December, 2021 - Denver Fence Company

Why Is My Fence Leaning? Answers from the Fence Repair Pros

A leaning fence is not only an eyesore, but it can cause safety issues. If you use your fence to keep people out of your yard or off your property, or to keep pets and children on your property, you need to get that fence standing upright again.

But before you can fix the problem, you have to know why it happened in the first place. While it’s most common for wood fences to lean, it can happen with vinyl fence, chain link, and even steel ornamental fence. Let’s take a look at the main causes:

Shoddy or lazy fence installation

Postholes not deep enough

Fence posts not secured properly

Fence posts rotting

Warped wood pickets or panels

Weather conditions

Improper Fence Installation Is the Biggest Cause of a Leaning Fence

Shoddy or lazy fence installation can result in a leaning fence within a year of installation. In most cases, this is because the installer (many times a DIY situation) didn’t dig the post holes deep enough. The taller the fence, the deeper the post holes need to be. For example, a 3’ fence needs holes about 18” deep, while a 6’ fence needs holes about 30” deep.

Most do-it-yourselfers don’t have the strength or proper equipment to dig holes that deep, and so they skimp. Big mistake. In addition, not securing fence posts with concrete and allowing it to cure properly can allow fence posts to move, allowing the fence to lean.

How to Fix a Leaning Fence

Most homeowners and commercial businesses leave this kind of thing to a fence repair company like us. But if you’re feeling especially handy, and have the tools and the time to try and fix a leaning fence yourself, here’s how.

First, take a look at the fence posts themselves, paying special attention to the base. If the post is entirely rotted or cracking, you will need to replace it.

Detach and brace the railings and wood panels attached to the post you need to replace.

Dig up all the soil around the fence post base.

Remove the post and concrete.

Dig down to the appropriate post hole depth.

Place the new post upright in the hole and use a level to ensure it is straight.

Line up the new post with the other fence posts using a level and tie a string to each post.

Pour a new concrete footing, making sure to slope the concrete away from the post to promote drainage.

Reattach the wood panels and railings.

Fence Posts Not Deep Enough

If your fence is leaning because a fence post is not deep enough, chances are none of the posts are anchored deep enough. In this situation, there may be a temporary fix for one section of the fence, but you may want to look into replacing the fence. That’s easier than taking apart the fence, digging all new holes, and putting everything back together again.

For the best solution, you’ll want to consult with a fence repair/fence installation company. Most companies will offer a free assessment and give their recommendations. Then you can decide whether repair or replacement is the best way to go.

Schedule Professional Fence Repair in the Denver Area

If your fence is leaning and looks like it might collapse any day now, we can help. In addition to fence installation, we provide fence repair services to homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Denver metro area. It doesn’t matter if we installed your fence or not. We can help you with:

Chain link fence repair

Fence post repair

Wood fence repair

Vinyl fence repair

Fence panel replacement

Gate repair

And more

For the fastest service, call us at (720) 418-8194. If it’s after hours, you can also use our contact form and we’ll get in touch the next business day.

Why Is My Fence Gate Dragging? Answers from the Fence Repair Pros

The regular opening and closing (slamming?) of a fence gate over the years can cause problems. The most common issue with fence gates is that they start to sag, and drag on the ground when you open or close them. Sure, you can lift the gate to clear the ground each time you open and close it, but that’s annoying, and not a permanent fix.

If you want to fix a sagging gate and you’re relatively handy, you can do it yourself. See the directions below. If you don’t have the tools, the energy, or the desire, call in the fence repair pros.

How to Fix a Sagging Fence Gate

Before you can fix a sagging gate, you have to know exactly what’s causing the sag. It may be something as simple as loose or missing screws at the hinges, in which case you just need to tighten or replace the screws.Other reasons for a sagging fence gate include:

Problems with the hinges
A lose or rotting gate post
Gravity

Here are the solutions for each of those problems. Two solutions are relatively simple, while the other will require some digging as well as mixing and pouring of cement.

1. Replace Hinges

The hinges may have also rusted out if it’s an old gate, in which case you simply need to replace the hinges. It’s also possible the original hinges were too small for the weight of the gate.

In this situation, unscrew the old hinges from the post and the gate. Before doing this, you’ll want to have your replacement hinges on hand, or plan a trip to the hardware store, taking the old hinges with you for reference. Once you have the new hinges, measure and drill new screw holes and attach the new hinges.

2. Replace Gate Post

If the hinges are fine, take a look at the gate post. If it is loose, leans, or is showing signs of rot or deterioration, you will need to replace it. Here’s how:

Remove the old gate post. You may need to partially dig it out before rocking it back and forth to loosen it enough that you can pull it out.
Dig a new hole (or deepen the existing hole) for the new post. The new hole should be at least 3’ feet deep so the new post stays solidly upright in the ground. You can rent or buy a post hole digger to make the job less difficult.
Next,pour a small amount of concrete in the hole, set the new post in the hole, and pour the rest of the concrete up to ground level, smoothing it away from the post to promote drainage. Use a level to make sure it’s straight and adjust as necessary. You have about 20 minutes to make adjustments before the concrete sets.
Let the gate post settle and the concrete cure for a couple of days before you re-hang the gate.

3. Install an Anti-Sag Gate Kit

If the hinges look good and there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the gate post, it may just be that gravity is to blame for a sagging gate. If this is the case, an anti-sag gate kit may be your answer. They’re available at big box stores and hardware stores, as well as online.

These kits include a cable, fittings, a turnbuckle, and all of the mounting hardware you will need. Just be sure you get a kit that fits your gate. When you have your kit, follow the directions carefully, attaching the brackets, turnbuckle, and cable, and tightening everything as directed. This tightening of the cable will eventually lift the bottom corner of the gate that is dragging off of the ground.

Schedule Fence Repair in the Denver Area

Depending on exactly what the problem is with your gate or fence, you might be able to fix it yourself. But if you want to ensure things are done right, schedule fence repair services with Denver Fence Company. We repair all types of fences and gates, including automatic gates, farm gates, yard gates, and more. We serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Denver metro area.

If your gate is damaged beyond repair (for example, if a vehicle hit it or a tree fell on it), we can replace it with an identical or similar gate, depending on the original. To get the fastest response, call (720) 418-8194. You can also use our contact form to let us know what you need, and we’ll be in touch by the next business day.