Does your fence look a little worn? You don’t always have to hire someone to make the repairs. With a bit of elbow grease and some basic tools, you can patch it up yourself. Let’s walk through some easy ways to get that fence in shape.
Check for Rotten Wood
First thing you wanna do is walk along your fence and give it a good look. If any of the wood looks soft, dark, or crumbly, it’s probably rotted. Take a screwdriver and push on the board, if it goes right in, you’ll need to replace that piece. Most of the time, you can just swap out a board or two without tearing down the whole fence.
Tighten Up Loose Nails or Screws
Over time, nails and screws can get loose. Just take a drill and tighten any loose screw.
Replace Broken or Warped Boards
Sometimes boards break or warp from the weather. If you’ve got any boards that are cracked or bent, it’s best to remove them and add new ones. Cantrell Fence can handle repairs If necessary
Stain Your Fence
Once you’ve made your repairs, it’s a good idea to stain the wood to keep it from rotting in the future. You can purchase at the store and just brush it on with a paintbrush. However, hiring a pro can save you time, and will deliver a consistent, better looking finish. Contact Cantrell Fence & Stain to help with your needs and offer help with color.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I tell if my fence has rotten wood?
Check for dark spots, soft or crumbly texture. You can also push on it with a screwdriver—if it’s soft, it’s most likely rotten.
2. Can I repair loose nails on my fence?
Yes, you can easily tighten loose screws.
3. What should I do if a board on my fence is broken?
Remove the broken board and replace it with a new one, securing it with screws.
4. How do I prevent my fence from rotting?
Apply a stain after repairs to protect it from weather damage and future rot. However, you should wait a month or so to ensure the wood cures.
6. Can I use different wood for fence repairs?
Yes, but it's best to match the existing wood type to maintain consistency.
7. How often should I inspect my fence for damage?
Inspect your fence annually and after storms or severe weather for signs of damage.
8. Do I need special tools to fix a fence?
No, just a screwdriver to tighten the boards.
9. Can I stain my fence after repairs?
Yes, staining helps protect the wood and improves the fence's appearance.
10. Is it difficult to repair a fence yourself?
Not really! With a little time and patience, most basic repairs can be handled without professional help.
