A contractor who specializes in gate repairs has the right tools for the job. Often, attempting a DIY gate repair will make you realize you don’t have the correct tools, which will lead to buying them yourself or being forced to complete the job without them. 

A contractor can also assess the problem accurately. The causes of broken gates aren’t always obvious, and a trained pro knows how to spot them. They will prevent costly repairs down the road by identifying and treating problems before they become major.

The average cost of fence repairs is around $250, with most homeowners paying anywhere between $200 and $300. Fence repairs have a wide range of potential costs, however, ranging from $50 to as much as $1,443. The cost of your fence repair project depends on multiple factors, including where you live, what type of repair you need, the terrain and the fence materials used.

Contact several fence repair professionals near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your fence.

Gates can be more expensive to fix than other parts of a fence, and there are several reasons for this. The first is that gates are the only moving parts on a fence — hence they have more components that can wear out, as well as friction and the potential for rusting and sagging. Fixing a gate may require a total replacement or simply replacing certain components like hinges. Sometimes, the repair may involve fixing the surrounding fence.

Contact several gate repair professionals near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your gate.

A gate can sag for a number of reasons. One common reason is that the screws holding the hinges in the wood or other post material have come loose, causing gravity to pull the fence down. Another common problem is the gate post’s lack of stability. Posts can become loose and start to lean, or if they are wooden, they can even rot at the point where they meet the ground.

Fence repair is better for common problems that only affect small areas, such as a broken picket or a shifting fence post. However, there is a rule of thumb to follow: If the repair project requires replacing 20% or more of your fence, it’s probably time to replace the whole fence. The exception to this rule is if the fence is fairly new and just part of it is damaged. 

The most common fence repairs are aimed at fixing:

• Missing boards or slats. This is a common problem with wood fences.
• Fence material corrosion. This occurs on metal fences like chain link and iron.
• A sagging gate. This could result from a tilting fence post or loose hinges.
• Post movement. Typically, this is caused by frost, corrosion or water.
• Stains. Moisture and other elements can stain fencing, which may require a professional to remove it.
• Warping. Warped, curled, cupped or bent boards are unsightly and less effective and need to be replaced.

If you notice any of the above issues with your fence, reach out to fence repair professionals near you to start getting cost estimates and schedule an appointment.

If you think your gate needs reinforcement, hire a fence repair professional in your area. Squaring up a fence gate may require adding corner brackets, installing a cable and turnbuckle, and cinching and tightening the cable to the appropriate tension. All of these repairs, as well as digging a new post hole, require expertise and know-how.

The most common gate repairs tend to be associated with a sagging gate. A gate repair professional will check the hinge system. If the hinges have come loose, they will detach the gate, set the hinges in the proper location and reattach everything. 

Another common repair is replacing or repairing a sagging fence post by digging a new posthole and/or using a concrete footing.

There are several advantages to hiring a fencing contractor to repair your fence:

• The repair will be done right, ensuring you won’t waste your time and money without the desired results.
• Because of the tools and materials needed, it might be worth it to hire a pro instead.
• A contractor can help you avoid problems down the line by fixing issues before they grow in severity.