November 29, 2023- Emerson Katy Fence Company- Fence Repairs
Looking for fence repair tips? Check out our comprehensive guide on Katy Fence Company's blog, featuring step-by-step methods and expert advice.
Table of Contents
What Causes Damage to Wooden Fences?
How to Repair Wooden Fence Rails
Method 1
Method 2
How to Replace A Wooden Fence Rail
Method
Leave the Hard Work To Our Katy Fence Company
A wooden fence is a system made up of multiple parts, including cedar or pine boards, posts, the base, and three rails or braces that lie from post to post across the top and bottom of the fence or as we install them using a top, middle, and bottom for added support.
Wooden fence rails are what your fence boards are affixed to, and they connect one post to the next. Damage to the fence rail can weaken the structure of your entire fencing system, so the moment you see any issues, it's imperative to either do the fence repairs yourself or call a Katy fence company to fix the problem immediately. In this article, we discuss the common causes of damage, how to do your own fence repairs to the wooden rails, and how to replace rails if they are at the point of fence repairs.
What Causes Damage to Wooden Fence Systems?
Regular care and maintenance, such as staining and sealing every three to two years, cleaning your fence from algae and debris annually, and a thorough inspection, can help avoid many fence repairs while keeping your wood fences looking and functioning well for many years to come. However, all types of fences are susceptible to damage caused by extreme weather conditions, pests, and moisture. Since untreated wood fences are made of organic material, they’re more prone to warping, insect infestation, and rot caused by excessive exposure to rain. The risk is lower for fences built out of cedar or pressure-treated lumber as this type of material has a natural insect repellant.
Additionally, if there are plants near your wooden fences, they might be rubbing on the bottom rail or trapping moisture, which in turn encourages the growth of mold and mildew. This is one reason our Katy fence company suggests adding a rot board to the bottom of the fence to keep it off the ground.
While damage to boards and posts is common, rails can also be affected. For example, rot may cause a rail to pull loose from boards or posts, while impact – such as from a riding lawn mower – can result in broken fence rails and damaged boards or posts.
Katy Fence Repairs
Depending on the extent of the damage, the wooden fence rails can still be fixed. A rail that has come loose from the post can be reconnected as long as the joint isn’t too rotted. To repair a rail, you’ll need the following:
A 2×4 board
Wood preservative
Galvanized screws
Caulk or a pair of metal T-braces
Stain that matches the color of your fence (optional)
Method 1
Step 1: Apply a generous coating of wood preservative to the damaged area. This will prevent rot from spreading and affecting other parts of your fence.
Step 2: Build a cleat. Ensure the rail is level, fit the 2×4 underneath it, and fix it in place by nailing the 2X4 to the posts on either side. Then, drive a couple of nails through the rail into the 2X4.
Step 3: Caulk the top and sides. This step helps keep out moisture and prevents rotting.
Method 2
Step 1: Apply a generous coating of wood preservative to the damaged area. This will prevent rot from spreading and affecting other parts of your fence.
Step 2: Make sure the rail is level—afterward, drill pilot holes into the rail and the post.
Step 3: Screw the T-braces to the rail.
Step 4: Apply caulk to the joint.
Optional Step: Paint the T-braces.
If the rail is not salvageable, you’ll need to replace the entire section of the fence. The materials you will need include the following:
· Two 2×4 rails and replacement fence boards*
· 10d and 8d galvanized nails
· A level
*You can cut these yourself if you have the equipment and know-how. Alternatively, measure your existing rail and get the dimensions of the section you’re replacing, as well as the fence boards. Then, purchase the boards and 2x4s from a home improvement store and have the staff cut them to the correct length.
Method
Step 1: Affix the top rail. The rail should fit along the tops of the posts. It can extend from one post to another or span two fence sections if you need to replace two. Use the level to ensure the rail is even. Starting from one end, nail the rails in place. Be sure to use 10D galvanized nails at both ends of the rail.
Step 2: Affix the bottom rail. You can attach the rail from just above grade to a foot up. Drive a 10D galvanized nail at an angle through the post and into the end of the rail on both sides.
Step 3: Nail down the fence boards. Beginning at one end, nail one board at a time to the rail. Use two 8d galvanized nails and connect the top first. This way, you can adjust the bottom rail to align with the top rail.
If your fence should have boards on either side, leave a gap equal to the width of a single board between each. When you’re done nailing boards on one side, move on to the other. Then, nail the boards on the other side of the rails to cover the gaps you left previously.
Contact Our Katy Fence Company - Free Estimates
Replacing wooden fences is not a quick and easy DIY project for most people. Instead, it requires planning, precision, and expertise to ensure a high-quality finished product that will last for many years.
At Emerson Exterior Home Enhancements, we have been providing fencing solutions to residential and commercial clients since 1999. We deliver exceptional artistry and use only the best available materials, and all of our fences come with a five-year labor warranty. Contact our experts today for a free estimate for fence repairs in Katy at 281-545-7740.
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