How to Repair a Vinyl Fence?
Whether you use a vinyl fence for privacy or to beautify your home, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. Over time, vinyl fences can be prone to damage, including small cracks and holes. This can increase the risk of moisture, wind, and snow seeping through and damaging the fence.
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There are several ways to repair a damaged vinyl fence, including by replacing slats or pickets and replacing damaged posts. Both are inexpensive and easy to complete on your own.
Replacing a Slat or Picket
If you’re planning to replace slats or pickets, the first step is to clean off the old material. Then, cut off any protruding or jagged edges with a utility knife. After that, sand the area gently about 3 inches around the protrusion or hole.
Sanding can make the repaired area look smoother and more even. The sandpaper that you choose should be of coarse enough grit to remove all the loose weather vinyl that’s stuck in the slat or picket, but not so rough that it damages the surface.
Once you’ve removed the loose weather vinyl, apply a good amount of plastic automotive body filler to the inside of the slat or picket. This type of filler is typically sold at local Northern, VA auto body shops and is designed to be used on plastic surfaces. Once the plastic filler is dry, sand the repaired surface with a progressively finer sandpaper, beginning with 80-grit and ending with 180-grit. Wipe away any excess sanding dust with a tack cloth and then paint with the same type of spray paint that you would use to paint the rest of your fence.
Replacement Posts and Rails
Unlike slats and pickets, replacement posts and rails on a vinyl fence can be difficult to accomplish on your own. You may need to break up the original post and remove it. You also need to ensure that you are replacing the correct panel and post for your fence.
To do this, you’ll need a circular saw that can be operated safely and is capable of cutting through the original post. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a power tool, and don’t use it while children or pets are present.
After you’ve replaced the posts and rails on your vinyl fence, you can secure them back in place with screws. Once you’ve done this, you should have a strong, sturdy fence.
Although the process for repairing a vinyl fence can be frustrating, it’s worth the effort when you consider the cost of replacing a damaged fence. Especially if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, it’s best to take care of repairs and avoid replacing the entire fence.
