Common fence problems around New Braunfels
Leaning or loose posts
Posts usually fail first. In Blackland clay, the ground swells after rain and shrinks in drought, which slowly levers posts out of plumb. Wood posts also rot right at ground level, where they stay wet. And a 6-foot solid privacy fence catches a lot of wind, so storms push on every post. A contractor can reset, brace or replace individual posts. Galvanized steel posts are a common upgrade because they don't rot.
Broken, loose or missing pickets
Pickets crack, warp and pull loose as wood dries in the Texas sun. Replacing a few boards is a small job. New boards won't match weathered ones right away, but stain can help.
Sagging gates
A gate that drags or won't latch usually has a loose hinge post, worn hinges or no diagonal brace. See gates and gate repair.
Storm and tree damage
High winds and falling limbs can take down whole sections. Take photos before anything is cleaned up, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim.
Chain link and iron
Chain link problems are usually a bent top rail, loose fabric or a damaged gate frame. Iron and steel fences rust where the paint or powder coat is chipped, and the welds need checking. Both can usually be fixed section by section.
Repair or replace?
If the problem is a few boards, one or two posts, or a gate, repair is almost always cheaper. If posts are failing along most of the run, or the wood is soft and gray from end to end, patching tends to turn into paying twice. A good contractor will tell you which side of that line you're on. If one won't, get a second quote.
What fence repair costs
HomeGuide's 2026 figures put standard fence repairs such as replacing a panel or repairing a post at $300 to $900. Replacing a single fence post runs $250 to $600, and gate repairs $50 to $400 depending on the damage. Small fixes can come in under that, and major storm damage can run higher.
Does insurance cover fence damage?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Homeowners policies often cover fences damaged by a covered event, such as a tree falling in a windstorm, but not wear, rot or neglect. Check your policy or call your agent. Photos and a written repair estimate help with any claim.
Pool fence down? A damaged pool barrier is a safety problem, not just a repair. Keep kids and pets away from the pool until it's fixed, and mention the pool when you request help so it can be prioritized.
Common questions
Can you fix just one section of my fence?
Yes. Most repairs are a few posts, a few pickets or one gate. The contractor will match the existing style as closely as they can.
Why do my fence posts keep leaning?
In much of the area east of I-35, expansive clay soil swells and shrinks with the seasons and pushes posts around. Wood posts also rot at ground level. Deeper post holes, concrete, and galvanized steel posts help.
How fast can a storm-damaged fence be repaired?
It depends on contractor availability after the storm. If you have pets or a pool, say so when you call so the request is treated as urgent.