Who Do I Call to Fix a Damaged Fence Post?

If you’ve noticed a fence post that’s started to lean or show signs of damage, you may wonder who to call to fix a fence post. It’s best to hire a fence contractor to quickly fix a damaged fence post and prevent further deterioration. 

Fence posts can get damaged due to rotting, fallen trees, or poor installation, among other unforeseen troubles. A fence contractor has the necessary tools and skills to get the job done right the first time, taking the pressure off of both you and your fence. 

Benefits of Hiring a Fence Contractor to Fix a Fence Post

A fence contractor specializes in installing and maintaining fences, meaning they can fix your fence post and replace the post for you if necessary. Look for a well-rated fence company near you for these benefits:

• Quality workmanship: Professional fence repair ensures the job gets done correctly, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues. Their expertise in handling different fencing materials and fence parts ensures that repairs are long-lasting and blemish-free.

• Safety: Repairing a fence post can involve using heavy materials and power tools, including post hole diggers, hammers, and appropriate fasteners. Pros are trained in safety protocols and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents or injuries.

• Avoiding oversights: A pro can identify underlying problems and additional needs, such as measures to prevent fence rotting, that you might overlook without expert knowledge.

• Speed: Someone with experience in fixing fences can get the job done fast. A pro can finish the repair within an hour or two, though it may take longer for concrete to set. 

• Warranty and guarantee: Reputable fencing companies often provide warranties or guarantees. That can assure you that any post-repair issues will be addressed without additional costs. 

Understanding the Scale of Your Fence Repair

Depending on the size of your fence post repair, you may find some fence contractors unavailable for smaller jobs, such as fixing minor damage to a fence post. 

Before reaching out to fencing companies to take on the repair, consider the extent of the damage. Minor issues like loose screws, small cracks, or slight leaning may not require you to call a contractor. Meanwhile, some signs that it’s necessary to hire a fencing contractor include:

• The damaged post affects the stability of the entire fence.

• Multiple posts are affected and need to be replaced.

• There’s significant rotting.

For smaller jobs, you may be able to fix the issue yourself or hire a handyperson.

Can I DIY a Fence Post Repair?

Depending on the level of damage to the fence post, it might be possible to repair it yourself. For example, if a post is slightly leaning due to being weathered over time, there are fence post repair kits that come with a bracket to straighten the post. You’ll need to be comfortable handling some basic tools, such as a hammer and screwdriver. 

If the damage is minor, fixing the fence post yourself can save on professional service fees. But it’s important to weigh the cost savings against the potential risks of improper repair, which could be more expensive down the line.

Severe rot, splitting, and significant leaning are signs that it may be best to call a professional. Attempting to repair heavily damaged posts yourself may worsen the problem by compromising the fence's stability or disturbing the yard around it. Plus, experienced fence contractors can pinpoint and address underlying issues that DIY enthusiasts might not notice.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Fix a Fence Post?

A handyperson is typically hired for small- to medium-sized projects that don’t require specialized trade skills. While a handyperson can be a reasonable option for fixing a fence post, it’s important to consider the extent of the damage and the handyperson’s skillset. 

Knowledge of fencing materials, structural integrity, and installation techniques may be beyond the handyperson’s expertise. Before hiring a handyperson to fix your fence post, you can ask yourself a couple of questions to ensure a skill fit:

• Are multiple posts affected?

• Is the fence’s overall structure jeopardized, potentially requiring extensive repairs?

• Do the fence’s materials require specialized tools that may be beyond a handyperson’s resources, such as if it’s a chain-link fence?

How Do Fence Contractors Fix a Fence Post?

The steps to fix a fence post can depend on the severity of the damage. If the fence post is leaning or loose, but there isn’t broader structural damage, the repair may be a matter of digging up and re-filling the post’s concrete base.

The fence contractor may find that it’s necessary to remove the post altogether. In that case, they may follow these steps:

1. Using a post hole digger or similar tool to dig out the soil around the damaged fence post, exposing the base and concrete footing.

2. Removing the damaged post from the ground with care to avoid disturbing the rest of the fence.

3. Replacing the fence post with a new one or reinforcing the existing post with support materials.

4. If a new post is required, installing it in the excavated hole with gravel or concrete.

5. Backfilling the hole with soil and making finishing touches to prolong the post’s life span.