Repairs & Upgrades
Fence and gate repair, modification, and upgrade services,from storm damage repairs to security enhancements and automation retrofits.
Fences and gates do not last forever without attention. Storm damage, vehicle impacts, wear, and age all take their toll. When systems fail or no longer meet requirements, repair or upgrade is often more practical than complete replacement. We service all types of fencing and gates,including systems we did not originally install,handling everything from emergency repairs to planned security upgrades and automation retrofits.
What We Do
- Storm and vehicle damage repairs
- Post replacement and re-setting
- Fabric and panel replacement
- Gate realignment and hardware replacement
- Height increases and security upgrades
- Automation retrofits for manual gates
Best Fit For
- Properties with damaged fencing or gates
- Facilities requiring security upgrades
- Sites adding automation to existing gates
- Properties with aging fence systems
- Insurance and liability repairs
How We Deliver
- Damage assessment and repair scoping
- Emergency response for urgent repairs
- Matching existing materials when possible
- Upgrade recommendations for improved security
- 1-year workmanship warranty on repairs
Standards & Compliance
- Original installation standards maintained
- UL 325 for automation retrofits
- Current code compliance for upgrades
Repair vs. Replacement
The first question with any damaged or aging fence is whether repair makes sense or replacement is the better investment. The answer depends on the extent of damage, the condition of undamaged sections, material availability, and the remaining useful life of the system.
Repair makes sense when: damage is localized (a few posts, one section, a single gate), the rest of the system is in good condition, matching materials are available, and the repaired system will provide years of additional service.
Replacement makes sense when: damage is extensive, the undamaged portions are near end-of-life anyway, materials cannot be matched, or the repair cost approaches replacement cost. Sometimes a damaged section is the trigger to replace an aging system that was due for renewal.
We assess both options honestly. Repair is often the right answer, but we will recommend replacement when that is the better investment for the property.
Common Fence Repairs
Most fence repairs fall into a few categories: post problems, fabric or panel damage, and hardware failures.
- Leaning or broken posts: The most common structural failure. Causes include rot (wood posts), rust (steel posts at grade), concrete failure, frost heave, vehicle impact, and wind load. Repair may involve resetting posts in new concrete, replacing posts entirely, or adding sister posts to reinforce damaged ones.
- Fabric damage: Chain link fabric tears from impacts, cuts, or falling debris. Small holes can be patched; larger damage requires section replacement. The challenge is matching the existing fabric,gauge, mesh size, and coating must match for a clean repair.
- Panel damage: Ornamental and welded wire panels can be bent, broken, or knocked loose. Individual panels can often be replaced if matching panels are available. Discontinued styles may require custom fabrication or section replacement with current products.
- Rail and bracket damage: Top rails, bottom rails, and mounting brackets fail from impacts and corrosion. Replacement parts are usually available; the repair involves cutting out damaged sections and splicing in new material.
- Coating and finish damage: Scratches, chips, and corrosion affect appearance and accelerate deterioration. Touch-up works for minor damage; extensive finish failure may require section replacement.
Post Replacement
Post failure is the most disruptive fence repair because posts are the structural foundation. A failed post affects the sections on either side and cannot be ignored.
Replacement involves excavating the old post and concrete, setting a new post, pouring new concrete, and reattaching the fence sections. If the old concrete footing is intact but the post failed at grade (common with steel posts), the footing may be reusable with a new post.
The challenge is maintaining fence alignment during the repair. Adjacent sections must be supported while the post is out, and the new post must match the line and height of the existing fence. For long runs, string lines and careful measurement ensure the repair blends with the original installation.
Post repairs are also an opportunity to correct original deficiencies,undersized posts, shallow footings, or inadequate concrete can be upgraded during replacement.
Gate Repairs
Gate repairs range from simple hardware replacement to major structural work. Common issues include:
- Sagging gates: Usually caused by worn hinges, loose hinge posts, or gate frame failure. May require hinge replacement, post reinforcement, or gate rebuilding depending on the root cause.
- Binding or dragging: The gate contacts the ground, post, or latch during travel. Causes include ground heave, post movement, hinge wear, and frame distortion. Adjustment may resolve minor issues; structural repair is needed for significant problems.
- Latch and lock failures: Hardware wears out faster than the gate structure. Replacement is usually straightforward if compatible hardware is available. Discontinued hardware may require modification or latch post adjustment.
- Operator failures: Automated gate operators have finite lifespans,typically 10-15 years for residential units, longer for commercial-grade equipment. Operator replacement is common; the gate itself often outlasts multiple operators.
- Safety device failures: Photo eyes, edge sensors, and control boards fail over time. Replacement restores safe operation. Older systems may need complete safety upgrades to meet current UL 325 requirements.
- Frame damage: Vehicle impacts, wind damage, and corrosion can compromise gate frames. Minor damage may be repairable; severe damage often requires gate replacement.
Security Upgrades
Security requirements change,what was adequate five years ago may not meet current needs. Common security upgrades include:
Height increases: Adding height to existing fences, either by extending posts and adding fabric or by installing topper systems (barbed wire arms, razor ribbon brackets). Structural assessment is needed,not all posts can support additional height and wind load.
Topping additions: Adding barbed wire, razor ribbon, or anti-climb devices to existing fences. Requires compatible mounting systems and may require permits depending on jurisdiction and property type.
Anti-climb modifications: Converting standard chain link to anti-climb configurations, adding mesh panels to prevent climbing, or replacing climbable ornamental sections with anti-climb designs.
Detection integration: Adding mounting provisions for perimeter sensors, running conduit for detection system wiring, or modifying fence construction to support sensor requirements.
Access control upgrades: Adding card readers, keypads, or intercoms to existing gates. May require electrical work, gate hardware modifications, and integration with building security systems.
Automation Retrofits
Adding automation to manual gates is a common upgrade. The feasibility depends on the existing gate construction and site conditions.
Gate assessment: Not all gates can be automated. The gate must be structurally sound, properly balanced, and built to standards compatible with operator attachment. Gates not meeting ASTM F2200 may need modification or replacement.
Operator selection: The operator must match the gate type (swing, slide, cantilever), size, weight, and intended cycle frequency. Residential operators work for light use; commercial applications need commercial-grade equipment.
Electrical requirements: Operators need power,typically 120V or 240V AC. Running power to the gate location may require trenching and electrical work. Solar-powered options exist for remote locations but have limitations.
Safety devices: Automated gates require safety devices under UL 325. Retrofits must include photo eyes, edge sensors, or other entrapment protection appropriate to the gate type and installation. This is not optional.
Access control: Most automation projects include access control,keypads, card readers, remotes, or intercoms. Plan these during the retrofit rather than adding them later.
Insurance and Damage Claims
Storm damage, vehicle impacts, and vandalism often involve insurance claims. We work with property owners and insurance adjusters to document damage, provide repair estimates, and complete covered repairs.
Documentation: We photograph damage, measure affected areas, and provide detailed repair scopes. This documentation supports insurance claims and ensures the adjuster understands the work required.
Estimates: We provide itemized estimates showing materials, labor, and any code-required upgrades. Insurance policies typically cover restoration to pre-damage condition; upgrades or improvements may be owner responsibility.
Repair execution: Once claims are approved, we schedule and complete repairs. We work within insurance timelines and coordinate with adjusters for any required inspections.
For liability situations,where a third party damaged the fence,we can provide documentation and testimony supporting damage claims.
Emergency Repairs
Some fence and gate failures cannot wait for scheduled service. Security breaches, safety hazards, and access problems require prompt response.
We provide emergency repair service for situations including: gates that will not open or close (blocking access or preventing security), fence sections down and creating security gaps, storm damage requiring immediate securing, and safety hazards from damaged fencing or gates.
Emergency response prioritizes restoring security and safety. Temporary repairs may be appropriate to secure the property quickly, with permanent repairs scheduled once materials are available and conditions allow quality work.
Emergency service is available outside normal business hours for urgent situations. Response time depends on location and current service load, but we prioritize genuine emergencies.
Preventative Maintenance
The best repair is the one you never need. Regular maintenance extends fence and gate life, catches problems early, and prevents failures.
Fence maintenance: Annual inspection for post condition, fabric tension, hardware security, and finish condition. Addressing minor issues,loose fasteners, small rust spots, minor damage,prevents them from becoming major repairs.
Gate maintenance: More frequent attention than fencing due to moving parts. Lubrication, adjustment, safety device testing, and operator service on manufacturer-recommended schedules. High-cycle commercial gates may need quarterly service.
We offer maintenance programs for commercial properties, HOAs, and facilities where fence and gate reliability matters. Scheduled maintenance costs less than emergency repairs and extends equipment life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you repair fences and gates you did not install?
- Yes. We service all types of fencing and gates regardless of who installed them. The only limitation is material availability,discontinued products may not have replacement parts available, requiring adaptation or section replacement with current materials.
- How quickly can you respond to emergency repairs?
- For genuine emergencies,security breaches, safety hazards, blocked access,we respond as quickly as possible, often same-day. Response time depends on location and current workload. Non-emergency repairs are scheduled based on availability and material lead times.
- Can my old manual gate be automated?
- Often, yes,but it depends on the gate. We assess gate construction, condition, and site requirements to determine feasibility. Some gates work as-is; some need modification; some should be replaced rather than retrofitted. We provide honest recommendations based on what makes sense for your situation.
- Do you work with insurance companies on damage claims?
- Yes. We provide documentation, detailed estimates, and repair services for insurance claims. We work with adjusters to ensure damage is properly documented and repairs are appropriately scoped. We can also provide documentation for liability claims involving third-party damage.
- Is it worth repairing an old fence or should I replace it?
- It depends on the overall condition and remaining useful life. Localized damage on an otherwise sound fence is worth repairing. Extensive damage, widespread deterioration, or damage to an already-aging system may make replacement the better investment. We assess both options and provide honest recommendations.
Related Services
Perimeter fencing for commercial properties,office buildings, retail, medical facilities, schools, and multi-tenant buildings. Built for durability, code compliance, and integration with gates and access control.
Custom-designed and fabricated gates for vehicle and pedestrian access,swing, slide, cantilever, bi-fold, and vertical pivot configurations built to site requirements.
Scheduled maintenance programs that prevent costly repairs, ensure UL 325 safety compliance, and extend equipment life for automated gate systems.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.