Repairing Fences

A fence is used to protect your home and other private property from intruders and stray animals. Although a fence is similar to a wall except its construction (a wall is usually built for same purpose and is made up of concrete materials like bricks, stones), a fence is made up of light materials like wood, metal, wires etc. Among these various types of fences, wood fences are most defenseless. For example, a heavy rain, heat blow, wind, snow, can cause wood decay, you need to often repair fencing. And for these types of occasions, you may need help. So here you go...



Basic Methods of Repairing Fences



According to your budget, you can purchase timber wood to repair fencing. Timber is more resistant than any other wood and it is especially useful for underground fencing. As timber wood is costly, you may prefer to choose redwood or cedar as alternatives.



You can preserve fencing above ground level by applying paint to it. Note that wood fences are mainly destructed by rot, too. Hence frequent use of water destroys under ground fencing.



Fence Rails Repair



• Before repairing, you have to saturate damaged areas and 2x4s freely by using wood preservatives. This helps to prevent spreading of rot.



• You have to give a support the rail with a cleat. First the rail should be at level. Then a 2x4 should be fitted comfortably under the ground.



• Neatly seal the seams at the top and sides of the wood.



• T-braces are more useful to repair wood fences. After leveling the rail, pierce point holes into the rail and the post.



• Fit the T-braces into the rail using galvanized screws. Seal the joint.



• Apply paint of your choice to the T-braces.



Fence Sections Repair



After cutting 2X4 rails, measure and cut each rail individually. Then tighten both the ends of the rails together.



To fit a rail in between each pair of post, measure and cut 2X4 bottom rail. Fit the rails flat between the posts. They should be slightly 12 inches up from grade level. The bottom rails should be nailed into a place with 10d galvanized nail at angle through the post of fence. To keep rails even use a level.



Measure and cut the fence boards of uniform length and their distance should be equal from the bottom of the bottom rail to the top of the top nail.



Fence Screening Repair



It’s very easy and time saving job to replace broken or rotted screening. The length and width of new piece you want to fit in place of the old should measure the same as per entire piece that icnludes the bad section.



While replacing pickets, use cut board against broken pickets. Draw the top onto a new board.



Hammer out broken pieces and take away them from rails.



Fit new picket against the rails and align it.



Paint new one as per old one.



Fence Post Repair



Pressure treated cedar, lumber should be used. A long pair of 2X4s is needed.



Cut one end of 2X4, and fit it into the ground with opposite sides of post.



Through each 2X4s and the post, pierce two holes. Then attach together with galvanized bolts.



Likewise, fence gates can be repaired. If your gate becomes loose or not closing properly, you need to check the hinges first. If they are loose, broken, replace them with heavier one. Do proper checking frequently whether screws are loose or broken.