How much do fence repairs cost?

The cost of your fence repair project depends on multiple factors. However, one of the more significant factors is where you live. Whether you have a wood fence or iron fence, get a quick idea of pricing in your area by contacting fence repair professionals near you.

Because there’s so much variability in fence construction and layout, a contractor must base the cost of your repair on several different factors:

Fence material

Fences come in a wide range of different materials, each with its own set of needs. The following are common types of fences, as well as their approximate costs per linear foot:

• Chain link fence cost: $8-$18
• Wood fence cost: $15-$50
• Vinyl fence cost: $19-$50

Repairing damage to each of these types of fences will largely depend on the professional’s time. However, if the damage requires a new fence installation or the installation of replacement parts, you may be charged per linear foot or square foot of the materials needed. Chain link and wood fence repair costs will likely be the lowest.

Other material costs include fence posts, post caps, fabric screens, fasteners, wire ties and more. If the damage requires digging a new posthole, you may also be charged for gravel, mulch, grass seed or new plants. Another material cost to consider is fence painting and staining costs. 

When choosing between fencing repair or new fence installation, consider that materials’ cost will likely be much higher for a new fence built from scratch. The contractor will need to order new rails, wood or vinyl panels, latches, etc. and add these materials to the installation cost. 

For fences facing severe damage, a homeowner must understand the material and labor costs involved before choosing to replace their fence or pay for repairs.

Fence style

Fences come in a variety of different styles. For instance, privacy fences are usually tall with tightly spaced boards. A picket fence is shorter and more inviting than a privacy fence, with space between boards and enough height to keep smaller pets in and discourage others from crossing the yard. Other fences may be purely decorative.

For security, many people opt for chain link fence installation. Chain link fence is the cheapest to install and replace, and it's sturdy due to its metal construction. Other metals like aluminum or wrought iron are also good choices for security fences. 

Related content: How much does it cost to install a fence? 

Type and extent of damage

There are several types of damage a fence can experience, each with its own set of implications:

• Missing boards or slats. This is most common on wood fences and usually results from storms, impact or vandalism. The problem most likely stems from insufficiently strong fasteners and can also come from corrosion that eats away at the slats or fastener holes.
• Moss and mold growth. From sunlight and humidity to rain and snow, fences endure the elements 24/7. A wood fence can rot or experience mold growth, compromising the fence and harming your home's curb appeal.
• Corrosion. Metal fences, particularly chain link and iron, are also vulnerable to corrosion in the form of rust.
• Sagging gates. A gate will tend to sag over time, making it difficult to open and close and creating sizable gaps. This may be due to a tilting gate post or loose hinges.
• Post movement. All fencing rests on posts. Frost, water, corrosion and incorrect installation can cause fence posts to heave and tilt. A professional should repair it by solidifying the post or putting it in a concrete footing.
• Warping. Bending, twisting and sagging over time are often caused by low-quality fencing materials or damage to the posts.

Fence size

Large-scale fences cost more to repair because they contain more material that must be fixed or replaced. The same goes for a tall fence, such as an 8-foot privacy fence. In addition to higher installation costs, longer and taller fences require more paint, stain or other chemicals to treat and clean.

Gate addition

Gates are the only moving parts on a fence, and they are the most expensive add-ons during professional installation. Fixing one may require new fasteners, hinges or even adjustments to the surrounding fence, such as replacing an old rail or post.

Fence age

In general, older fences will require more repair, and any problems are more likely to occur over the entire length of the fencing. 

There are several ways to save money on fence repairs. For example:

• When possible, choose a higher-quality fence material from the start. These will resist damage and require less repair over their lifespan.
• Compare price quotes among several contractors.
• Consider replacing more expensive materials with good, similar-looking alternatives, such as aluminum instead of steel.
• See if the pro offers discounts if you sign up for regular maintenance.

Fence maintenance isn’t hard and can save you money down the line by avoiding costly repairs. Here are some tips for how to keep your fence maintained:

• Look for maintenance problems such as loose fasteners, rot, breakage, insect damage, overgrown plants or posts coming out of the ground. At the first sign of trouble, start planning for repairs.
• Hire a professional to pressure wash your fence. These pros should know precisely how much psi (or pressure) to use on your fence, depending on the material.
• Prevent your sprinklers from soaking your wooden fence. If you’re getting a new sprinkler system, ask the pro to install them away from your fence.
• Trim bushes and vines to keep them off the fence, as they introduce moisture and insects into the fencing.

You can find someone to fix your fence by searching for fence repair professionals in your area on Thumbtack. Read customer reviews and view their uploaded photos to get an idea of the contractor’s work. 

The most effective way to get accurate cost estimates from pros is to provide photos and detailed measurements of the damaged area. That way, the pro will likely be able to give you a reasonably accurate quote. So when contacting pros, give them the following details:

• The type of fencing material (aluminum, vinyl, etc.)
• The purpose or style of the fence (wood privacy fence, pet retention, etc.)
• The length and height of the fence
• The number of gates (if any)
• The type and scope of damage

You can also ask for advice such as eco-friendly options, upgrades and more. Ask for free estimates and use them to compare different professionals so you can make the most cost-effective decision. Certain states require licensure for fencing contractors, so check with your local government. 

Fence repair professionals have the tools and skills needed to get the job done right. With the right repair service, your fence will go back to looking like new in little time. Use Thumbtack to find the best fence repair contractors in your area.