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Essentially, the best
solution is to saturate the affected area with a preservative and
mend it. Rails that have broken away will need to be replaced with
treated lumber.
To avoid rot in the first place, set all the posts in concrete and
cut away vegetation in the surrounding area. Because plants have a
tendency to retain moisture and provide shade that reduces
evaporation, any plants in the vicinity of fence posts will
contribute more readily to moisture on the wood.
Step-by-Step
Remove rotting material with a chisel and use T-braces to secure the
rails to the posts. Make sure you drill pilot holes for screws.
Shore up the rails with short 2x4s butted snugly against the rail.
Fasten the 2x4s to the post with galvanized nails.
At this point you can apply a sealant so that future problems don't
arise. Apply butyl caulk at the rail/post joint – the added
flexibility means rot will be less likely to form. Lastly, paint the
brace so it matches the fence.
Wobbly posts
Wobbly posts are another story. This usually occurs because the
posts weren't set properly in the first place or because of
moisture, freezing, and thawing that has loosened the buried ends.
Stakes or splints are a quick way to steady a wobbly post, but posts
that have rotted away in the ground will have to be replaced.
Unfortunately, this is a large undertaking, as the rails will have
to be taken apart and put back together again in order to reach and
replace the posts.
Removal involves the use of a post puller, but you can also yank
them out of the ground with a wrecking bar, with a piece of 4x4 as
leverage. To make the job go more smoothly, remove some of the earth
around the posts. |
