• Remove loose rust using a wire brush or abrasive pad

• Apply a rust converter to neutralize remaining corrosion

• Prime bare metal with a rust-inhibiting primer

• Paint with exterior-grade metal paint

• For chain-link fences, spray or brush a rust-resistant coating onto affected areas

Bent Component Repair

• Minor bends: Carefully straighten using a pipe wrench or vise

• Severe damage: Replace the bent section entirely

• Reinforce repaired areas with additional fasteners or welding (best handled by a professional)

For Vinyl Fences

Repairing Cracks

• Clean the damaged area thoroughly

• Apply vinyl adhesive or outdoor-rated epoxy

• Clamp or tape the repair until fully cured

• Sand lightly if needed for a smooth finish

Replacing Damaged Sections

• Remove damaged rails or pickets from the post channel

• Insert replacement components (typically available from the manufacturer)

• Ensure a snug, secure fit in post channels

• Replace missing post caps or rail end caps to prevent water intrusion

When to Call a Professional for Repairs

Consider professional help if:

• Multiple posts need replacement

• Entire fence sections require rebuilding

• Gate posts are compromised (they bear significant load)

• Repairs involve property line or boundary issues

• You lack the tools, skills, or physical ability

• Damage affects more than 30% of the fence

• Safety concerns exist, such as proximity to power lines or steep slopes

Handled correctly, timely repairs can extend the life of your fence by years and save you from more costly replacements down the road.