How To Fix a Leaning Fence

Here at A-1 fence we often get calls from customers wanting to know how to fix a leaning fence. We’re happy to do this project for any of our customers, but we also recognize that some people will want the satisfaction of doing the project themselves.

Here is a relatively easy fix that you can use, even if you don’t have access to the neighbor’s side of the fence. If you do have access to both sides of the fence than the repair can be even more successful.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A mutt, which is a tool for mixing and leveling concrete.
• Fence-post concrete.
• Fence mender metal supports, one for each post.
• A shovel.
• A hammer.
• A power drill.
• Deck screws.
• A drill bit that matches your deck screws.
• Safety goggles.
• Safety mask.
• 6 foot long 2 X 4.
• Sturdy rope.

You’ll want to start by clearing the ground around the fence posts. You want to get a good look at what’s going on.

The fence posts are where the leaning is actually happening. They may be rotted or trying to snap apart.

You’ll want to scrape down there until you can see the state of the concrete. Chances are good that you’re going to have to go ahead and repair and reset the concrete.

If you don’t find concrete or if it looks like you’ll need to replace the concrete dig a six inch hole around the fence post. If you can do it on both sides you’re ahead of the game, but don’t worry if you can’t. You can usually set the fence from your own side.

Note that if you can’t reach your neighbor’s side of the fence you probably have a boundary fence to begin with. That means part of the responsibility for the fence’s upkeep falls on your neighbor. See this post for how this reality can effect both the costs and the labor involved.

Next, you’re going to want to level the area inside of the hole as much as possible so that you can hammer in your fence mender. You want to hammer that in straight and tall, in the position where you want the posts to eventually stand.

Next, you’re going to use rope to pull your fence straight again. Your posts should now be resting snugly against your metal fence mender.

Tie off the rope and use a 2 X 4 to prop up the fence, giving it extra support while you work.

Now you’ll need to drill your deck screws into the fence mender to secure it to the fence post.

Once all of your fence posts are secured with your fence menders you’ll need to pour the concrete. You need to make absolutely sure that three things are happening here:

• That you’re using fence post concrete which is rated for this task.
• That you have read and understood all of the instructions.
• That you are wearing your safety goggles, mask, and gloves while handling concrete, because it is toxic.

Fill up your 6″ hole with concrete and mix it with water until you have something that is roughly the same consistency as pancake batter. Let the concrete set and dry.

When the concrete has dried you should be able to remove the ropes and the 2 X 4. By then the fence should be standing straight and tall.

Here’s a video from the Weekend Honey Do List which shows this entire process in action. They have some additional challenges because they have a tree putting pressure on their fence.

Please note that you should only attempt to repair a leaning fence if you are feeling very confident in your skills. If you feel timid or nervous about any DIY project it’s safest to turn it over to a professional.

A-1 Fence has been fixing and repairing leaning fences in Bayside, West Bend, Port Washington and the rest of the Milwaukee metro area for over 35 years. Call us today for a free estimate.