A leaning fence may compromise the safety and visual appeal of your property. Luckily, this issue is often simple to repair. Here are a few common solutions for instability.

Why Is My Fence Leaning?

1. Damaged Support

A fence has several support posts throughout. These posts are typically installed directly into the cement base that a contractor pours during installation, creating a strong, durable support system. However, if the posts weren’t installed into a base or placed too close to the surface, the structure could lean after exposure to the elements, including high-speed winds.

Check the posts first, pushing them gently. If they move and don’t seem stable, have a professional remove and reinstall them into the foundation.

2. Warped or Rotten Wood

As a naturally porous material, wood can rot or bend after prolonged exposure to water. Over time, decaying wood can cause support beams and joints to decay and fail. Warping from temperature fluctuations can also pull the wood away from its supports, leading to leaning.

To look for rot, check the wood for soft spots, bent panels, or insect activity. Use a screwdriver to poke the boards gently to look for soft areas. Damaged or rotting boards may need to be replaced to restore the structural integrity of the fence. By upgrading to pressure-treated panels or using water-resistant varnishes, you can avoid future wood damage.

3. Shifting Soil

Soil movement due to improper water runoff, earthquakes, and animal activity may also cause leaning. In many cases, adding soil back in place can correct leaning. 

After having the fence repositioned, check the affected area during a rainstorm to see if water pools or moves at the spot. If so, have drains installed by the structure. Try to keep dogs and other pets from digging under or around the fence by adding landscaping rocks to the base.

If you need to have a fence repaired or reinstalled, turn to Wood Link Fence Co in Columbia, MO. For more than 40 years, these trusted professionals have been helping homeowners create custom fences. They provide professional installation and materials so you can tackle the job yourself. Learn more about what they offer by visiting their website, or call (573) 474-5115 to discuss your needs.