Looking for fence repairs in Katy? Discover the ultimate guide to maintaining your fence with tips from a Katy fence company. Keep your property secure!
Your fence is often the first line of defense against the outside world and an integral part of your home's exterior aesthetics. However, it may sometimes require a little TLC to maintain. Whether general wear and tear or the subtropical climate with harsh rain that has taken a toll, here are a few things to consider from our Katy fence company based on the type of material your fence is constructed from.
Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are challenging but must be routinely inspected and repaired. Most repairs are straightforward, so Fort Bend businesses choose chain links to secure their property. The most common chain link repairs are the posts and rails; they are notably weaker than, say, wood posts. Wooden posts rot, but the metal posts can also be damaged easily. Replacing the post should not be much of a struggle. The 2nd most common issue with chain link fences is snapped links, which is not surprising since it’s the main component of your fence. Broken links typically occur up top or near the post. Holes in links are another form of repair, so I recommend keeping a simple link repair kit for these moments; they should provide all you need to fix the holes. If you cannot find the chain link kit at the local hardware store, consider cutting out a small replacement section from wire mesh to patch the hole. The last tidbit of repairs is sagging; when there is a loose post, the fence will begin to sag; fix things as you see them; do not procrastinate. My solution to sagging chain-link fences is to remove the loose post that caused the issue, pour a bag of concrete into the hole to establish a stronger foundation, and then use struts to secure the post. Ta-Dah, your fence should be as good as new to protect your property.
Wooden Fence Repairs- Katy
The average lifecycle of Cedar is 25 years, Pine 8 years.
The first step to maintaining your Fort Bend fence is to walk the perimeter and look to see if your fence is straight. Are there loose boards, wobbly posts, or missing nails? How much money will you invest to rekindle your love for your fence? My rule is that if a fence needs more than 25 linear feet repaired, it’s time to say goodbye and build a new fence. Even though you may inspect your fence regularly, chances are you will encounter one or more fence-related issues. Some of the most common problems are a leaning fence or loose panels. Adverse soil conditions, impact damage, and weak fence posts cause this. If you face high winds, you may need to return the post to its original position; if there are soil issues, contact a Fort Bend landscaper for a short-term solution and put down stones or gravel in problem areas around your fence until you can call a professional.
Another damage is fallen tree limbs; replace the boards immediately. Another issue starts with not setting your post holes deep enough; setting post holes creates a solid foundation. Post always needs to be concreted in with a 50-pound bag of concrete per post. If you have a wobbly post that is broken or rotted, replace it; if it's losing, you can splint it with a pair of stakes or pour a new concrete base; this is the better option.
The biggest threat to a wooden fence is wood rot and insect damage. Wet rot occurs because wooden fences are in contact with moisture due to rainfall or lawn sprinklers; as your fence succumbs to wet rot, it can become soft and crack. Fungal growth may appear, and the wood may develop an odor. Dry rot occurs when your fence loses its natural oils in the wood; this is inevitable due to our wind and sun. As the protective oils fade, your fence can become brittle and break easily. This is one reason why choosing the suitable wood, not the cheapest, is best; over time, you get what you paid for.
Anytime you see rotted fence posts or boards, replace them quickly. If a fungus causes rot, replacing the wood to prevent the spread from further destroying your fence is essential.
Also, keep in mind that pressure-treated wood is not resistant to water intrusion, so any steps you can take to minimize exposure will help prolong the life of your fence. Start by adjusting the sprinkler system so that it does not get the wood wet, which can lead to rot and moss growth. Trim the bushes and vines so they do not hang on your fence. The vines will keep the wood from moisture, which can lead to rot. Make sure the area around the fence has proper draining so water does not pool around the post. The soil at the base of each post should be firmly packed and slope away from the fence.
Three Simple Steps to Replace Fence Panel
1. Remove the cracked or damaged panel; a panel should be 8 feet long. To remove it, remove the screws or nails; if fastened to a horizontal beam, use a pry bar to pop out the nails. You can also hammer the backside to expose a gap between the beams. Then, use the pry bar to remove the damaged piece.
2. Take your tape measure and determine the length of the panel, replace pieces that must match up, and then use a skilled saw to cut the desired size. A DIY could cut two pieces of wood equal to the distance between panels, position it precisely as you hold up the replacement panel, and use the circles as your guide. While holding the new panel against the beam, put two circles on each side between the new panel and the adjacent panel. This will help you position the new panel correctly. Mark the beam with a pencil on either side of the new panel.
3. Use two screws or nails per beam to hold the panel to it, making a total of four fastening points. Hold the panel against the beam and get it vertically positioned by having a small length of wood atop the panel. Remember the pencil marks you made, then mark the panel insert beams. As you hold it into position, make four mall pilot holes using the screwdriver and a tiny drill bit; make sure to drill into the beam. With the holes drilled and the vertical and horizontal positioning correct, preset all four screws or nails into the panel just enough for the tip to protrude. Place the pane in the proper position; the tip of the screw should fit into the holes. Screw in or hammer the top two screws halfway and do the same at the bottom. Once you are sure it is appropriately set, tighten the screws completely.
Vinyl Repairs – Lifecycle 15 to 30 years
Most vinyl fences are durable and can sustain our stormy season without damages or accidents; replacing fence sections or panels is costly, but small projects such as holes and cracks are affordable. Generally, using a kit costs about $40 and gives you the supplies a Fort Bend homeowner needs to do a sufficient job. To fix holes, use plastic automotive body filler; the filler will not compromise your fence's integrity and will adhere quickly if the surface is clean. It will also be far less expensive than replacing an entire panel. Another common repair is post sleeves; vinyl sleeves are hollow by design; sometimes, you can slide these over 4X4 wooden posts for added stability and visual appeal. Depending on the damage you may need to replace, they are low cost. For surface scratches or holes, use a patch or kit.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair the sleeve, the wooden post, or both. Replacing the sleeve is a more common practice when considering the low cost of the part. The loose post you will want to reset may require concrete. The next thing I will share is how to repair holes; this is not as effective, but it will still get the job done.
Three Simple Steps to Fix Vinyl Holes
1. Wipe away dirt using clean water and Dawn dish soap; rinse and dry before sanding. Using medium-grit sandpaper, smooth the surface about 3 inches around the hole you want to repair. Then, take the foam and fill holes until the spray comes out of the hole—dry overnight.
2. The following day, remove the access foam with a coping saw, smooth the surface with sandpaper, and create a dent in the foam. Now wipe with a damp cloth. Now, take a scraper to fill the hole with plastic filler and smooth it. Use your sandpaper to smooth it and keep the filler level at your fence's surface.
3. Wipe the area again and apply plastic spray paint
When in Doubt, Call Our Katy Fence Company
If you have noticed that the fence projects are too time-consuming or need a helping hand, then I encourage you to contact a skilled and knowledgeable fence contractor. While many larger fence companies do not want to be hassled with minor repairs, Emerson Home Enhancement started doing minor repairs over twenty years ago, so if you are searching for a Katy fence company and would like to have us come out to give you a free quote, give us a call today at 281-545-7740