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How to Repair a Leaning, Sagging, or Storm-Damaged Fence
Start at the posts
A fence that leans or wobbles almost always has a post problem — rot at the concrete line or a footing that’s let go in our sandy soil. For a salvageable post, dig out, plumb it, brace it, and pour fresh concrete. For a rotted one, pull it and set a new post. Solid posts are 80% of a solid fence.
Pickets, rails & boards
Swap cracked or rotted pickets and rails for matching lumber, keeping your gap spacing consistent so repairs blend in. Pre-seal cut ends — in Broward humidity, untreated end-grain is the first place rot starts again.
Sagging gate
A dragging gate is usually loose hinges or a frame that’s racked out of square, not the ground. Re-seat the hinges into solid wood, square the frame, and add an anti-sag cable kit corner-to-corner. Ten dollars of hardware beats a new gate.
Vinyl & aluminum
Vinyl panels usually pop back into the rails once a cracked section is replaced; aluminum sections unscrew at the brackets. The repair is easy — sourcing a color and profile match is the real task, so bring a photo and a measurement to the supplier.
After a storm (the Broward reality)
A leaning or down section after a storm is a wind hazard — secure or brace it before it becomes a projectile, and photograph everything for insurance before you remove anything. Then decide repair versus replace. Our fence repair-or-replace guide walks the math, and storm response covers the rest.
Permits & when it’s licensed work
Repairs — posts, pickets, gates, sections — are license-exempt handyman work. A brand-new fence or a full replacement may need a Broward permit and, over a certain scope, a licensed contractor. We handle repairs directly and coordinate or refer the permitted side. Not sure where your job falls? Our Do I Need a License? tool answers it in a minute.
Frequently asked
How do I fix a leaning fence post?
Dig out around the post, plumb it and brace it, then pour fresh concrete; if the post is rotted at the base, pull it and set a new one. The post and footing are what hold the line.
Should I repair or replace my fence?
Repair when the posts are sound and damage is localized; replace when most posts are rotted or more than a third of the fence is failing. Our repair-or-replace guide walks the numbers.
Do I need a permit to fix a fence in Broward?
Repairs generally don’t, but a new or replacement fence usually needs a permit and must meet height and wind-load rules. Check your specific job on our license tool.
Who fixes a storm-damaged fence?
Brace it safe and document it for insurance first. We repair storm-damaged sections directly; a full permitted rebuild we coordinate with the licensed side.