Fences can take a beating from the weather and everyday use. If your fence is showing signs of damage, it’s important to address them right away to avoid further problems.
The fence repair cost can vary based on the type and severity of damage. Some factors to consider include Fence material, fence height, and repair type. Contact Vantaoutdoors for more information.
A crack in a board is a sign that the material is aging and beginning to break down. Fortunately, this can be repaired without replacing the whole board. Whether you have particle board or plywood, the crack can be glued with polyurethane resin. This will keep the board strong and prevent problems with it cracking or splitting in half.
Start by sanding the area where the crack is located and then cleaning it with a damp cloth. This will remove any dirt or debris stuck to the board and make it easier for the resin to bond with the material.
After sanding and cleaning the area, apply the first layer of polyurethane resin. Allow this to cure overnight, then sand again with a fine grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and blends in with the rest of the board.
If you have a long crack in the board, you can reinforce it with fiberglass and resin. This will prevent the crack from spreading further down the board. You can buy fiberglass mats that are pre-cut in circles that fit the size of a crack. You can also use epoxy to attach the fiberglass to the crack in the board.
Another option is to add a second layer of epoxy and fiberglass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and causing more damage to the board. This method requires more work, but it is a stronger and longer-lasting solution.
Alternatively, you can try to patch the crack with wood putty. This will be less time-consuming and will probably be as effective, although it may not look quite as nice. Depending on the type of board, you can also try to repair it by grafting it back together. This is a difficult process and requires advanced woodworking skills. If you are attempting this, it is best to use old salvaged boards that will match the original color and texture of the board to ensure a good match.
You can also try to glue the cracked board with polyurethane glue or gorilla glue. These types of glue are designed for porous materials like wood and particle board, and they will stick to the surfaces very well. However, if the crack is very deep or runs down a knot in the wood, it may not be possible to fix it with this method.
Rotting or Cracked Posts
The wooden fence posts that support your yard’s perimeter can rot over time due to age, weather and moisture. A rotting post can be a safety hazard and may also affect the structural integrity of your entire fence. If you’re unsure whether your wood fence posts are rotted, look for signs of rot: if the wood crumbles in your hands or if rot, mold and/or termite damage covers more than about 30% of the post surface, you’ll likely need to replace it.
A rotting post can cause the rest of your fence to lean, creating an uneven look in your yard. If the post is still standing, you can fix it by shoring up the soil around it to help keep it upright. This type of fence repair is relatively quick and easy.
If a fence post has rotted and the ground is in such poor condition that it’s unable to support a new footer, you’ll need to dig out the existing concrete base and remove the old post. Then, a new footer can be laid and the new post set in place, using concrete that sets within an hour.
Unlike the wooden fence boards, which can be replaced individually or in groups, replacing a rotted or cracked post is a much more involved process. If the crack is very deep, it’s best to have it professionally drilled out and filled with an epoxy glue that dries quickly and has good adhesion. If the crack is not too deep, a waterproof glue like powdered resin or polyurethane works well.
When a post is sagging or damaged, you can often repair it by straightening it and/or replacing the rails. First, make sure the post is stable by digging out the soil at the base and bracing it until it’s vertical. Then, reattach the rails and paint or stain the board as needed.
If a panel of the fence is damaged, you can replace it with a simple DIY solution that requires a reciprocating saw, a drill/driver and some self-tapping metal screws. Screw blocks of wood to the fence on either side of the damaged panel and underneath the bottom rail. Remove the screws holding the panel to the posts, then let it fall onto the blocks to remove the old panel and set a new one.
Broken or Broken Rails
Broken rails are responsible for more train derailments than any other problem, and they have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life. As a result, railroad companies have invested in technology that allows them to detect rail defects before they develop into broken rails. But even with the most advanced forms of testing, it is not possible to catch every defect.
One of the problems is that today’s hard, higher quality rail does not deform as much as the softer rails used even 40 years ago, and this creates stress within the metal. This stress can lead to minute cracks that start out too small to be detected, but then they grow rapidly as trains go over them. This is why it is so important that railroads use the most advanced methods available to detect rail flaws.
The best method to detect a broken rail is by visual inspection of the surface of the track. A railroad employee will walk alongside the track and look for any abnormalities. This can include a depression on the top of the track, a crack forming at a bolt hole or other surface irregularities. In addition, a test device can be used that outputs data in real time. This can detect surface flaws but does not pick up on any internal defects.
It is also not unusual for a broken rail to be discovered after a train has departed the track segment. This will typically leave a track occupancy light on the Dispatcher’s model board and trains will continue to operate through the track segment at Restricted Speed, in accordance with the rules that apply when a dispatcher is unable to line up a signal into the track segment.
This is why it is particularly important that a good quality rail is selected for use in split rail fences. If the rail is weak and breaks under the stress of a train, the fence will need to be replaced. This is not a job for the average home owner to attempt. It requires a high level of knowledge and training to be able to safely replace a split rail.
Broken or Broken Gates
A broken gate can be an eyesore and also a safety hazard. Trying to force the gate to open or close can lead to bigger damage and possibly injuries or accidents. It’s important to contact a bonded security repair professional to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Most gates are designed to work with latches that are pulled or pushed. If your latch isn’t working properly, a quick fix is to nail two small poles on either side of the latch hole. The metal latch will catch between the poles for a temporary solution.
It’s also important to have a regular maintenance routine for your gates and fence. Keeping them clean and lubricated can help prevent them from becoming damaged or stuck in place. Regularly checking for loose screws and bolts, dust, dirt or spider webs can make it easier to use the gate without any issues.
Depending on the type of gate and fence, some can be repaired by simply using WD-40 or grease. Others may need more involved repairs or replacement parts. For example, if the gate is made from wood, it might need to be replaced if there is significant damage and/or rotted sections. However, if the gate is metal, it might be able to be repaired by welding.
For a gated community, it’s often a good idea to invest in a system that can capture footage of vehicles entering and exiting the gates. These systems can then be used to identify and track vehicle owners who tailgate and cause gate damage. This can help the community recoup gate repair costs from the driver responsible for the damages.
Taking the time to regularly evaluate and maintain your fence can help keep it in better shape for longer, which can save you money in the long run. Whether you need minor repair work or a complete rebuild, an experienced and professional fence company can advise you on what is best for your property and budget. They can even offer a variety of preventative measures to protect your investment. So, if your fence is in need of repair or a new gate, don’t hesitate to call a reputable company for a free estimate.