Elements can be rough on a wooden fence. Snow, wind, rain, and rot can weaken the fence posts and rails, leading to sagging or major cracks. If you’re trying to contain a pet or protect your garden, a broken fence is the last thing you want. Here are some tips for repair should you ever find yourself with a damaged fence.
Repairing the Rails
First, saturate the damaged area with a wood preservative to prevent any rot from spreading to the other parts of the fence. Second, install 2”x4” cleats beneath the rail, which run horizontally between posts, providing support for the fence structure. Make sure the rail is straight before hammering in the galvanized nails. Third, caulk the top and sides of the repaired rail in order to prevent moisture exposure and the future problems that come with it.
Next, it is also a good idea to provide extra support by using steel T-braces. These can be found in any home improvement store. To get the t-brace on, drill several holes into the guardrail and post. Then, use galvanized screws to secure the T-braces into the railing and caulk the join to seal out any moisture. Finally, as an added step, you can paint the brace to blend in with the fence.
Repairing the Posts
First, inspect the damaged post to find out the cause of the damage. Is it a result of decay? Is the pillar broken? Understanding the cause can help you more effectively repair the fence now and also prevent future damage from the same cause, improving the lifespan of your fence.
Next, get a pair of 2”x4” wood pieces that extend 18” into the ground, long enough to reach below the fence’s frost line. When water freezes, it expands and pushes the soil upward; this can cause your fence posts to tilt. Installing under the freeze line ensures that your fence is deep enough in the ground to avoid being affected. Next, cut one end of each of the 2”x4” pieces and insert that end into the ground on opposite sides of the damaged post. This will serve as a splint, adding extra support for the broken post.
Finally, drill two holes through the 2”x4”s and the existing post. Insert galvanized carriage bolts to hold it all together.
Your Trusted Fencing Professionals
Mending fences isn’t always metaphorical. If you feel more comfortable mending fences with people rather than mending an actual fence with power tools, there’s no need to fret. Our team of experts at A&O Texas Solutions can repair your fence so that you can focus on what matters to you, whether that’s your pet or your garden or simply the people around you. When it comes to fence repair or installing an entirely new fence or anything in between, we’re eager to handle your every fencing need so make sure to give us a call today!