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Repairing a Wood Fence

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Wood fencing is more susceptible to damage than perhaps any other type of fence. The elements can really take their toll over the years, even if the wood has protective staining on it. That's why it's important, when installing a fence or replacing parts of one, to use the most rot-resistant wood available to you, with pressure-treated lumber being the very best option. Read on to get some tips for diagnosing and repairing damage to wood fences.

Fence Rails and Sections

If you have a fence rail (the horizontal piece) that's pulled away from a fence post, the repair is relatively simple. First, saturate the damaged area with wood preservative to prevent rot. Next, you'll need to make a support for the rail to help hold it in place. Take a scrap of 2x4 (two-square inches or so should do fine) and nail into place just under the spot where the rail meets the fence post, so the rail is resting firmly on top of it. Finish by nailing downward through the rail into the new brace. You can also caulk the joint to help secure the bond.

If the rail is rotten or damaged beyond repair, you'll need to replace it. The company that supplied your fence in the first place may have replacement lumber. If not, you can probably cut an adequate replacement piece from 2x4 construction lumber. Remove the damaged rail using a crowbar, being careful not to damage any other part of the fence. Then, simply nail the new rail into place. Fence boards can then be nailed into the new rail.

Another problem is rotten fence boards (the vertical boards that are nailed into the rails). Rotten fence boards are easy enough to remove and replace. Just get the appropriate replacement pieces from a fence manufacturer or home improvement store.

Fence Posts

If you have a loose fence post, first you need to diagnose the problem. It's possible that the concrete holding it in place has broken up, or the post itself could be cracked or rotted. The former can be fixed easily enough by simply pouring a new concrete base over the old one. Cracked or rotted wood is probably best replaced, but you can also try creating a pair of splints to steady it.

Again, it's a good idea to saturate the area with wood preservative. Then, cut a pair of 2x4s long enough to reach from above the cracked or rotted portion of the post to the ground, going at a 45-degree angle to the post. You'll also need two wooden stakes into which you will screw the splints. The wooden stakes should go deep enough into the ground that they won't come loose. Setting them so they extend beyond the frost line of the ground should do the trick. The two splints should be screwed into adjacent sides of the post, just above the spot that's cracked or rotted, and into the wooden stakes. Placing the splints at perpendicular angles to each other, in this way, will maximize the support they give the post.

Fence Gate

Over time the wear and tear of usage and gravity may cause the gate of your fence to sag. Or, perhaps, the hardware is just worn out. In either case, the best solution is to replace the hardware. When doing so, it's a good idea to drill new holes in the gateposts for the new hardware, as the old holes probably won't hold as firmly as they once did. As stated above, rotten wood will either need to be braced or replaced.

In addition to these repairs, a fresh coat of stain every few years can work wonders for the integrity (and look) of your fence. The right kind of stain can help protect your fence from the elements. However, in the event of any further damage to your fence, you already know what to do to fix it!

Adam Mandelbaum  Posted by Adam Mandelbaum on January 7, 2013

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