Fence repair and gate service
Wind, frost, sprinklers and age all wear a fence down. Here's how to tell whether yours needs a repair, a new gate or a full replacement.
Most fence calls around Idaho Falls come after a windstorm or at the end of winter. Vinyl panels get pulled out of their rails, wood fences lean where the posts have rotted, frost lifts posts out of line, and gates that worked fine in the fall start dragging. Some of that is a quick fix. Some of it means the fence is done.
What usually goes wrong?
- Wind damage. Solid panels catch gusts and pull out of posts, or snap posts at the footing.
- Frost heave. Shallow posts, or footings that are wider at the top than the bottom, rise a little every winter.
- Rot at the soil line. Wood posts rot just below ground, especially where lawn sprinklers hit them daily.
- Sagging gates. A hinge post that's too small or too shallow, or a gate without a brace or metal frame.
- Impacts. Cars, snowblowers, trailers and the occasional loose horse.
Repair or replace?
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| A few blown-out vinyl panels or rails | Repair: reset or replace parts |
| One or two leaning posts | Repair: reset or replace the posts |
| Most wood posts rotted along the run | Replace the fence |
| Gate sagging or dragging | Rehang, brace or reset the hinge post |
| Discontinued vinyl style, many parts broken | Replace the section or the fence |
Fixing a gate for good
The hinge post carries the whole gate, so it should be heavier and set deeper than line posts. Wood gates need a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner up toward the latch, or a steel frame. Wide double drive gates for an RV or trailer need a drop rod to hold them in the wind. Think about snow too: a gate that swings toward the driveway can be blocked by a plow pile for weeks.
After a windstorm
Photograph the damage before anything is moved, especially if you plan to talk to your insurer. Keep pets and people away from loose panels. When the contractor comes, ask them to check the posts and footings, not just the panels, since that's usually where the failure started.
Every fence is priced after the contractor walks the line, checks the ground, counts gates and corners, and talks through what you want. We don't quote prices. A figure given over the phone before anyone has seen your lot is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a fence damaged by wind?
It depends on your policy and deductible. Take photos and call your insurer before the damaged fence is torn out.
Can you match my existing vinyl fence?
Often, if the manufacturer still makes the style and color. If not, it may make sense to replace a full section so it looks consistent.
Related services
More background: Idaho Falls fence guide.
Panels blown out by the wind, or a bare backyard waiting for a fence?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.