Metal fences like wrought iron can be expensive to repair when they have suffered severe weather damage. A professional may have to weld the broken sections back together or patch them. Fencing Companies Rock Hill SC will also need to sand, clean, and repaint the area.
Preventing rust and keeping the fence clean will keep the cost down. Repairs are usually charged per linear foot, and certain repairs or areas require a higher labor cost. The backbone of your fence, posts, are often the first to experience issues. They can shift in the ground due to weather or settle unevenly causing sags and droops in the aluminum or steel fencing.
Using a level, check the post to ensure it is plumb (vertical). If it’s off by even a little bit, you can brace the post with a scrap piece of two-by-four screwed into place. With an assistant, push the post upright and make sure it is straight with a bubble level. Once you’re certain the post is secure, fill the soil void around the post with concrete to prevent water from pooling and rotting the base.
A metal fence may also have a bent post that can’t be repaired, either because someone tried to gain access or because of the way it was installed. In this case, a professional should be called to replace the post.
If your post was set in concrete, remove the old concrete from the hole using a sledgehammer and shovel. Then set a new concrete footing around the post using a bucket of mixed half-wet sand and half small gravel, packing the mixture tightly. If the fence was set in sandy or rocky soil, use stay wire to act like bracing for the post.
Alternatively, you can use an EZ mender to repair the leaning post in your metal fence. The EZ mender is a long metal rod with pre-drilled holes in it, which you screw into the hole where the post was located. Once the EZ mender is in, you can use the tip of a sledgehammer to pound it into the concrete and tamp down the end of the EZ mender.
If you have a chain link fence, a bent post can be one of the most challenging problems to fix. You’ll need to re-establish the chain link fabric, so find two points of fabric on each side of the damaged area and untwist them with linesman’s pliers. Then measure a slightly longer replacement section, and install it by twisting the end of the new chain link wire into the top and bottom of the existing rails and then using wire ties to reattach it.
Repairing a Gate
A metal fence gate is more than just a passageway to your property; it is also an attractive feature. If your gate is damaged or rusty, it can be a big eyesore that makes the whole fence look less than great. Fortunately, you can usually repair the gate without replacing it, and it is often cheaper to do so than to replace the entire fence.
Most gates are made of either steel or wrought iron, and these materials are very durable. However, even the best-built gates can suffer from damage and rusting. Fortunately, you can often fix these problems by welding and repainting. A professional will usually charge a few hundred dollars to repair a gate, but you can save money by doing the work yourself.
If your gate hinges are squeaky or sticky, you can try lubricating them with WD-40. You can also add lubricant to other moving parts of the gate on a regular basis to keep them working smoothly. If these techniques don’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the hinges or latches.
Rust is the nemesis of iron and wrought iron fences, and it’s important to address rust quickly. The first step is to remove the rust, which can be done by wire brushing or sanding the affected area and removing any debris. Next, the area is patched and coated in a rust-resistant primer. Finally, the fence is repainted.
Aluminum and wrought iron fences don’t rust, but they can be damaged by heavy precipitation or salt water. The good news is that both aluminum and wrought iron can be repaired with welding. However, a full restoration will cost significantly more than repairing or painting a fence.
Wrought iron is a historic style of fencing, and it typically costs between $30 and $50 per linear foot to restore. This process can include sandblasting, spot welding, cleaning and repainting. Repairing a fence that is made of wrought iron can be more complicated than repairing one that is made of aluminum. This is because wrought iron can be easily broken if the welded areas aren’t done correctly.
Repairing a Rail
Over time, metal fence rails can loosen or break. Some can be repaired by spot welding, patching and rust removal, while others may need to be completely replaced. Depending on the material, this could involve cutting off and welding on new solid steel or tubular steel rails for an aluminum fence or sawing off and welding on a replacement section for a wrought iron fence. A professional will charge by the hour to weld a new section or piece of fence, and prices vary by location.
Chain link fences are most common, but even wood, vinyl and wrought iron fencing can break due to age or weather. Repairing broken sections can be tricky, so it’s best to hire a professional. Labor is usually charged by the hour, but specialized repairs like rust removal or replacing a panel can increase costs.
A broken rail can be a real eyesore. To replace it, first remove the wire ties connecting the top of the chain link mesh to the rail. Using pliers, loosen the ties and then use a reciprocating or hacksaw to cut off the existing section of rail. Next, purchase a new rail at a home improvement store that matches the length of the old one. The new rail should have one tapered end and one wider end for attaching to the existing fence. Mark the new rail where it will fit into the existing fence, and then cut it with a reciprocating or hacksaw.
If the damaged section of fence is just bent, it might be possible to hammer it back into place. However, if it is warped or broken beyond repair, it’s usually more cost-effective to simply replace it. It’s a good idea to check out your local home improvement stores for options, as many have both metal and vinyl fencing available. They can also help you find a matching color for your replacement section. For a newer look, you can also consider painting the entire fence.
Repairing a Section
If a section of your metal fence is damaged by weather, critters or even vandalism it may need to be replaced. A pro can do this for you or you can try it yourself. You will need to know the dimensions of your damaged area to purchase the right length of fencing fabric. This can be done by measuring the distance between the post and end of the fence or using a tape measure to determine the actual size of the damaged section of fence.
If the damage is severe it may be necessary to replace a full panel. This will cost more but it is often the only option. This is also true if a portion of the fence has been completely destroyed by wind or other forces.
When repairing a section in a chain link fence you will need to remove the old wires from the rail. To do this you will need a pair of linesman’s pliers and the right length of new fencing. You will need to remove the old wire ties that were holding it to the top and bottom railings, then cut the other end of the old fencing and slip on a coupling sleeve. This will join the ends of the old and new fencing and allow you to run your hand between them without getting snagged on any wires. Now you can attach the new fencing to the rails by using the old wire ties that were there.
A good tip to remember is that when welding any metal it’s always best to work in an open area and be sure nothing flammable is nearby. It’s also important to wear the proper safety equipment such as a welding helmet and gloves.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your home owners insurance covers your fence repairs it will need to be documented before the repair starts. Documentation can be as simple as filling out a form but it’s important to do this. This way if something goes wrong during the repair process you will have documentation that will prove what was done and what the costs were. It’s important to find a reputable contractor for any type of repair to ensure the job is done correctly.
