Fence repair, gates and replacement
Rot, wind, falling limbs and a gate that won't close: here's how to tell whether your fence needs a fix or a fresh start.
Most fence repair calls around Clarksville trace back to two things: posts rotting in wet ground and storms. A post that's soft at the soil line can hold for years, then fail all at once the first time a thunderstorm pushes on a solid privacy fence. Falling limbs, vehicles backing into fences and dogs digging under them make up most of the rest.
What usually breaks?
- Posts. Wood rots just below grade where moisture collects, especially when concrete was poured flat or below the soil and holds water against the post.
- Rails and pickets. Boards split, warp and pull off rails as they dry and get wet again.
- Storm damage. Wind lays solid sections down; limbs crush chain link and vinyl.
- Gates. The heaviest-used part of any fence, and the first to sag.
Repair or replace?
| What you see | Usually |
|---|---|
| A few broken pickets or a cracked panel | Repair |
| One or two leaning or snapped posts | Repair: replace the posts |
| Most posts soft or leaning down the run | Replace the fence |
| Chain link with a bent rail or torn fabric | Repair the section |
| Fence already patched several times | Plan a replacement |
Why gates sag, and how they're fixed
- Weak hinge post. The hinge post carries the whole gate. It should be heavier and deeper than a line post, and is often replaced with steel.
- Missing brace. A wood gate needs a diagonal brace running up from the bottom hinge corner, or an anti-sag cable kit.
- Light hardware. Wide gates need heavy-duty hinges, and double drive gates need a drop rod to hold the inactive leaf.
- Wrong width. A gate that's too wide for its frame will always droop. Two narrower leaves may work better.
After a storm
Take photos of the damage before anything is moved, especially if you might file an insurance claim. Keep pets inside or leashed until the gap is closed, and stay clear of panels hanging by a few fasteners. Watch for downed power lines tangled in fences and report them to your utility instead of touching anything. When the contractor comes out, ask them to check the posts along the whole run, not just the section that fell.
Replacing an old fence
A replacement normally includes tearing out the old fence, pulling or cutting off old footings, hauling away debris and setting new posts. Ask whether new posts go in fresh holes beside the old ones, and confirm the 811 locate is part of the job.
Every fence is priced after a contractor walks the property, marks the line, checks the slope, the soil and the gate spots, and hears what you want the fence to do. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear before someone has seen the yard is a guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Will homeowners insurance pay for a storm-damaged fence?
It depends on your policy, the cause and your deductible. Photograph the damage and call your insurer before the fence is removed.
Can a sagging gate be fixed without replacing it?
Often. A new hinge post, heavier hinges or a brace or cable kit fixes many gates. A rotted or badly racked gate is usually better replaced.
Related services
More background: Clarksville fence guide.
Storm knock a section flat, or ready to fence in the backyard?
Call the number above and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.