Simplifying Fence Repair with Galvanized Steel Fence Posts

Simplifying Fence Repair with Galvanized Steel Fence Posts

You look at your once-sturdy backyard fence with feelings of stress and frustration. The previous night’s windstorm was too much for the structure after years of rot and the occasional insect infestation. Now, the structure has gaps where pickets used to be and sections are leaning precariously over your neighbor’s property. Your fence, which you built and paid for as a source of privacy and security, has become an eyesore and a liability. You need a lasting repair solution that you can apply quickly.

Common Fence Repairs

Repairs and maintenance are part of having a fence. Depending on your location, these outdoor structures may be exposed to powerful winds, frigid cold, and scorching heat, not to mention children practicing their soccer skills against the pickets. Even with regular sealing and painting, wood pickets, rails, and posts will weaken, requiring the replacement of pieces and sections of your fence.

Broken Rails and Pickets

Broken pickets are one of the most common repairs property owners must carry out. Thankfully, the pickets are easy to replace because they don’t bear the weight of the structure. Simply remove the damaged picket and install the new one. When you’re building a new fence, it’s always wise to store a few extra pickets to make certain they match the original wood.

Fence rails connect the pickets to the main structure, so they’re a little more work to replace. One option is to place a new rail underneath the failing rail and secure the pickets to it. Then, you can remove the rotten board. The predrilled holes on a UniPost fence post make this easy. Just find the right level by counting the predrilled hole and you’re good to go. With wood posts, you’ll either need to add a bracket for a new rail or fully remove the old rail while avoiding damage to the pickets.

Leaning Sections

Leaning fence sections are typically caused by weak, warped, or damaged posts that can no longer support the weight of the fence. Over time, even pressure-treated wood posts can rot and weaken, compromising their stability. Once this happens, the post will need to be replaced.

Wind Damage

Damage from heavy winds is common with aging fences. Unless they are designed to withstand heavy forces, it is not unusual for posts to lean or even snap after a strong storm.

Warped Wood

Small changes in fence alignment may be caused by the natural process of wood warping in changing temperatures. Wood fence posts often come from the center of a log where the age rings are closest, making them more prone to twisting. Warping in the main supports reduces the strength of the whole structure.

Rot and Insect-Damaged Posts

Rot and insect damage are chronic problems with wood fence posts. Moisture can seep into the wood, creating an ideal environment for rot, while insects such as termites can hollow out the posts from the inside. Both issues significantly reduce the lifespan of a fence and require ongoing maintenance and repairs.

How Starting with Galvanized Steel Posts Improves Fence Maintenance

UniPost galvanized steel fence posts solve many of the problems that lead to expensive fence repairs. The strength of steel combined with a rust-resistant zinc coating offer years of consistent structural support.

The Longevity of Galvanized Steel

We encourage property owners to start their fence construction projects with steel posts. These products have been designed with ease of use and longevity in mind. While your neighbors may be replacing their wooden posts every decade, your fence posts will be standing tall!

Wind-Resistant Strength

Galvanized steel fence posts can withstand high winds and other severe weather conditions without fail. Our UniPost fence posts have been tested in winds over 72 mph, making them ideal for locations subject to sudden thunderstorms. Even if you lose pickets or rails due to heavy winds, it’s much easier to mend a section than to replace your posts.

Rot-Proof Durability

Rot and insect damage are non-issues with galvanized steel posts. The zinc coating makes them highly resistant to moisture and other environmental factors. If your property is in an area subject to high humidity or frequent rainfall, starting with steel posts will save you a great deal of time and money in repairs down the line.

Replacing Wood Posts with Galvanized Steel Posts

Many property owners feel like they’re stuck with wood posts once their fences are in place. However, we’ve seen many clients switch their fence posts from wood to steel successfully. If you’re seeing signs of weakness in your wood posts, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about simplifying your life by replacing them with galvanized steel.

Simple Installation

One of the advantages of steel posts is that they are easy to install. In many cases, you can pound them directly into the ground without dealing with cement. After careful measurement, you simply place them near the weak posts and reconnect the rails.

Another option is to cut away the failed lumber and pound the steel post directly into the remaining wood in the concrete footing. This procedure will maintain the line of your fence, making it simple to connect the rails.

Easy Rail Mounting

UniPost galvanized steel posts making mounting rails a simple task. They come with pre-punched holes to facilitate the level attachment of fence rails, making the installation process quicker and more efficient. Once you get the first post properly installed, you can use the holes to know exactly how deep to place the rest. Then, you can use the holes as reference points for straight rail installation. This design feature will make future repairs and adjustments easier to manage.

Dealing with the frustration of a broken fence can be overwhelming. However, by choosing galvanized steel fence posts from the beginning, many repair issues can be simplified or avoided altogether. The longevity and durability of UniPost fence posts make them a clear choice for anyone looking to streamline fence maintenance and ensure their fence stands strong for years to come.