A fence installation in Leeds that’s in need of repair is one that’s not adding value, beauty, or security to the home or business property it’s located on. When done properly, fence repair can be a cost-effective way to breathe more life into a fence that’s designed well enough to retain its appealing qualities.
‘Wear and Tear’ Damage
Over the years, even a top-quality fence can be affected by everything from seasonal changes in temperature to sap dripping from adjacent trees. Depending on how a fence is positioned, wear may be uneven or relegated to certain spots. If this is the case, repairs may involve:
- Replacing worn outposts
- Replacing damaged panels or rails
- Cleaning surface materials to restore the original color or texture
- Realigning posts that have shifted
- Replacing rusted brackets and hinges
Accidents Happen
Fences sometimes became damaged when the unexpected happens. For some homeowners, this type of damage might involve a vehicle running into part of fence. A homeowner having improvements made may also accidentally damage a fence. Even children playing in a backyard sometimes cause unintended damage to one or more fence sections. The good news is fence repair techniques are often effective with this type of damage.
Determining What’s Salvageable
The first step often taken with repairs is to determine what can be salvaged and what’s too damaged to save or reuse. For instance, a rail on a wooden fence that’s pulled loose from one or more posts may be correctable with metal T-braces if it’s not rotted. After it’s determined what can be saved and what needs to be replaced, the next step is to use the right combination of replacement parts and repair methods.
Dismantling and Rebuilding
Some repairs to fences involve dismantling and rebuilding sections. With a wood fence, this could require newly cut rails that extend either from one post to the adjacent one or across multiple sections. If there will be boards on both sides, the boards are placed so boards on one side cover spaces left by boards on the other side. Rusty nails can be replaced with zinc-coated galvanized nails to further ensure a newly repaired fence is securely held together.
Replacing Broken or Rotted Screening
When rotted screening needs to be replaced, the process involves hammering out the damaged pieces and prying them away from the rails. After the new board or picket is set against the rails and aligned, galvanized nails are used to secure it. The new pieces can also be painted so they match the rest of the fence.
Repairing Fence Posts
Just because a post is loose or wobbling doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be replaced. In some cases, simply resetting the post is all that’s needed. But if the post itself is damaged, the entire post will likely need to be replaced. If the post only needs to be secured again, a new concrete base should suffice; otherwise, the post would need to be dug out and replaced before being secured with a new base.
Repairing Fence Gates
A gate that won’t open or close correctly may only need new hinges. If this doesn’t do the trick, it may be necessary to shimmy under the bottom hinge to correct issues with sagging or misalignment. Another option is to run the wire along with a heavy-duty turnbuckle from screw to screw. The final option is to simply install a new gate.
Being proactive with fence repair also means homeowners can enjoy an added boost in curb appeal and property value. Plus, a fence that’s been properly repaired and topped off with a fresh coat of paint can literally be one that’s as good as new.
