Does Your Front Fence Need A Facelift? Good Fences Make for Increased Curb Appeal

"Good fences make good neighbors," wrote Robert Frost. However, a rotting, dilapidated fence can be an eyesore for your neighbors and detract from the curb appeal of your home. If you installed the fence yourself, you know how much work went into it and will probably not want to tear it down and start all over. And you may not need to. Even if your fence or gate seems beyond hope, take heart, there still is a good chance it can be mended.

Basic Upkeep

A quick note: Even if your fence is relatively new or not in bad shape, you can avoid a lengthy mending job in your future by doing some basic maintenance throughout the year. These tips can drastically reduce damage from the elements, and therefore, the number of hours you will have to spend doing repairs.

• Paint or stain your fence or gate every year or two. Always use exterior grade paint of a high quality. Skimping here will eventually cost you more in repair costs and time. The right paint will protect the wood from moisture seepage, the cause of most damage. Click here for advice on paint color.
• Trim excess vegetation regularly. Even though green is gorgeous, vegetation keeps moisture in the wood and that causes rot, infestations and other problems.
• Insects of varying sorts like to take up residence in the exposed areas of your fence, so treat rotting spots with a wood preservative as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, rot will eventually spread.

Keep in mind that if your posts are installed into the ground without the support of concrete, your fence may be especially prone to rotting. Rotting will start from the ground up, eventually destroying the entire structure.

To Mend a Post

Tools:

• Shovel
• Cordless drill
• Bolt

Supplies:

• Beveled stakes (2X4s will probably do)

Step 1: To stabilize a rotting post not set in concrete, start by digging around the post, about 2 ft. deep.

Step 2: Next, drive the beveled side of the stakes into the ground on opposite sides of the post.

Step 3: Treat the rotting post and stakes with a wood preservative.

Step 4: Using a cordless drill and long bit, bore holes through the first stake, post, and the other stake.

Step 5: Bolt the stakes to the post.

If the post is unstable or the fence is sagging, examine it carefully. If rot has begun to creep up from the ground, the post probably needs to be replaced. You will need a post digger to remove it from the ground. Click here for information on how to install a new post.

Reinforcing your Fence

Typically, repairing damaged rails can be achieved in a couple of ways. First, use a chisel to remove all signs of rot.

• Steel Brackets: If rails have become loose where they join with the post, reinforce them with steel T-shaped brackets that can be installed easily with a cordless drill and galvanized screws. To deter future rot, apply a bead of butyl caulk where the T-bracket meets the wood. T-brackets can be painted the same color as your fence so they don't stand out, but you may have to touch them up a bit more often.
• Prop it up: Sagging rails can be propped up using a short piece of wood. Simply place the wood underneath the rail where it meets the post. (For a visual, it will sit in the upper corner.) Drive the piece of wood to the post using long, galvanized nails.

The Cure for the Sagging Gate

If your gate starts to sag or drag inspect it carefully starting with the posts. Are they level? To confirm, use a post level.

If one (or both) of the posts are rotted, they need to be replaced. Again, you will need a post digger to remove them. It may be that the post has become loose in the ground or concrete. If this is the case, the post needs to be reinstalled.

If the posts seem like they are in good shape, the problem is the gate. If the joints have become loose over time, they can be reinforced with steel T- or L-shaped brackets.

Other Quick Fixes

Hinges: If the "door" or swinging portions of your fence seem to be sagging, it may be that you need to consider installing longer hinges. This will give the door of your gate a little more support.

Wood brace: To reinforce the entire gate, install a diagonal brace or cross ('X') brace. Measure the distance between the top right corner of the gate to the bottom left corner. Drive galvanized nails into the wood from the sides, through your brace and up into the gate.

Mending your fence may seem like a chore but, once the chore is done, you'll be glad you brought out the Tom Sawyer in yourself!

Related Links:
More Advice for Maintaining a Fence
Install an Inviting Front Gate
Build a Pathway Arbor