Ballard Wood Fence Repair Services
Is your fence leaning like it’s had one too many? It’s more than just “character”—it’s a sign of failed posts, rotting rails, or pesky plants pushing from the other side! At Neat & Tidy, we straighten lines, reset posts, rehang gates, and deliver a fence that stands strong against the notorious Ballard storms.
What’s the Problem?
- Rotting Posts: Posts deteriorating at the base, causing panels to tilt or blow out of place.
- Sagging Gates: Gates that drag, refuse to latch, or have stripped hinge screws.
- Splitting Rails: Cracked rails, loose pickets, and nails backing out are common issues.
- Vegetation Pressure: Soil piled against boards, with ivy and blackberry bushes trying to take over.
- Temporary Fixes: Previous repairs that are merely wishful thinking, like using toe-screws.
How We Repair (Fixing the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms)
- Assess & Mark: We evaluate the fence line, plumb, soil grade, drainage, and any pesky vegetation pressure, while respecting property-line constraints.
- Reset/Replace Posts: We dig out failing posts and set new pressure-treated 4x4 or 4x6 posts in sturdy footings, using bell-shaped bases, drainage gravel, and concrete collars at grade.
- Rails & Blocking: We replace cracked rails and add blocking or metal ties (like Simpson-style) for extra wind resistance.
- Pickets & Fasteners: We’ll reuse sound cedar whenever possible and replace the rest with stainless or coated screws to eliminate rusty nails.
- Gate Rehab: We address sagging gates with new posts or sleeve repairs, adding diagonal braces, heavy-duty hinges, and proper latches.
- Vegetation & Grade: We’ll clear ivy and blackberry bushes and ensure wood doesn’t sit in damp mulch, maintaining a finished grade of about 2” below the bottom rails/boards.
- Hardware & Finish: We use corrosion-resistant hardware for a neat look and recommend staining or sealing for longevity.
Straight talk: If your posts are mushy at grade, “sistering” won’t save them. We’ll replace the post or the lean will return.
What We Work On
- Cedar Fences: Board-on-board, good neighbor, and solid panel styles.
- Utility Panel Fences: Replacing real posts and rails for stability.
- Gates: Including courtyard, trash/recycling, and dog runs.
- Tight-Access Areas: We tackle challenging hills and rockeries common in Ballard.
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
- Fence Line Patrol: We trim vegetation off rails and pickets to keep soil and mulch away from the wood.
- Hardware Check: We tighten hinges and latches, replacing any stripped screws.
- Post Health: We check for wobble and early signs of rot at the base and perform sealing checks.
- Gate Tune: Adjusting latches and hinges as seasons cause swell and shrink.
- Clean & Protect: We offer a soft wash and an optional stain/seal schedule.
We’re your low-maintenance landscaping team. Our goal? Fewer problems between visits and less work for you!
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits You Best)
- Quarterly: Spring/fall resets plus two tune-ups (ideal for those with ivy and blackberry pressures).
- Bi-Monthly: A balanced option for wind-exposed or high-traffic gates.
(Heavy vine pressure or fresh repairs? Start with monthly visits for 60–90 days, then taper off.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Ivy and blackberry cutback along the fence and neighbor edges.
- Hinge and latch tune-ups; new screws for stripped wood.
- Post inspections and small-footing touch-ups at grade.
- Board and rail replacements where rot shows up.
- Photo updates so you can see those lines stay straight.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Safety: Fewer blowouts and trip hazards keep your property secure.
- Longevity: Keeping wood dry and tightening hardware ensures it outlasts storm season.
- Curb Appeal: Straight lines and snug gates elevate your home’s appearance.
- Cost Efficiency: Timely small repairs prevent costly full rebuilds.
How It Works
- Free Estimate: We provide photos/video or a quick walkthrough with clear pricing.
- Plan the Fix: We assess posts, rails, gate hardware, vegetation, and grade.
- Repair Day: We reset, replace, and rehang with a clean-up afterward—no nail-streak mess left behind!
- Follow-Up: We provide care tips, optional stain/seal services, and a maintenance schedule tailored to you.
Why Ballard Chooses Neat & Tidy
- Local experts who understand Ballard’s unique wind patterns and soil types.
- Licensed & insured; we always call 811 before digging near utilities.
- Upfront pricing that includes labor, hardware, hauling, and disposal.
- Punctual, respectful, and clean work (no invasive ivy left behind!).
- Green-first approach—reusing sound boards and minimizing landfill waste.
Ready for a fence that stands straight and shuts right?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a wood fence repair that lasts—solid posts, crisp lines, and a gate that clicks every time. We’ll keep it tidy—so you can get back to enjoying your Ballard space!
