Fence and Gate Repair in Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire

Can my wood fence be repaired, or does it need to be rebuilt?

If the posts are solid and only boards, rails or hardware are damaged, repair is usually enough. If posts are rotted at the base, leaning badly, or the fence has failed in many places, rebuilding is the more durable choice. Cesar checks the posts first, since they carry the whole fence.

Pressing a screwdriver into the base of a post tells you a lot. If it sinks in easily, the wood is soft and the post will not hold a new board for long. Boards are cheap to replace, but fastening new boards to failing posts wastes the repair.

Why do wood fences rot and lean?

Moisture is the main cause. Posts sit in wet soil, sprinklers soak the lower boards, and water pools at the base, so wood rots from the ground up. Wind, loose footings and unprotected end grain add to it. Good drainage, proper post setting and sealed wood extend a fence's life.

Southern California's dry climate hides the problem: irrigation, not rainfall, is often what rots a fence. Sprinklers aimed at fence boards and soil that holds water around the post bases do most of the damage.

• Posts set directly in soil without a proper footing wear out fastest
• Boards touching the ground wick up moisture and rot at the bottom edge
• Sprinkler overspray keeps one section constantly wet
• Termites and carpenter ants can weaken wood that looks sound on the surface
• Strong wind loads a fence panel like a sail and loosens weak posts

We aim to fix the cause when we repair the fence, such as raising boards off the soil or redirecting water, so the new work lasts.

What can you do about a sagging or sticking gate?

A sagging gate usually needs one of four fixes: tightened or upgraded hinges, a corrected post that has leaned, a diagonal brace or tension cable to hold the frame square, or a re-aligned latch. Cesar finds out which one applies, because replacing hardware on a leaning post will not hold.

Gates carry weight on one side and swing constantly, so they fail sooner than fences. The hinge post does the most work, and if it has moved, the gate will drag no matter how good the hinges are.

We repair or replace hinges, latches, drop rods, cane bolts and closers, and we reinforce frames so they stay square. If a wood gate is too far gone, we can rebuild it or replace it with a steel gate.

Can you build a custom steel gate?

Yes. We fabricate custom steel gates and wrought-steel fencing, including driveway gates and pedestrian gates, to fit your opening and style. Steel lasts longer than wood and resists rot and termites, though it needs a good finish to prevent rust. Cesar goes over design, size and finish with you at the estimate.

Steel is a good fit where security, longevity or a distinctive look matters. We can match it to your house style, with options ranging from simple privacy panels to decorative designs.

Automated gates, with motors and keypads, involve electrical work. Cesar will tell you up front what the job involves and which parts, if any, need to be handled separately.

What should I do before you arrive?

Walk the fence line and note every problem spot, photograph posts and boards, and mark where your property line, irrigation lines and any underground utilities run. Move planters and furniture back from the fence, and let us know about dogs or neighbors who share the fence. Photos help us prepare.

• Photograph the damage and the full length of the fence or gate
• Locate sprinkler heads and irrigation lines near the fence
• Confirm which side of the fence is yours if it is shared with a neighbor
• Clear plants, planters and stored items back from the work area
• Secure pets, and let us know where we should enter the yard

If a fence sits on or near a property line, talk with your neighbor before work begins. Rules about fence height, setbacks and shared costs differ by city and by situation, so check with your city if you plan to change height or location. Cesar will flag it if he sees a question.