Depending on how badly they are damaged, some fence posts will pull right out of the ground. If the wood crumbles in your hands or the rot or termite damage covers more than about 30% of the post, you will need to replace the entire post. However you are likely to have a wood post that was just recently broken and has not rotted yet.
Is it difficult to replace a fence post?
Keep in mind that replacing fence posts is also more difficult and expensive than replacing pickets or panels because the posts need to be dug out of the ground, and often, they’re mounted in cement. If you have several fence posts in need of replacement, consider an entire fence overhaul.
Should I repair or replace a damaged fence?
When damage to fencing is discovered, the first decision is whether to repair or replace it. Common fence repair projects include replacing a rotted post or rail on a wood fence, replacing a damaged post on a metal or vinyl fence, and bracing a leaning fence post.
Can you replace a rotted Redwood fence post?
The original redwood fence post was rotted away at the bottom. The challenge in replacing an existing fence post is the block of concrete that is left in the ground. Either the block needs to be removed or a new post hole dug adjacent to it.
Do you have to dig dirt to fix a broken fence post?
No need to dig or move dirt whatsoever. Put that fence hole digger away and try our vinyl fence repair kits to fix those posts instead. Also if you have a wood fence post try out fence post mender to repair that cracked or rotted fence post timber in minutes without having to remove any concrete.
How long do fence posts last?
If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts. When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first.
Can you reuse old fence posts?
To recap, reusing fence posts as fence posts should only be done if the wood isn't too old, is sturdy, and isn't rotten. If it is too old, not sturdy, or part of it had to be removed because of rot then use the wood for decoration or small structures like short fences or garden hose stands.
How often should fence be replaced?
With proper maintenance, your fence should be expected to last anywhere between 20 to 50 years, depending on the material. If your fence is older than you are, it's probably time for a new one! Damage isn't the only reason to replace your fence.
How do I keep my fence post from rotting?
1:515:33How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right keV you all ready yep we're gonna do it just take it slide the whole section out bring itMoreAll right keV you all ready yep we're gonna do it just take it slide the whole section out bring it out oh how bad was that huh.
How do you replace a fence post without removing concrete?
The best way to replace a fence post without removing the concrete footing is by prying it out. You can do this with a long lever and fulcrum or a car jack. In either case, nail some wood to the post first to pry against and then get to work. Pry until the post releases from the concrete and comes all the way out.
Can I reuse a fence post with concrete on it?
Posts with concrete at the base are the most difficult to remove and reuse because the concrete base is larger than the post, which makes pulling it up through the ground much harder.
Do fences increase home value?
Fencing increases the value of your home by a fraction of the price of the fencing. If you have a $10,000 fence installed, your home value is likely to go up $6,000 or so. you want to make sure that fencing is in the back of the home, that it is well done, and that it is kept up well also.
How do you know when to replace your fence?
Most fencing professionals agree that a good rule of thumb is to replace a fence when more than 20% of the fence requires repairs. The fence material and style will determine how much of the fencing needs to be repaired.
What happens if you don't stain a fence?
In reality, if one side of the fence faces a neighbor and they choose not to stain or seal their side will discolor and yours won't, without this affecting the structural integrity of the structure.
Will fence posts rot in concrete?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow.
Should I concrete fence posts?
Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.
How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?
A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.
What can I do with old wooden posts?
Bring them to a recycling centre If you're not DIY savvy, the easy solution is to take the fence posts along to your local recycling centre – check ahead to ensure there are no restrictions on the quantity of waste or the types of accepted vehicles.
How do I reuse an old wood fence?
Don't junk your old fence. Here are 10 remarkable ways to repurpose itWooden clock. This rustic wooden clock is actually make out of salvaged fence boards. ... Sunburst mirror. ... Colorful birdhouses. ... Picket fence headboard. ... Rustic coffee table. ... Use an old fence as a backboard. ... Fence window box. ... Towel bar.More items...•
Can metal fence posts be reused?
Whether the fence is over your property line, or maybe the fence was installed badly, you can actually pull chain link fence posts and reuse them. Though it isn't technically challenging to dig out a fence post, it can be hard work, especially if your posts are set in concrete.
How do you fill old fence post holes?
Fill entirely with soil. Even if those holes are 4 foot deep I would fill with suitable subsoil then top with grass. Or just topsoil then grass.
What is the best wood to replace a fence?
As we’ve said before, not all grades and types of wood are created equal. If you’re going to replace wood fences, we tend to work with western red cedar, pressure-treated southern yellow pine, oak and black locust as these are among the best quality materials for wood fences and are also low-maintenance.
Why do we need to replace fences?
Sometimes there’s also a need to replace a fence due to weather activity —in recent years we’ve seen some fences get destroyed by high winds during thunderstorms or when hurricanes pass through.
Why replace an existing fence?
If you’re a replacing an existing fence because you want more privacy, you may want to use the same materials but opt for a different style of panels so that you can freely enjoy your back yard without being in your neighbors’ line of sight all the time.
Do wood fences need replacement?
Wood fences, in particular, can last a long time; yet unlike vinyl or aluminum, wood fences may eventually require replacement after decades’ worth of service. In some cases, there’s a need to replace a fence when it’s not properly installed or inferior materials are used to build the original fence. Not all wood is created equal and ...
Do you call Miss Utility before replacing a fence?
Call Miss Utility Before You Replace a Fence. Even though you plan to replace a fence in the exact same spot as before, always call Miss Utility before you dig! You never want to run the risk of hitting pipes or wires underground, even if your fence posts will go in the exact same area as before.
Can you salvage a rotted fence post?
Before you consider removing the wood post, carefully inspect it for damage. It could still be salvaged using our fence post mender to repair that cracked or rotted fence post timber in minutes without having to remove any concrete. Check our products listings for more details.
Can you reuse a cement ball for a fence post?
If you have an old wood fence post that is completely rotted off and you are able to remove it along with all debris, you could reuse the cement ball for a new post. Some have successfully used fence post anchors. This way the post will not be sitting in cement to rot off again.
Can you put vinyl fence posts around 4x4 posts?
A good quality PVC fence system will have 4x4 treated wood posts and metal sleeve insert, the vinyl fence posts will fit around the 4x4 and metal sleeve. Inspect the post carefully to see what you have. If you don’t have a wood insert remove the cap and measure the area. You can reinforce it by inserting a new wood post.
Can you repair a vinyl fence?
However sometimes vinyl fence posts or vinyl fence panels can get damaged and need to be repaired. There are a variety of environmental situations that would cause the need for vinyl fence repair. For example, rain can cause ice to frost the fence posts and pull them out of the ground. Filling the hole with cement will help. Other vinyl post repairs can include repairing holes, digging new holes or making existing holes deeper.
Can you fix a broken fence post?
It can still be saved! You can save a lot of time and money by using a fence post mender instead. Fence Daddy offers a fence post support system that mends and strengthens your wood fence post in minutes. No post hole digger required! You won’t need to remove the broken post or concrete, our system can fix fence posts while still in the ground.
Can you repair a fence post with a mender?
As with traditional wood rot, check to see if there is any damage at the base of the post. If not too extensive, good news! You can repair it easily with Fence Daddy’s fence post mender . Best of all, it costs a lot less than removing the entire post and starting over. When you don’t need to! We’re so excited to bring lower cost fence repair solutions to homeowners and fence contractors. Contact us for more information or suggestions. We’re happy to help.
Can a wood fence post pull out of the ground?
If the wood crumbles in your hands or the rot or termite damage covers more than about 30% of the post, you will need to replace the entire post. However you are likely to have a wood post that was just recently broken and has not rotted yet.
What does it mean when your fence has holes?
Insect damage can prove to be disastrous to any fence. If you notice that your fencing has holes and gnaw marks, it could be a sign that you have an insect problem. You need to monitor problems like this closely because the damage will only stack up as time goes on.
How to tell if a fence needs replacing?
An easy way to tell if your fence needs replacing is if you see boards that are damaged and broken. The weather will begin to wear down your fencing, and your boards will take wear and tear over time. Pay attention to how many boards are affected.
Why do you have to replace a fence?
However, there will come a time when you have to replace your fence because it will start to sustain damage as time goes on. Even keeping up with all of your routine maintenance won’t be enough to keep it from getting old and worn down.
Where is Hercules Fence located?
Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.
Can multiple posts be the same?
Other times, however, multiple posts have the same problem, meaning your fence has likely begun to weaken. Your fence’s structural integrity is compromised while it’s in this condition. Because of this, it’s often best to get a fencing contractor to come over and replace it.
How to talk to your neighbor about fences?
Discussing the Cost: When discussing the cost of the new fence, your neighbor may say something like “I have a cousin who will do it for cheap.” While that may be true, getting your neighbor’s friend or family involved is the last thing you want to do. There’s no quicker way to ruin a relationship than mixing business and family, especially if your neighbor’s cousin ends up doing a terrible job. Instead, explain to your neighbor why it is so important to choose a reputable fence company. Show them the companies you are interested in, and the online research that you have done on these companies.
Who has the final say on fences?
However the person who is paying for the majority of the fence will have the final say about the positioning and style of the fence. If you are paying for the fence, make sure that it is installed completely on your property line, or you will have no claim to it.
Can you take down someone else's fence?
You can not take down someone else’s fence, but you can install a fence directly behind it on your property. Communicate with your neighbor throughout the process. You will need their cooperation, especially if they have dogs. Be sensitive to your neighbors feelings, even if you are paying for the entire new fence.
Do neighbors own fences?
In many situations, a neighbor will feel a sense of ownership over the existing fence, either because they paid for it, feel that it is on their property, or simply because they’ve been there longer than you. The best place to start is finding out who legally owns the fence.
How to break up a concrete pole?
Rock the post back and forth to break up the surrounding ground. Your pole will resist at first, but should eventually start to move. Keep wiggling the post until you can move it back and forth with ease, indicating that the ground has lost its hold on the concrete base.
What to use to cover the bottom of a post?
Specifically, you’ll need to cover the bottom of your post in a copper naphthenate solution like Cuprinol. Copper naphthenate mixtures act as in-ground preservatives, protecting the wood from decay and damage. Look for copper naphthenate solutions at home improvement and paint stores.
How long does it take for concrete to dry?
Let the concrete dry for at least 4 hours. Most ready-to-use concrete mixtures will need at least 4 hours to set, though this time can vary based on the specific brand. To see if your concrete is dry, poke it with a small wooden rod.
How to keep your eyes from burning from concrete?
Wear protective eyewear, working gloves, and long-sleeved clothes to keep your eyes and skin safe from the concrete. If you get concrete on your skin, scrub it off and run the area under clean water for a minimum of 20 minutes. If necessary, prevent burning by adding vinegar or citrus to the water.
What to do if a pole won't stand up?
If the pole won’t stand up on its own, ask a friend to hold it or place small stakes around the base.
How to check if a post is straight?
Check the post’s vertical orientation with a bubble level. To avoid any issues with alignment, check to make sure that your post is perfectly straight. You can do this by placing a vertical bubble level flush against the side of the pole. If the bubble does not sit inside the device’s level markers, adjust the pole until it does.
What to wear while working with the post?
While working with the post, wear heavy-duty gloves, protective goggles, and long-sleeved clothes to avoid injury.
How many trips to fix concrete fencing?
Fencing repairs where concrete is added will always require 2 trips. One to set the concrete and the second to complete the repair after the concrete has cured. Whether the handyman charges a trip charge is important to the cost of the repair.
How long does it take to take out a broken post?
Taking out a broken Post and setting a new Post in Concrete – 1 hour
Can you replace a redwood fence post with concrete?
The original redwood fence post was rotted away at the bottom. The challenge in replacing an existing fence post is the block of concrete that is left in the ground. Either the block needs to be removed or a new post hole dug adjacent to it. In this case, the old post was pulled out of the concrete leaving a 12″ hole Very convenient! The new post was inserted into the old concrete and an additional 10″ of concrete was added to bring it up above ground level.
Why do fence posts rot?
Among the components of a wooden fence, one of the most important are the posts. A rotted fence post makes a fence sag, and a sagging fence is unsightly and easily blown over by the wind. Posts usually rot at ground level, where rain water tends to collect around the base of the post, but they can also rot below ground level around the top of the concrete anchor. Rotting typically occurs because the post is not made from pressure-treated wood, or because it wasn't properly treated with a preservative when installed. Soil composition can also affect how quickly a post decays; sandy soil will drain water away quickly, while heavy clay soil may cause posts to rot within a year or two.
How to get a grip on a footing?
Work the digging bar under the footing and pry upward if the footing is stuck or too heavy to lift. Use the bar to lift the footing high enough to get a grip on it.
How long does it take for a concrete fence to dry?
Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours. Refasten the fence rails to the new post. Now is the time to replace rotting rails, if there are any. If your fence has prefabricated panels attached directly to the posts, simply screw the panels back to the new post.
How much space between footing and sides?
Dig around the footing until you've exposed two sides and there's a space of 3 or more inches between the footing and the sides of the hole.
What to use to backfill post holes?
Backfill post holes with concrete or crushed gravel.
How long does it take for a fence post to rot?
Soil composition can also affect how quickly a post decays; sandy soil will drain water away quickly, while heavy clay soil may cause posts to rot within a year or two. Replace rotting posts to keep your fence secure and looking great.
Who is Chris Deziel?
Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker.com.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Fence?
Wood fencing is by far the most common fencing material. It’s available as privacy fencing, which is tall and completely blocks the view. Another common type of wood fencing is spaced picket fencing, which has gaps throughout each panel. Vinyl fencing is available in these two styles.
How to Break Up Old Concrete Fence Post Footing
The most common task when fixing a fence is dealing with rotted posts. If your wood fence post is leaning, the post may have shifted or rotted and need to be replaced. If the post is set in concrete, you’ll need to break up the concrete footing and install a new post.
How to Replace a Damaged Fence Post
Once the concrete footing has been removed, replace the damaged post with a new one. If the original post had holes in it, ensure that the hole spacing of the new post matches.
How to Brace a Fence Post Plumb
The next step in fixing a fence post is to ensure that it is perfectly straight, or plumb, and does not lean in the hole. There are a number of ways to brace a post plumb. The easiest and most economical way is to use scrap material cut about 24- to 48-inches long, depending on the height of your fence.
How to Pour Concrete for a Fence Post
With the post secured to the panels and plumbed in place, it’s now time to pour the concrete mix for the new footing.
How to Repair Fence Gates
If a wooden gate droops and you don’t have diagonal cross braces, install an anti-sag kit that has a turnbuckle, a length of cable and some eye hooks. Anti-sag kits can be purchased separately or as part of a gate kit, which includes hinges and latch hardware.
How to Repair a Chain Link Fence
To repair a damaged section of chain-link fence, first you need to get tension off the mesh.
