Common fence problems we're asked to fix
Most calls about fencing come after bad weather. Southampton and the surrounding towns catch plenty of strong south-westerly gusts through the autumn and winter, and a fence is effectively a sail stood on its edge. When something gives, it tends to be the weakest part of the run: a post that has softened at ground level, a panel that was only loosely clipped in, or a rail that has split along an old knot.
Other faults creep up slowly. Soil banked against the bottom of the panels holds moisture and rots the timber from below. Climbers add weight and catch the wind. Gate hinges work loose a little each time the gate is slammed. Spotting these early usually means a smaller, simpler repair.
Leaning fences and failed posts
A lean almost always starts below the surface. Timber posts tend to rot where air, soil and water meet, a few centimetres either side of ground level, so the visible part can look sound while the base has gone soft. Concrete posts rarely rot, but the footing around them can crack or shift if it was too shallow in the first place.
Where one or two posts have failed, we dig them out, break away the old concrete, set a new post plumb and refit the panels either side. If the post is sound but the footing has moved, it can sometimes be pushed back upright and re-set. We check the neighbouring posts at the same time, because a lean on one usually puts strain on the next.
Panels blown out in storms
Panels that lift out of their slots or snap their fixings are the classic storm repair. If the posts are still firm and the panel is intact, it can often go straight back in with better fixings. If the panel has split or warped, a new one is cut or sized to fit the existing gap. Older fences can be awkward here, because panel sizes have changed over the years, so we measure carefully before ordering anything.
Rotten gravel boards and rails
Gravel boards sit along the bottom of the fence and take the brunt of wet soil and splashback. When they rot, the panels above start to sag and the fence line loses its shape. Replacing them is a straightforward way to extend the life of a fence that is otherwise sound. On closeboard fences, the horizontal rails can also split or pull away from the posts, and new rails can be fitted without stripping off every board.
Gates that drop or won't latch
A gate that scrapes the ground or no longer meets its latch is usually suffering from one of three things: loose hinges, a gate post that has moved, or a frame that has sagged out of square. Tightening or replacing the hinges sorts the first. A moving post needs re-setting so the gate hangs true. A sagging frame can sometimes be braced, but a badly twisted gate is often better replaced and hung on a firm post.
Repair or replace the whole run?
Repairs make sense when the problem is limited to a few posts or panels and the rest of the fence is in decent condition. When posts are failing all along the line, or the panels are brittle and grey, patching one section tends to push the stress onto the next weak point, and you end up calling someone out again after the next storm.
In that situation, renewing the full length is often better value over time. Our fencing page explains how a complete new fence is set out and built, and our fence installation cost guide covers what changes the price of a full replacement. If the fence is one part of a tired garden, it can also be tackled as part of a wider garden renovation.
What happens on a repair visit
Daniel starts by walking the full fence line rather than just looking at the broken section. He checks each post for movement, looks at the condition of the panels, boards and rails, and considers the ground, the levels along the boundary and how easy it is to get materials in. That tells him whether a repair will last or whether the fence is near the end of its life.
You then get a quote for the work, with the reasons behind the recommendation. To arrange a visit, call 07841 510110 or send your postcode and a couple of photos through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can one broken fence post be replaced without taking the fence down?
Usually, yes. The panels either side are taken off, the old post and its concrete are dug out, a new post is set in place and the same panels go back on if they are still sound.
My fence is leaning after a storm. Can it be straightened?
Sometimes. If the posts are intact and only the footings have shifted, they can be pulled upright and re-set. If the posts have snapped or rotted at the base, they need replacing before the fence will stand straight again.
Is it worth repairing an old fence?
It is worth it when most of the posts are firm and the panels are in reasonable shape. If several posts are soft and the timber is brittle, a repair often only buys a short time, and a new run is the better long-term option.
Can you fit new panels between my existing posts?
Yes, as long as the posts are firm and the gaps can be measured accurately. Panel sizes vary, so the opening is checked before anything is ordered to make sure the new panels sit snugly.
Who is responsible for a fence between two gardens?
It varies from property to property. The title deeds sometimes show which side owns each boundary, and if they are unclear it is sensible to talk to your neighbour before any work starts.