Fence Repair & Gates in Jersey City, NJ

Fence repair and work on gates makes sense when most of a fence is still in good shape and one part has failed: a post rotted at the ground, a section pushed over by a storm, a gate that drags on the walk or will not latch. Fixing those spots costs far less than a new fence. At the estimate we look at the whole run and tell you plainly whether repair is worth it or whether the fence is near the end of its life.

Common repairs

• Leaning or broken posts: the most frequent problem. Wood posts rot at the soil line; any post can be heaved by frost or pushed by roots. We dig out the old post and footing and set a new one.
• Broken boards and pickets: replaced to match as closely as possible; new wood will look different until it weathers or is stained.
• Vinyl panels and rails: cracked or popped-out panels replaced, if the style is still available.
• Chain link: bent top rails, loose or torn fabric, and leaning terminal posts reset and re-tensioned.
• Ornamental metal: loose pickets, broken welds and rusted sections addressed, and posts reset in concrete or masonry.

Gates

Gates take more wear than any other part of a fence. A gate that sags, drags or will not latch usually has one of three causes: a gate post that has leaned, hinges that have loosened or worn, or a wood gate frame that has racked out of square. We reset or replace the post, re-hang the gate on heavier hinges, add an anti-sag brace or cable to wood gates, and adjust or replace the latch. We also build and install new walk gates and double drive gates to match existing wood, vinyl, aluminum and chain link fences.

Gate rules in Jersey City

Gates are part of the fence for zoning purposes, so a new or replacement front gate is worth checking with the zoning office. Our practice is to match the gate to the fence and hang front gates to swing inward, away from the sidewalk. If a gate is part of a pool barrier, it has to meet pool barrier requirements such as self-closing, self-latching hardware, and the fence needs a building permit.

When replacement makes more sense

If several posts are failing at once, the boards are soft along the bottom of most sections, or the fence was never set deep enough, repairing one spot tends to lead to the next. In that case we will price both a repair and a replacement so you can compare. Repairs that involve digging a new post hole still need an 811 mark-out first.

After a storm

Wind and fallen limbs are the usual causes of sudden fence damage here. If a tree or branch is resting on the fence, have it removed before fence repair starts. Photos of the damage taken before cleanup can be useful if you plan to file a homeowners insurance claim; ask your insurer what they need.

Upkeep that prevents repairs

Keep soil, mulch and leaves from piling against the bottom of wood fences, trim vines, re-stain wood every few years, and oil gate hinges once a year. Check that gate latches still catch after the first hard freeze, when posts can shift slightly.