Fence Repair — When It's Worth Fixing and When It Isn't
Our contractors see two kinds of fence-repair calls. The first: a localized failure on an otherwise-good fence — a section of pickets blown out by a storm, two leaning posts, a sagging gate. Repair makes sense; the fence has 10+ good years left. The second: a fence-line that's failing in multiple places because the original install used the wrong post grade or skipped the gravel base. Repair is a band-aid; in 18 months you'll be calling us again. We'll tell you honestly which one you have.
Repair makes sense vs. replacement makes sense — how we decide
Repair: 1–3 posts leaning, rest of fence is straight
If most of the fence is solid and the failure is localized, repair is almost always the right call. Our contractors pull the failed posts, set new UC4B posts with proper gravel base and 30-inch depth, and tie back into existing rails and pickets. The repair often outlasts the original install in those specific spots.
Repair: storm damage on otherwise-healthy fence
Wind-blown panel section, broken pickets, damaged gate. Insurance often covers this; we document the damage and provide an itemized quote for the claim. Most homeowners are surprised what their policy covers.
Repair: gate hardware worn out
Gate hardware lasts 8–12 years before hinges need replacement or springs lose tension. Rebuilding a gate with new hardware is cheap and quick. Doesn't require touching the fence itself.
Replace: 30%+ of posts are failing
When a third or more of the posts are leaning or rotted, you're approaching the cost of a new fence anyway. The remaining posts are probably 2–3 years from the same failure. Replacement gives you a clean restart with current materials and modern install practices.
Replace: original posts are UC3B or cedar
If our contractors pull a failed post and find untreated cedar or UC3B-rated pine, the rest of the fence will follow the same path within a few years. Doing one-post repairs on a UC3B-base fence is throwing money at it. Replace with UC4B posts.
Replace: fence is over 20 years old
Even a well-built fence has design limits. Hardware standards, treatment specs, and HOA expectations all change over 20 years. Old fences are often easier (and cheaper end-to-end) to replace than to keep band-aiding.
Common repairs we do
Leaning post replacement
Pull failed post, set new UC4B post with gravel base and concrete at proper depth. Re-attach existing rails and pickets if salvageable; replace if not. Single-post repair typically runs $180–$280 including materials and labor.
Sagging gate rebuild
New heavy-duty hinges (Stanley or D&D Technologies), new latch, gate frame square-up, optional self-closing spring. Gate rebuild runs $150–$350 depending on size and hardware grade.
Storm panel replacement
Wind-blown section of pickets and rails — typically a 6–8 foot run. Match existing wood species and weathering with a thinned gray stain. Storm damage repairs run $120–$200 per damaged section.
Chain link fabric repair
Cut and patch torn or damaged sections; re-tension stretched fabric; replace bent terminal posts. Most chain link repairs are fast — same-day or next-day scheduling for small jobs.
Farm fence corner-brace rebuild
Failed H-brace assemblies on long runs. Pull old corner system, install heavier 8-inch corner with double-H brace if run length warrants. Tension wire-run back to spec. Typically a one-day job.
Pool fence hardware replacement
Pool gates need self-closing hinges and self-latching latches that work — Alabama pool code is unforgiving. Our contractors replace failed gate hardware with proper MagnaLatch and TruClose units to bring pool fences back to code.
Storm damage — insurance documentation
North Alabama gets severe weather most years. After major storms (spring 2023 derecho, 2024 winter ice storm), we schedule into storm-damage repair queues that move quickly. We provide:
- Itemized damage assessment with photos for your insurance adjuster
- Written quote separating repair-only items from upgrade items
- Direct communication with your adjuster if you want us to handle the back-and-forth
- Priority scheduling for confirmed insurance claims
Read our storm damage repair guide for the full breakdown.
Fence repair FAQ
How quickly can you schedule a small repair?
Most single-post and gate repairs schedule within the same week or following week. After storms we can extend to 2–3 weeks. Emergency repairs (security risk, pet escape) our contractors work in same-day when crews are local.
Will you do repairs on fences you didn't install?
Yes — most of our repair work is on fences other crews installed. Our contractors assess what's there, tell you honestly what needs to happen, and quote accordingly.
What does fence repair cost?
Small repairs (single post, gate hardware) typically $150–$400. Mid-size repairs (storm panel replacement, multiple posts) $400–$1,200. Larger repairs that approach replacement cost — we'll flag that and discuss whether full replacement makes sense.
Does insurance cover fence repair?
Storm damage is typically covered by homeowner's insurance, subject to your deductible. Tree fall, vehicle damage, vandalism — usually covered. Normal wear-out and rot — not covered. We provide insurance documentation that meets most claims processes.
Can you match existing fence styles?
Usually yes for wood and aluminum styles still in production. For older fences with discontinued profiles, we get as close as we can and discuss any visible mismatch before doing the work.
Cities we serve for fence repair
Need a fence repair?
Tell us what's happening. We respond within one business day with an honest assessment.