Common Fence Repair Problems and Expert Solutions

Your fence has seen better days. Maybe you’ve noticed a leaning post after that last storm, or perhaps a few boards have started to rot near the bottom. These aren’t just cosmetic issues that you can ignore until next spring. Fence problems have a way of snowballing, turning minor repairs into major reconstruction projects if left unaddressed. The good news is that most fence issues are entirely fixable when caught early and handled by experienced professionals.

At Luby Construction Group, we’ve repaired countless fences across residential and commercial properties, and we’ve seen just about every problem a fence can develop. From weather damage to structural failures, understanding what’s happening with your fence is the first step toward getting it fixed properly. Most homeowners wait too long to call for help, often because they’re unsure whether a problem is serious or how much a repair might cost. Let’s walk through the most common fence repair issues we encounter and explain exactly how professionals tackle them.

Leaning or Tilted Fence Posts

The most frequent problem we see involves fence posts that have started to lean or tilt away from their original position. This happens when the soil around the post loosens due to water erosion, ground freezing and thawing, or simply inadequate installation in the first place. A leaning post puts stress on the entire fence section, causing boards to warp and connections to fail.

Professional contractors fix this by first assessing whether the post itself is still structurally sound. If the wood hasn’t rotted, we can often reset the post by digging out around it, straightening it with proper bracing, and then securing it with fresh concrete that extends below the frost line. This typically means going down at least two feet, though deeper is better in areas with significant freeze-thaw cycles. When the post has deteriorated, complete replacement becomes necessary, which involves removing the damaged post without disturbing adjacent fence sections and installing a new pressure-treated post with proper concrete footings.

Rotted or Damaged Fence Boards

Wood fencing naturally deteriorates over time, especially near the ground where moisture accumulates. You’ll typically notice rot starting at the bottom of fence boards, where they’re closest to splash-back from rain and lawn irrigation. Some homeowners try to paint over rotted sections, but this only hides the problem temporarily while the decay continues underneath.

The professional approach involves removing all affected boards and inspecting the underlying structure for additional damage. We replace rotted sections with matching materials, ensuring the new boards are properly sealed and treated to resist future moisture damage. For fences that show widespread rot, we often recommend strategic board replacement combined with better drainage solutions around the fence line. Installing a gravel border along your fence can significantly extend its lifespan by reducing moisture contact.

Broken or Loose Hardware

Metal components on your fence experience constant stress from wind, temperature changes, and the natural movement of wood. Gate hinges work loose, latch mechanisms fail, and fasteners rust through. These might seem like minor annoyances, but loose hardware accelerates wear on other fence components.

Professional repairs involve replacing old hardware with upgraded, corrosion-resistant alternatives. We don’t just tighten existing screws; we assess whether the mounting points have become compromised and reinforce them if necessary. For gates, this often means installing heavy-duty hinges designed for the gate’s weight and adding proper support bracing to prevent sagging.

Your Fence Deserves Expert Attention

Fence problems rarely fix themselves, and temporary solutions often cost more in the long run than proper repairs would have initially. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, aging materials, or installation issues from a previous owner, professional fence repair restores both function and curb appeal to your property.

The team at Luby Construction Group brings years of experience to every repair project, ensuring your fence stands strong for years to come. Ready to get your fence back in shape? Reach out to us today for a thorough assessment and honest recommendations about the best path forward for your specific situation.