Fences don't fall down all at once. One post starts to lean after a wet winter. A gate starts scraping the ground. A storm drops a limb on a section. Then the dog finds the gap. Most of the time, the fence can be saved if you catch it early.
Common fence problems and fixes
Leaning or loose posts
The most common repair in Kannapolis. Red clay swells when it's wet and shrinks when it dries, and over the years that works posts loose. Posts that were never set in concrete, or were set too shallow, are the first to go. The fix is to reset or replace the post and set it in concrete.
Rotted posts
Wood posts often rot right at the ground line, where moisture sits. The fence may look fine above ground while the post is mush below. A rotted post gets replaced, not patched.
Broken or missing boards and pickets
Boards split, warp or get knocked out. The crew replaces them and tries to match the style. New wood will look different from weathered wood at first.
Sagging or dragging gates
Gates take a beating. Hinges loosen, gate posts lean, and the gate frame racks out of square. Fixes can include resetting the gate post, adding bracing, adjusting or replacing hinges, or rebuilding the gate.
Latches that won't catch
Usually a symptom of a gate that has dropped or a post that has moved. A good repair fixes the cause, not just the latch.
Storm and tree damage
Heavy rain and wind bring limbs down on fences. The crew clears the damaged section and rebuilds it.
Chain link problems
Bent top rails, loose mesh, leaning corner posts and damaged gates.
Vinyl and aluminum repairs
Cracked vinyl panels, loose rails, bent aluminum pickets and gate hardware issues. Matching parts depend on what's available for your fence.
Repair or replace?
A good contractor will tell you honestly. As a rough guide:
- Repair if the problem is limited to a few posts, a gate or a handful of boards, and the rest of the fence is solid.
- Replace if many posts are rotted, the whole line leans, or you're paying for repairs every season.
If repairs would just be throwing good money after bad, an honest contractor will say so. Then you can look at a new wood privacy fence, vinyl fence or chain link fence.
Gate work
Gates deserve their own mention because they cause so many calls. Common gate jobs include repairing existing gates, rebuilding worn ones and adding new gates to existing fences, including wider double gates for mowers and trailers. What a new gate costs depends on its size, material and hardware.
What sets the price of a repair
Most repairs cost far less than a new fence. A single post reset or a few boards is a small job. Multiple posts, a full gate rebuild or a storm-damaged section costs more. Your real price comes from a free on-site look and written quote. See the fence cost guide for more.
Signs you need a repair now
- A post moves when you push it
- The fence leans more after every rain
- The gate drags, sticks or won't latch
- There's a gap at the bottom your dog has found
- Boards are rotted or missing
- A limb is still sitting on the fence
Before the repair
Even repair work involves digging, so NC811 is called to mark utilities before any posts are reset or replaced. If you're replacing a fence along a shared line, it helps to know where your property line is. Your survey or corner pins are the place to start. If you have an HOA and are changing the look of the fence, check their rules first.
Keeping your fence in shape
- Keep soil and mulch from piling against wood boards
- Trim back vines and shrubs that hold moisture on the fence
- Stain or seal wood every few years
- Check gate hinges and latches once a year
- Look at the fence after big storms
Got a dog getting out? Our dog and pet fencing page covers dig barriers and gate fixes.
Call (980) 324-2157 to set up a repair visit.
Questions people ask
Can you fix just one section of my fence?
Yes. Single posts, a few boards, a gate or one storm-damaged section can be fixed on their own. You don't need to replace the whole fence unless most of it is failing.
Will new boards match my old fence?
The crew will match the style and size as closely as possible. New wood will look lighter than weathered wood for a while. Staining the whole fence afterward helps blend it in.
Why does my gate keep sagging?
Usually the gate post is leaning, the hinges are loose, or the gate frame has racked out of square. Adjusting the latch alone won't fix it. The fix is to find the cause, then reset the post, brace the gate or replace the hardware.
Can a fence someone else built be repaired?
Yes. Wood, vinyl, aluminum and chain link fences can be repaired no matter who installed them. Parts for vinyl and aluminum depend on what's available to match your fence.