Let’s say that after the latest spell of bad weather, you walk around your property and find that your fence posts have begun to rot.
Once the fun of the holidays has come and gone, the rest of the winter just isn’t the same. In fact, constant rain, sleet, ice, and wind can make winter unpleasant. Spring isn’t far away, but two months seems like an eternity. Let’s say that after the latest spell of bad weather, you walk around your property and find that your fence posts have begun to rot. Here is some advice for what to do next.
Replace the Fence Panels
You’ll want to start by replacing the existing panels. Look at both sides of the post and see if it makes sense to take the board away from it. You’ll need a placeholder of some sort, maybe a stack of bricks or lumber to hold the panels level while you unfasten the panels themselves. You might also see old nails that you’ll need to replace. Cut these nails away with tools called a reciprocating saw and a metal-cutting blade. Then put the panels somewhere safe so you can reach the rotten fence posts.
Remove the Fence Posts
Getting the fence posts out of the ground might be trickier than it sounds. For instance, the ground could still be frozen, or the ends of the posts are buried in thick concrete that might have frozen over as well. You’ll need to dig into the ground with a shovel and then use a sledgehammer to break up the concrete. Once you pull up the old posts, it’s time to get started on putting the new ones in their place.
Put in a New Post
You should have a hole in the ground that is easy to access. However, you might also have to make it bigger. The shovel will come in handy here, as well as a post hole digger.. Put in the new post and ensure it is steady enough for you to put new panels on it. Double check that the hole is at least three feet deep. Fill in the hole with gravel or concrete and add some caulk to prevent unexpected water damage.
Use Good Materials
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of using quality materials. By using the best fencing materials, you can guarantee that your fence posts won’t decay as quickly. You can accomplish this by using fence fasteners that are either stainless steel or have been galvanized against rust.
Take Care of All Your Fencing Needs with Help from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry, and can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that bests suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700, drop in, or contact us on our website to learn more about fall fence construction! You can keep up to date with offers and information from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
