Wood Fence Repair in Manassas, VA One Panel at a Time
As a family-owned and operated business ourselves, HAL CO FENCE developed the services we provide based on what our communities tell us they need for their townhouses, duplexes, and other homes. That is why we recently began offering Trex Composite Decks using 95 percent recycled material and, unlike many other fence companies, a complete, wood fence repair service for Manassas, VA homeowners.
At HAL CO FENCE, we understand the entire fence does not fall down at the same time. A section that has more exposure to wind, weather and the sun fades and breaks down faster than the rest of it. Gates tend to wear out faster than a fence panel. There is always a neighbor who forgot to shift into reverse and knocks down everything in his path before he can hit the brakes. Dogs have their favorite posts to use like a fire hydrant, and the weather can loosen posts in the ground, causing rot and other damage.
Hal Co is a reputable fence contractor serving Manassas, VA residents for over 30 years. We offer:
- Quality design, selection, installation and related services for your fence in Manassas, VA following the highest safety procedures and industry standards.
- In partnership, we will evaluate your fence project requirements and develop a comprehensive installation plan.
- Personalized customer service before, during and after installing your fence in Manassas, VA to minimize your disruption and maximize your comfort.
With more than 30 years in business, HAL CO FENCE has the experience needed to keep customers satisfied. Sometimes, there is simply not enough in the budget to replace an entire fence or even one complete side. We are very pleased to help Manassas, VA customers with wood fence repair by replacing it one section at a time if that is what it takes.
Fence section panels can be damaged by storms, accidents, or just rot. If a majority of the boards or rails are affected, then replacing the entire section is needed to keep a continuous appearance for the entire piece.
HAL CO FENCE crews begin by cutting a 2×4 rail to fit across the top of the posts that border either side of the section needing replacement. Since there is always some variation in distance when installing posts, our crew members carefully measure every rail and never cut only ten, fifteen, or twenty-foot sections for repairs.
Next, they do the same for the bottom rail. Here, they cut the 2×4 to fit exactly between the posts at a height of 1 to 12 inches above the ground. Using a level, technicians carefully nail them to each post. For both rails, HAL CO crews only use galvanized nails treated to resist weather and do not corrode.
With the rails and posts forming the frame, we next attach the fence boards. If the posts were installed on level ground, the boards can all be cut to the same length. If the ground rises or drops between the posts, then we measure each board individually to ensure a uniform, level appearance at the top of the fence. Using level throughout, technicians nail up the boards, one at a time, carefully placing each next to the previous one to ensure they either fit snugly or are all placed so that the same gap distance is maintained in a uniform fashion across the entire section. Again, they use only galvanized nails for attaching the fence boards.
When it comes to repairing fence gates, homeowners can handle minor adjustments by themselves. Screws and hinges can work themselves loose over time, so a couple of minutes with a screwdriver can take care of the problem if the owner catches it soon enough.
If the gate is allowed to hang loose too long, the screws begin to tear at the holes and make the problem worse. To fix the problem, our technicians remove the gate and plug the original holes with wood glue and small dowel pieces. Once everything dries, crewmembers drill new holes and use longer screws to ensure the gates hang better than previously.
Before replacing a gate, however, crewmembers examine the hinges to see if they have bent out of shape. Sometimes, the weight of the gate itself can cause them to warp and pull away from the post. If we have to replace screws or hinges, we use only galvanized, steel hardware. They resist the weather and are stronger than most other metal hinges and other accessories.
To hold a heavy gate in the correct shape, crew members insert a screw eye into the gate’s upper corner on the hinge side. Then, they insert a screw eye into the lower corner on the gate side and run a heavy-duty wire through both of them, connected with a turnbuckle treated for outdoor use. A crewmember then tightens the turnbuckle to correctly square the frame of the wooden gate.
Every Manassas, VA home that needs their wood fence repaired can depend on HAL CO FENCE crews. Once on the job, they complete the task. If repairs take more than one day to finish, they clean up at the end of the day, so the homeowner does not have to deal with mess of a construction site on his property.
Repairing fence rails depends on how bad the damage is for each section of rail. If the damage is more than minor, we recommend replacing the rail to ensure the structural integrity and overall appearance of the fence. If the customer still prefers repair, our technicians can use 2x4s or galvanized steel T-Braces. The choice depends on the severity of the damage and the customer’s preference.
If using a 2×4, they examine the affected sections for rot. If there is any present, they cover the area and the 2×4 with a wood preservative to prevent the rot from spreading further. Then technicians fit the 2×4 under the rail to support it and nail it in place using galvanized nails. To keep out moisture, they thoroughly caulk the top and sides of the repair work.
HAL CO FENCE continues to grow in the Northern Virginia and D.C. area thanks to customers satisfied with our wood fence repairs and other services for Manassas, VA homes. Fixing a damaged or wobbly fence post is a very common problem for any homeowner with a wood fence. There are two methods for fixing fence posts.
The quick, and cheaper, method is to ‘stake’ a post. This method is one HAL CO FENCE does not use, but a homeowner can use it as a stopgap before digging out and replacing the fence post. The first step is to select two 2x4s long enough to go below the frost line and also extend 18 inches above the ground. Scrap wood is not an option; pressure-treated lumber will not start to rot within a few weeks.
Cut a bevel onto one end of each 2×4 and drive them into the ground on opposite sides of the affected post. Drill two holes through the 2x4s and the post and then bolt all three together using galvanized carriage bolts.
For a permanent fix to the problem, our specialists dig out the post and hold it in place with temporary braces. They pour in concrete to fill the hole and agitate it periodically to eliminate air bubbles and pockets. So this permanent fix sheds water away from the post, crew members mound some of the concrete up around the base of the post.
Customers also depend on HAL CO FENCE for so much more. Before starting repairs, many homeowners also take the opportunity for an upgrade. As an example, if they want to replace a gate, they may decide to change from the original size and design for a different model and then move the fence posts farther out to accommodate the change. HAL CO FENCE can install any gate and with our design team, work with customers to create a custom gate for their home that adds to the value and the curb appeal.
If you need to repair your old, wood fence on your Manassas, VA property, or install a new one, contact HAL CO FENCE today. Call 703-794-9800 or 1-888-FENCEMAN if you have any questions or want to set up an inspection and estimate.