What goes wrong with fences & gates if you wait
Posts rotting at the ground
The few centimetres where a post meets the soil stay wet almost all year. That is where rot starts, and once a post is soft there, the fence starts to lean.
Sections blown down in windstorms
Fall and winter windstorms hit the Lower Mainland every year. A fence with weakened posts acts like a sail and can come down overnight, often onto plants, cars or your neighbour's yard.
Sagging, dragging gates
Gates are heavy and swing every day. Hinges loosen, the gate post leans and the gate drops until it drags or will not latch.
Split, grey and mossy boards
Unprotected boards dry out in summer and soak in winter, which leads to splitting, cupping, grey weathering and moss.
Common jobs we take on
- Leaning or rotten fence post replacement
- Broken fence boards and rails replaced
- Sagging gate re-hung and squared
- Gate latch and hinge replacement
- Storm damaged fence panel repair
How Lower Mainland weather affects fences & gates
Coquitlam, Port Moody and the rest of the Tri-Cities get heavy rainfall from fall through spring, and many yards have clay soils that hold water. That keeps fence posts wet for months on end, which is the perfect setting for rot. Fences in shady spots under cedars and firs also grow moss and algae quickly.
Pacific windstorms are the other big factor. Strong gusts in fall and winter regularly knock down weakened fences across Metro Vancouver. Keeping posts sound and panels secure is the best way to make sure your fence is still standing after the next big blow.
Warning signs to watch for
- Fence sections that lean or move when pushed
- Soft, dark or crumbling wood at the base of posts
- A gate that drags, sticks or will not latch
- Loose, split or missing boards
- Moss, algae or grey weathered wood
Maintenance tips
- Stain or seal your fence every 2 to 4 years
- Keep soil, mulch and plants off the bottom boards
- Tighten gate hinges and latches once a year
- Replace soft posts before they take a whole panel down
- Check the fence after every major windstorm
How G2 Home Services handles fences & gates
We replace rotten posts by setting new pressure treated posts in concrete with proper drainage, re-attach and straighten existing panels where they are still good, swap broken boards, and rebuild or re-hang gates with heavy duty hinges and an anti-sag kit. We can stain the repaired sections to blend in, and we haul away all the old material.
Every job is backed by our written promise: a locked-in price before we start, we redo anything you are not happy with, and a one-year workmanship guarantee.
Fence & Gate Repair near you
We are based in Coquitlam and take on these jobs across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore. Got other small jobs too? Add them to the list and we will do them in the same visit. See small jobs & odd jobs.
Fence & Gate Repair: frequently asked questions
Can you replace just one fence post?
Yes. We remove the old post and concrete, set a new post and re-attach the existing panels so you do not need a whole new fence.
How do I fix a sagging gate?
Often new hinges, longer screws and an anti-sag brace fix it. If the gate post is leaning, the post needs to be re-set or replaced.
Who pays for a shared fence repair?
That is usually up to you and your neighbour. We are happy to give a written quote you can share with them.
