How to Fix a Bad Fence Installation
Fencing is a good way to designate a property line, keep in a pet or maintain a little privacy. If the installer didn't put it in correctly, however, then you will have issues over time. You might notice right away that panels aren't level, or see that over the years your posts have become loose. These problems are fixable but will require a few tools and a some manual labor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place a level on top of fence rails or panels that seem as though they are crooked. If a rail isn't level, then it is due to one of the posts being too high or low. If this is due to a slope in the ground, then it is fine that it isn't level. If the ground is flat, however, you want to fix it. Determine which post needs to be corrected.
For panel fencing it could be a post issue or just the fact that the panel was screwed in crookedly. If the post isn't loose, then you just need to adjust the panel.
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Dig up the post if it is the reason for the unlevel rail or if it is just loose. Remove the panels or rails on either side of the post you are fixing.
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Use a post hole digger to dig down further if the post is not deep enough. Or add crushed gravel to the bottom if the post needs to be higher. Loose posts probably weren't put in deep enough to begin with. Posts must be buried at least one-third of their overall length. They also need to have 6 inches of gravel in the bottom to keep water away from the base. If the post is too short to accomplish this and still attach the rail or panel, then get a new post. Also replace the post if the bottom is rotten.
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Place the post in the repaired hole. Stake it with wood stakes and twine on all four sides. Use a level to keep it straight. Mix cement and pour it in the hole to anchor the post. Let it set up for two days, and then reinstall the panel or rail. Repeat with any other loose, rotten or uneven posts.
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Unscrew both sides of a crooked panel with a drill if the post isn't an issue. Leave one screw in place at the top on one side. This will allow you to pivot the panel until it is level. Place a level on top of the panel so that you know when it is horizontal.
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Screw the panel back in to the post at the correct level.
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