Hey there. Look at your fence. Is it leaning or rotting? Maybe it just looks old. You need to decide if you want a repair or a full replacement. This guide helps you choose the right path for your home in East Vancouver or the West End.
Inspect Your Fence
Walk the length of your property line. Look at every panel and post. Check the base of the wood where it meets the ground. Use a screwdriver to poke the wood. If the tool sinks in easily, you have rot. Note how many sections have this issue.
Check the posts next. Push on them with your hand. A sturdy post stays still. A failing post moves in the soil. Note how many posts feel loose.
Look at the hardware. Check your hinges and latches. Rust is common in North Vancouver and Richmond moisture. See if the gate swings freely or drags on the ground.
Follow the 20 Percent Rule
Count your fence panels. Calculate 20 percent of that total. If two panels out of ten are broken, you can repair them. If four panels are rotten, you should replace the whole fence.
Repairing a small section is fast. You swap boards or fix a rail. This saves money today. Replacing a large portion is different. Old wood looks different than new wood. Your fence will look patchy.
If the damage covers more than 20 percent of the fence, the rest of the wood is likely weak too. One storm in Burnaby could blow the rest down.
Use the 50 Percent Cost Rule
Call a professional for a quote. Ask for the repair price. Then ask for the replacement price. Compare these numbers.
If the repair costs more than half of a new fence, stop. Buy the new fence. A new fence lasts 15 to 20 years. A repair only adds a few years to an old structure.
Randall The Handyman charges $120 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $85. We can help you calculate these costs on-site in Yaletown or South Vancouver.
Identify Post Failure
Posts are the skeleton of your fence. If the posts are rotten, the fence is gone. You cannot easily fix a rotten post at the ground level.
Removing a concrete footing is hard work. It takes time and labor. If most of your posts are leaning, the structural integrity is lost. Wind will eventually knock it over.
If the posts are solid but the boards are gray, you have a better situation. You can replace the pickets and keep the posts. This is a common middle-ground solution in areas like Kerrisdale and UBC.
Consider Wood Species
Most fences in the Lower Mainland use Western Red Cedar. Cedar resists rot naturally. It still needs maintenance.
If your fence is pressure-treated wood, look for green or brown tints. This wood lasts long but can warp. Once it warps, it pulls away from the nails. You cannot flatten a warped board. You must replace it.
Fascia boards and railings also need checks. If your deck stairs or railings are soft, replace them immediately. Safety comes first.
Check Your Gate Function
A broken gate is a security risk. It allows pets to escape and strangers to enter. Check the frame of the gate. If the frame is sagging, it needs a brace.
Sometimes you only need new hinges. We install heavy-duty hardware to prevent future sagging. We also install smart locks and camera systems. This increases security for homes in West Vancouver and Main St.
Analyze the Soil and Grade
Look at the ground under your fence. Does water sit there? High moisture causes rot faster. This is common in South Main St and Richmond.
If the wood touches the soil, it will rot. Raise the fence panels two inches off the ground. This allows airflow. If the grade of your yard has shifted, your fence might be under pressure.
Maintenance vs. Neglect
Ask yourself when you last stained the wood. Sun and rain damage the fibers. If the wood is silver and splintering, it is dry.
You can power wash and restain a dry fence. You cannot save a rotten one. If the wood is still hard, schedule a cleaning. If the wood is soft and crumbling, pull it out.
Professional Installation Steps
If you choose to replace, follow a plan. Dig holes at least two feet deep. Use concrete to set the posts. Ensure the posts are plumb.
Install the rails. Attach the pickets with galvanized nails. These nails do not rust or leave black streaks on the wood.
If you prefer a professional touch, we handle the heavy lifting. We service Westside, East Vancouver, and North Vancouver daily.
Local Service Areas
We provide fence and deck services across the region. We work in:
- Kerrisdale
- West End
- Yaletown
- East Vancouver
- UBC
- Westside
- South Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Main St
- South Main St
Simple Pricing Structure
Knowing the cost helps you plan your budget. We keep it simple.
- First Hour: $120
- Additional Hours: $85 per hour
This applies to fence repairs, deck board replacements, and small door installs. We also install interior and exterior doors. We handle locks and camera installations too.
Decision Summary
Check the 20 percent rule. Apply the 50 percent cost rule. Inspect the posts for rot. Look at the gate hardware.
If the structure is sound, repair it. If the wood is soft and leaning, replace it.
Start your project today. Contact Randall The Handyman for an inspection. Decide on your repair or replacement plan now.
