How do you fix a fence that fell down?

What caused the fence to fall down?

There are a few common reasons why a fence may fall down and need repair:

• Rotting wood – If the fence posts or panels are made of wood that has rotted over time, they can become weak and collapse. Using pressure-treated lumber when installing a new wood fence can help prevent this.
• Wind/storm damage – Strong winds or storms can blow down sections of fencing. Some areas are more prone to wind damage than others.
• Poor original construction – If the fence was not properly installed to begin with, it may not have been securely anchored in the ground or supported properly along its length. This can lead to early failure.
• Ground shifting – Fences that are anchored in concrete can become unstable if the ground shifts. This may be due to freeze/thaw cycles, soil erosion, or other earth movement over time.
• Vehicle or lawn mower damage – Accidental impacts with heavy equipment or vehicles can damage fencing and cause posts to snap or panels to come loose.
• Old age – Like any other structure exposed to the elements, fences do deteriorate naturally over time. After 10-20 years, the materials may simply wear out.

Knowing the cause of the damage will help determine the best repair approach. Inspect the fallen section thoroughly before developing a repair plan.

Assess the damage

Once you know why the fence fell, survey the damage to see exactly what needs fixed or replaced.

• Check for broken or cracked posts. You may need to replace these entirely.
• Look for loose or missing hardware like nails, screws, bolts, or brackets. These will need replaced.
• Determine if any fence panels, rails, or pickets need removed and replaced. Can any be salvaged?
• See if fence post bases have become dislodged. They may need reset in concrete.
• Inspect the ground under and around the fallen section for erosion or sinking.

This inspection will make it clear which components require repairs versus a complete rebuild. Customizing the fix to only what’s needed will save time and money.

Remove fallen/damaged sections

Before installing new fencing materials, take down any fallen or unstable sections that are damaged beyond repair. This includes:

• Pulling out broken or rotten fence posts
• Taking down cracked or split panels or pickets
• Removing rails that are no longer securely fastened
• Taking out any snapped or degraded metal brackets or fasteners

Wear sturdy gloves and safety glasses when pulling out and handling damaged fencing. Watch for protruding nails, screws, or staples.

If sections of the fence are still somewhat intact, decide if you want to detach and salvage any reusable parts first before dismantling. Healthy panels or rails, for example, can often be re-installed.

Pile up all broken or rotted wooden pieces to be disposed of or recycled.

Repair ground erosion

One common contributor to fallen fences is shifting ground around the posts. Freeze and thaw cycles, heavy rains, or other earth movement over time can loosen soil under fence posts and cause sinking.

If the ground under or near the damaged section looks sunken, eroded, or uneven, take steps to stabilize it before rebuilding:

• Refill sunken areas with compacted gravel and dirt.
• Use landscaping fabric under the gravel to prevent weeds.
• Install a ground-level retaining wall along steep gradients.
• Plant grass or vegetation to prevent further erosion.
• Install drainage pipes or trenches if water runoff is an issue.

Proper ground contouring and drainage will provide a level, firm base for new fence posts.

Replace fence posts

Fence posts provide the foundation for the entire fence structure. Any damaged posts need replaced with new ones of equal or better quality.

Factors to consider when replacing fence posts:

• Post material – Wood, metal, concrete, or plastic. Match existing or use a material with a longer lifespan.
• Post size/shape – Diameter and depth matched to fence height and span.
• Post spacing – Follow spacing of old posts or space closer together for more rigidity.
• Hole depth – Posts should be buried 1/3 their height into the ground or below the frost line.

When installing new posts:

• Dig holes slightly larger than the post width.
• Place posts bottom-side down and check they are plumb.
• Backfill holes with concrete around wood or metal posts for maximum stability.
• Crown concrete at the surface to allow water runoff.

Allow freshly poured concrete to fully cure before stressing fence posts, which takes about a week.

Install replacement fencing

Once all new fence posts are secured in position, the next step is reattaching the fencing material. There are several options:

• Wood panels – Nail, screw, or bolt panels into posts and rails. Use weather-resistant fasteners.
• Metal wire – Unroll welded wire mesh and staple to posts. Use galvanized staples.
• Vinyl – Slide vinyl rails into post brackets and clip panels into place.
• Chain link – Weave chain link fabric onto fence framework and install tension bands.

Follow the fence layout and spacing that existed previously. Make sure all fasteners are installed according to manufacturer specifications for proper strength and longevity.

Inspect the rebuilt section to ensure there are no sharp edges or protruding fasteners that could cause injury. The fence line should look uniform without major sags or dips.

Steps for repairing a fallen wood fence

Wood is a popular fencing material, but it’s also quite vulnerable to weathering and natural decay over time. Here are some specific steps for repairing a fallen wood privacy fence:

1. Remove loose boards and posts – Pull or pry off any planks, panels, or posts that are cracked, split, or rotten using a pry bar and hammer. Wear protective glasses and gloves.
2. Dig out old posts – Use a shovel and post hole digger to remove any damaged fence posts. Also dig down and remove any concrete around the posts.
3. Measure gap – Determine the exact size and spacing of new posts needed by measuring the gap where the fallen section was located.
4. Install new posts – Set 4×4 or 6×6 pressure treated posts into freshly dug holes. Re-pour concrete to stabilize when needed.
5. Attach rails – Nail or screw new 2×4 rails horizontally onto the new fence posts. Match the height of existing rails.
6. Replace pickets – Cut new 1×4 or 1×6 pickets to size and nail them vertically onto rails to fill in the panel.
7. Secure boards – Check for any loose pickets or boards elsewhere and re-nail as needed.
8. Seal wood – Brush water-repellent wood sealant onto any replaced sections to protect from moisture.

Follow any manufacturer instructions for proper installation. Be sure to remove any tripping hazards and debris when done.

Cost to repair a fallen fence

The cost to repair a fallen fence can vary greatly depending on:

• Type of fencing – Wood, chain link, vinyl, etc.
• Length of damaged section
• Severity of damage to posts and foundation
• Accessibility of the location
• Type of materials and hardware needed
• Whether you DIY or hire a fencing contractor

As a rough estimate, expect to pay:

• $15-25 per linear foot for minor repairs to wood or chain link fences.
• $25-50 per linear foot for wood fence repairs involving 1-2 new posts.
• $50-100 per linear foot for more significant wood fence repairs.

Replacing an entire wood privacy fence typically runs $25-40 per linear foot installed.

Hiring a professional fencing contractor tends to cost $45-75 per hour. This is worthwhile for major repairs.

Cost to repair common fence types

Fence Material	Typical Cost per Linear Foot
Chain link	$10-20
PVC/Vinyl	$20-30
Wood privacy	$25-50
Aluminum	$35-45
Ornamental iron	$50-100

Example full fence replacement costs

Fence Type	Total for 50′ Length
Chain link	$500-1,000
6’ wood privacy	$1,250-2,500
Vinyl	$1,000-1,500
Aluminum ornamental	$1,750-2,250

Get quotes from at least 3 fencing companies before choosing one to handle repairs.

How to prevent your fence from falling in the future

To help your repaired or replaced fence stand the test of time, consider these proactive measures:

• Regular maintenance – Periodically inspect for damage, loose fasteners, rotting wood, or vegetation overgrowth. Make minor repairs as needed.
• Sealant application – Seal wood fences every 1-2 years to prevent moisture damage and decay.
• Tree trimming – Trim back tree limbs and roots that could grow to push against the fence.
• Weed control – Remove weeds alongside the fence line that hold moisture against wood posts.
• Grading – Maintain proper drainage and fill around fence posts to prevent sinking and tilting.
• Protect from vehicles – Install parking blocks or other barriers to keep cars and trucks away from the fence line.

For new fence installations, proper materials, post depth, and construction technique will also maximize longevity. Consider hiring a professional for installation.

By taking measures to prevent decay and ground movement around your fence, you can add years of life between repairs.

Conclusion

Repairing a fallen fence is a common homeowner task, especially after severe weather. Assessing the damage, replacing compromised materials, and properly re-installing the fence is crucial for structural integrity. Understanding what caused the original failure can guide efforts to prevent future issues through proper maintenance and protection from vehicles, weather, and landscape stressors. With the right materials and proper technique, a repaired wood, chain link, or vinyl fence can look good as new and last for years before needing work again.