A Homeowner’s Guide to DIY Fence Repair: What You Can Fix – and When to Call a Pro

You pull up to your house and one of the first things you notice is that your fence isn’t helping out your curb appeal. Then a little while later while in the back yard you notice that the fence is leaning in a section.

There’s no denying it – your fence has seen better days.

Like anything outdoors, fences in Austin take a beating from heat, rain, shifting soil and everyday wear and tear. But not every issue means you need a full fence replacement or major repairs. If you’re handy and have the right tools, some fence issues are a weekend DIY project.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some common issues you might be able to fix yourself, and also help you recognize when it’s time to call in a reputable fence company that can provide reliable service.

DIY Fence Repairs Handy Homeowners Can Handle

If you’re a confident DIYer, here are some manageable repairs that can help extend the life of your fence without breaking the bank.

1. Loose or Popped Nails and Screws on Wood Fences

What Causes It:

When a custom wood fence is built nails or screws are used to hold everything in place. Over time, weather and natural movement in wood fences cause fasteners to loosen and work themselves out.

How to Fix It:
  • Remove rusted or loose nails/screws.
  • Replace with exterior-grade, corrosion-resistant screws for better long-term hold.
  • Test the board to ensure it’s properly fixed in place.

This small fix can improve the stability of your fence and prevent damage from spreading.

2. Broken or Cracked Fence Boards

What Causes It:

Wood privacy fences aren’t so private when boards are broken or loose. Sun exposure, moisture and impact from falling branches or other objects can cause individual boards to crack, loosen or split.

How to Fix It:
  • Pry out the damaged board carefully to avoid damaging adjacent pieces.
  • Cut a new board to size using a circular saw.
  • Secure the new board in place using galvanized screws.
  • Apply stain or sealant to match the existing finish.

This is one of the most common fence repairs and is a great fence project for property owners that are new to working on wood fences.

3. Leaning Vinyl Panels

What Causes It:

Vinyl fences are common to see in the Austin area. While the material holds up well in the Central Texas elements, loose brackets or shifting soil can make vinyl fence panels (and lightweight wood panels) tilt or sag.

How to Fix It:
  • Remove the panel and check the post base.
  • Reinforce the post base with gravel or fresh concrete if needed.
  • Reattach brackets or tighten existing screws.
  • Use a level to ensure the panel is straight before securing in place.

This fix can be handled by a homeowner on newer fences or when just one section is affected.

4. Rust Spots on Metal Fences

What Causes It:

Moisture and time can lead to corrosion on wrought iron or chain link fences, especially in places where paint or protective coating has worn away.

How to Fix It:
  • Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose rust.
  • Apply a rust converter to neutralize remaining rust.
  • Finish with a coat of outdoor metal primer and weatherproof paint.

While metal fences are lower-maintenance, occasional touch-ups like this help prolong their lifespan. It can be a tedious process, but one that many homeowners can handle if they have the time and patience.

Rust on fence

Fence Repairs Handy Homeowners Can Handle

5. Gate Latch and Hinge Problems

What Causes It:

You never want to cut corners on fence gates because it can lead to problems later on. Heavy use, rust and misalignment can cause gate latches to stick or hinges to sag.

How to Fix It:
  • Realign sagging gates by adjusting hinge position.
  • Lubricate hinges with silicone spray.
  • Replace rusted or stripped hardware with weatherproof options.

Fixing a gate can restore proper function to your fence without needing a full fence installation.

Tools and Materials Needed For DIY Fence Repairs

Before you start your fence project, make sure you have the tools that are needed for the job. For the repairs above you’ll need:

  • Hammer or power drill
  • Galvanized nails or outdoor-rated screws
  • Replacement boards or panels
  • Level and measuring tape
  • Wood sealant or exterior stain
  • Rust converter and primer (for metal fences)
  • Concrete mix (for post reinforcement)
  • Safety gloves
  • Protective eye wear

It’s important to always prioritize safety and wear protective gear when working with tools or chemicals.

When to Call a Professional Austin Fence Company

There are a lot of reasons why a property owner might want to make fence repairs on their own. It could be that they’re worried services won’t be offered at affordable prices or they want to assure a certain level of quality work.

While DIY fence repairs are small jobs, some fencing issues require the experience, tools and techniques of a professional fence business. How can you tell your fence needs a pro? When you see any of signs below it’s time to bring in the experts.

Major Structural Issues

If your fence isn’t standing straight at all, multiple fence posts are unstable or posts are rotting at the base, it’s not a weekend DIY project. It’s time for a professional to install new fencing, particularly if it’s a security fence.

Widespread Rot or Insect Damage

All wood fencing, even cedar, is susceptible to rot and insects to a certain degree. If a large percentage of your wood fence is affected, replacing boards isn’t enough to solve the problem.

Aging Fence

Fencing that is near the end of its lifespan may require more time and money to maintain than it would take to replace the fence.

Complex Materials or Layouts

Vinyl, metal and custom fences with an intricate style often require specialized parts, tools and construction techniques. This is an instance where warranty-backed work from a professional fencing contractor is worth the cost.

 

Let Purple Fencing Company Help You Achieve the Perfect Fence

You know your property better than anyone, but sometimes getting the best fence means letting a professional do that work. At Purple Fencing Company, we offer top-rated fence services across Austin, from simple repairs to complete fence installation for residential and commercial properties.

We’ll even provide a free estimate that will give you an accurate idea of what the cost will be so you can make the best investment. Whether you’re fixing up a few cracked boards or planning a full fence project, our experienced team is here to help you protect and enhance your property with a long-lasting, superior fence.

Call today to talk with a professional fencer or request a free fence estimate.

Schedule An Estimate

When you need fence repair, there is no time to wait. Call us for a free, same-day inspection and our repair services scheduled fast.

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