Minor fence repairs are perfect DIY projects.
Wooden fences are constantly exposed to the elements, so it should not be surprising that parts of the fence must be mended from time to time. Before you decide to mend your fence, inspect it carefully for additional damage you may not have noticed. Often you may find a rotten fence post, for example. Since the posts likely were installed at the same time and in the same condition, you may be better off replacing the entire fence. For fences with minor damage, however, a bit of do-it-yourself mending now probably will help prevent bigger problems later. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Mend Fence Rails
1. Saturate the rail with wood preservative to avoid rot or to prevent existing rot from spreading.
2. Use the level to adjust the damaged rail to the same angle as the rest of the fence rails.
3. Hold the fence rail T-brace up to the the fence post at the point where it will support the broken rail.
4. Drill guide holes into the fence post at the height of the T-brace mounting holes.
5. Drive galvanized nails or galvanized screws into the mounting holes to secure the T-brace and the fence rail in place.
6. Run a bead of silicone caulk in the joint where the rail meets the brace and the post.
Mend Fence Boards
7. Remove the broken or rotten board from the fence rail. Use the hammer to pry the board and the nails out of the top and bottom rails until it comes free.
8. Place the replacement board against the rail.
9. Use the level to adjust the height and pitch of the board until it is even with the rest of the fence line.
10. Drive two nails or screws into the top rail. Match the pattern of the rest of the boards to maintain uniformity. For example, if the rest of the boards have 6 inches of separation between the nails, use the same measurement on the new board.
11. Repeat the previous step with the bottom rail.
Mend Fence Posts
12. Dig out the area around the damaged fence post with a shovel. Maintain the hole as square as possible with roughly 8 inches of separation between the post and the sides of the hole. Dig deep enough to reach the base of the post. Support the post with the help of a partner.
13. Cut the 8-foot 2-by-4 board in half.
14. Nail one end of the first 4-foot section of 2-by-4 board to one side of the post so that it forms a support. Repeat this process with the other board so that it forms a support on the opposite side of the post.
15. Adjust the two support boards so that the post is straight. Use the level to plumb the post correctly.
16. Mix the cement with the sand and water in a wheelbarrow. Follow the instructions printed on the cement bag to obtain the proper ratios.
17.Pour the wet cement into the hole until it reaches the top. Use the shovel to slice through the wet cement every 4 inches to release any trapped air.
18. Shape the top of the cement into a mound with sloped sides to force any future rain or moisture to flow away from the post. Allow the cement to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tags: fence post, fence rail, Mend Fence, 2-by-4 board, cement into, forms support, inches separation
