The Complete Guide to Fence Repair: When to DIY and When to Call Pros

Understanding Fence Damage: Causes and Assessment

Before diving into repairs, it's important to understand what causes fence damage and how to properly assess the extent of the problem. This knowledge helps you determine whether a DIY approach is feasible or if professional intervention is necessary.

Common causes of fence damage include:

• Weather Exposure: Wind, rain, snow, and UV radiation gradually degrade fencing materials
• Ground Movement: Frost heave, soil erosion, and settling can cause posts to lean or shift
• Impact Damage: Vehicles, falling branches, or lawn equipment collisions
• Pest Damage: Insects (particularly termites and carpenter ants) and wildlife
• Age and Wear: All fencing materials eventually deteriorate with time
• Poor Installation: Inadequate post depth, improper concrete footings, or low-quality materials

How to Assess Fence Damage

Start with a thorough inspection of your fence, looking for these common issues:

• Post Condition: Check for leaning, rotting, or loose posts
• Panel/Picket Damage: Look for broken, warped, or missing boards
• Hardware Issues: Inspect for rusted or missing screws, nails, and brackets
• Gate Problems: Test for sagging, misalignment, or hardware failures
• Structural Integrity: Gently push on sections to test stability
• Surface Damage: Note areas with peeling paint, stain, or severe weathering

Thoroughly inspect your fence to identify all damage before beginning repairs

Pro Tip: Document your fence inspection with photos. This helps you track damage over time and provides useful reference points if you decide to consult with professionals.

DIY-Friendly Fence Repairs

Many common fence issues can be successfully tackled by homeowners with basic tools and moderate DIY skills. Here are repairs that typically fall within the DIY category:

1. Replacing Damaged Pickets or Boards

Basic Steps:

1. Remove the damaged board by pulling out nails or unscrewing fasteners
2. Measure the space and cut the replacement board to match
3. Position the new board, ensuring it's level and properly aligned
4. Secure with appropriate fasteners (galvanized nails or exterior screws)

Pro Tip: When replacing wood fence boards, consider pre-drilling holes to prevent splitting, especially near the ends of boards.

2. Tightening or Replacing Hardware

Basic Steps:

1. Identify loose or damaged hardware
2. Tighten existing fasteners if they're in good condition
3. Replace any rusted or damaged hardware with new, weather-resistant versions
4. For gate hardware, adjust as needed to ensure proper alignment and function

Pro Tip: Always use exterior-grade, corrosion-resistant hardware. Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners cost more initially but will save you from premature hardware failure.

3. Fixing Sagging Gates

Basic Steps:

1. Remove the gate from its hinges if necessary
2. Install a diagonal brace from the top hinge side to the bottom latch side
3. Alternatively, install a commercial anti-sag kit with a tension rod
4. Adjust gate hardware to ensure proper alignment
5. Consider adding a wheel to the bottom of large gates for additional support

Pro Tip: The weight of a gate naturally pulls it downward over time. Installing a diagonal brace running from the top hinge side down to the bottom latch side counteracts this force.

4. Surface Repairs and Refinishing

Basic Steps:

1. Clean the fence thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint/stain
2. Allow to dry completely
3. Sand rough areas and remove any splinters (for wood fences)
4. Apply appropriate finish:
   • Wood: Stain and/or sealant
   • Metal: Rust converter followed by paint
   • Vinyl: Specialized vinyl cleaner and protectant

Pro Tip: When refinishing wood fences, apply stain or sealant when the temperature is between 50-90°F and no rain is expected for at least 24 hours. Avoid application in direct sunlight for the most even results.

When to Call the Professionals

While many fence repairs are DIY-friendly, some situations call for professional expertise. Here are scenarios where calling a fence contractor is typically the best course of action:

1. Post Replacement or Repair

Warning Signs You Need Professional Post Repair:

• Posts that wobble or move when pushed
• Significant leaning (more than a few degrees)
• Rotting at ground level
• Concrete footings that have heaved above ground level

Professional fence post installation ensures proper depth and alignment

2. Major Structural Repairs

Signs You Need Professional Structural Repair:

• Multiple sections leaning or failing simultaneously
• Damage affecting more than 20-30% of the fence
• Fence line that has shifted due to ground movement
• Severe storm or impact damage

3. Complex Gate Repairs

When to Seek Professional Gate Help:

• Automated or electric gate malfunctions
• Gates that won't close or latch properly despite basic adjustments
• Heavy gates (over 50 pounds) that need rebuilding
• Security gate installations or upgrades

4. Specialized Material Repairs

Materials That Often Require Professional Repair:

• Ornamental iron or aluminum with welded components
• Vinyl fencing with severe damage or specialized components
• Stone or masonry elements
• Composite materials with manufacturer-specific installation methods

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Repairs

Understanding the cost implications can help you make an informed decision about whether to DIY or hire a professional:

DIY Repair Costs

Sample DIY Costs:

• Replacing 3-5 wood fence pickets: $20-50 in materials
• Gate hardware replacement: $15-75 depending on quality
• Refinishing 100 linear feet of wood fence: $100-300 in materials
• Anti-sag gate kit installation: $25-50 plus your time

Professional Repair Costs

Sample Professional Costs:

• Single post replacement: $150-300
• Gate repair and adjustment: $150-400
• Section replacement (8-10 feet): $300-800 depending on material
• Comprehensive refinishing: $3-7 per linear foot

Value Consideration: While professional repairs cost more upfront, they often last longer and prevent future problems, potentially offering better long-term value.

DIY Fence Repair: Essential Tools and Materials

If you decide to tackle repairs yourself, having the right tools and materials is essential for success:

Basic Tool Kit for Fence Repairs

• Safety Equipment: Gloves, safety glasses, ear protection
• Measuring Tools: Tape measure, level, string line
• Hand Tools: Hammer, pry bar, screwdrivers (Phillips and flat), pliers, adjustable wrench
• Power Tools: Drill/driver with bits, circular saw or miter saw
• Digging Tools: Post hole digger, shovel, digging bar (for minor post work)
• Finishing Tools: Paintbrushes, rollers, or sprayer

Material Considerations by Fence Type

Different fence types require specific materials for proper repairs:

Wood Fence Repair Materials

• Matching lumber (same species, dimensions, and treatment)
• Exterior-grade screws or galvanized nails
• Exterior wood glue for minor repairs
• Wood preservative for cut ends
• Appropriate stain, paint, or sealant

Vinyl Fence Repair Materials

• Matching vinyl components (ideally from the original manufacturer)
• Vinyl fence adhesive or cement
• UV-resistant vinyl cleaner
• Specialized vinyl fasteners

Chain Link Fence Repair Materials

• Matching gauge wire and mesh
• Tension bars and bands
• Hog rings and pliers
• Galvanized pipe for rail repairs
• Fence ties

Metal/Ornamental Fence Repair Materials

• Touch-up paint matching your fence color
• Rust converter and primer
• Replacement pickets or components
• Appropriate fasteners (often specialized)

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Future Repairs

The best way to minimize fence repairs is through regular preventative maintenance:

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Material-Specific Maintenance Tips

Each fencing material has specific maintenance needs:

• Wood: Reseal or restain every 2-3 years; inspect annually for rot or insect damage
• Vinyl: Clean with mild soap solution annually; check for cracks from temperature extremes
• Metal: Touch up paint chips promptly to prevent rust; lubricate moving parts annually
• Chain Link: Check tension periodically; inspect for rust at connection points

Regular cleaning helps maintain vinyl fencing and prevents staining

The Epic Fences Repair Advantage

At Epic Fences, we understand that sometimes DIY repairs make sense, while other situations call for professional expertise. We're here to help either way.

Our fence repair services include:

• Free repair assessments and honest recommendations
• Detailed estimates with no hidden costs
• Expert repairs for all fence types
• Emergency repair services
• Maintenance programs to prevent future issues
• DIY advice and guidance when appropriate

We also offer repair consultations where our experts can guide you through DIY repairs if you prefer to handle the work yourself but want professional advice.

Contact Epic Fences today to discuss your fence repair needs. We serve homeowners throughout Cañon City, Pueblo, Fountain, Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas with expert repair services for all fence types.