Over time fences become damaged and need repair work carried out on them, this fence post repair guide will highlight some of the main issues and teach you how to repair a fence post. Whether you need to carry out a fence post repair pike or completely replace a panel, this guide will help you.
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Reinforcing a rotten fence post
One of the most common places for a wood fence to rot is the section underground. If it is not reinforced in time, it will most likely collapse and pull down the fence. So to avoid collapse, make sure you reinforce it. You can reinforce using a fence post repair spur quite easily:
Concrete spur fence post repair
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- Support the fence with lengths of timber on either side.
- Dig a hole around the base of the post.
- Cut the rotten part away and remove any concrete.
- Coat OK wood with preservative.
- Place a concrete spur in the hole against the remains of the post.
- Drill holes through the post and push bolts through the post and spur side.
- Put on the nuts and tighten with a spanner.
- Brace the post with lengths of timber, check it is vertical with a spirit level.
- Fill the hole with concrete.
- Leave the timber supports in place until dry.
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Fence post repair bracket
A broken arris rail can be fixed with a rail bracket. Use a length of galvanized steel shaped to fit the rail with pre-drilled holes. Secure in place with screws or nails. If the rail is cracked near the post you can use a flanged bracket to fasten the flanges to the post.
Replacing or Installing a fence
Fence post repair can only do so much. If your fence is too badly damaged and therefore in need of a replacement you should check the exact line of boundary, to ensure the posts are on your side and therefore yours to take down. If it belongs to a neighbour and they will not let you take it down you can always erect another alongside it, as long as it is on your side of the boundary.
It is an unwritten rule that when you erect a fence you position it so the post and rails face your own property, this clears up any confusion over whose fence it. Do note, however, that this is not a legal obligation.
With regards to planning permission for fencing, unless the boundary line meets a highway you shouldn’t need permission for a fence under 2m.
Whilst you can replace a fence yourself, it is often quicker and better, in the long run, to hire a professional to do the job for you.
So if repairing fence posts will not do the trick, it is time to replace:
- Lever back the side frame of the panel with nail bar, this should show you where the nails join the post
- Use a hacksaw to saw through the old nails, pull out the protruding leftovers using pincers. If you are removing an entire fence panel, repeat this at the other end. If the new panel is the perfect fit you can plane it on each side, or close any gap with a small piece of wood.
- Drill around 6 perfectly spaced pilot holes horizontally through the framing batten at each end of the new panel both front and back. Fix it to the post with nails.
- If it is not enough to repair the fence post, you will need to replace it. To remove a post you will need to detach the panels on either side and pull them away from it. Dig out the base of the post and get rid of any concrete. This might be quite difficult to cut a notch in the old post and level it out with a long bar. You should ensure the replacement post is the same size as the original, and then place it in the hole. Support the fence with wooden props whilst nailing in the panels either side again. Check the post is vertical by using a spirit level and then concrete in place. Leave the wooden props in place for 48 hours whilst it sets.
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Hiring a fencing contractor
Repairing or replacing fence work can be hard, tiring work. In addition to the physical labour, it can also be hugely time-consuming, and if not done properly it won’t last very long. For these reasons, it is often advisable to hire a professional. They will charge in either hours or meters for a longer job. You can expect to pay between £20 – £50 per meter.