West Seattle replace broken lattice panel
Homeowner’s Issue
Broken lattice panels are common across West Seattle — from the cliffside lots near Alki to the older homes around Admiral and the sloped yards in Highland Park. Our marine-influenced climate means more rainy months, frequent damp cycles, and moss or rot where wood sits against soil or dense planting. Heavy northwest winds and winter storms can loosen fasteners and warp thin lattice strips, and lots on small slopes or with poor drainage accelerate decay where water pools at post bases.
Many houses here have mixed sun exposure: southwest-facing yards get decent summer sun, while north-side fences stay damp and see moss and ivy more aggressively. Soil tends toward compacted loam in older neighborhoods and thin topsoil on regraded lots; that affects how close plantings sit to panels and how much splashback they get. HOA and curb-appeal rules in pockets like Alki and Fauntleroy mean homeowners want quick, tidy fixes that match existing style — not temporary patches. For sustainability-minded West Seattle residents we replace panels using responsibly sourced materials, stainless fasteners, and moisture-control details so repairs last through repeated wet seasons without relying on chemical treatments.
Our Quality Service
We replace lattice panels with a practical, sustainable approach: assess the framing, remove the damaged lattice by hand, install a matched panel (cedar, painted pine, or composite), and detail connections with stainless screws and flashing where needed. Typical onsite time for a single standard panel is 2–4 hours; a run of panels on a small yard is often a day. We bring hand tools, battery-powered drivers, small demolition gear, and tarps to keep areas clean.
Local insight: we size fasteners and gaps for marine rain, add a modest air gap and drip edge when the lattice sits near soil, and recommend drainage changes if water pools. We follow Seattle water-use guidelines and avoid herbicides entirely—weed control is hand weeding, mulches, or organic methods. Benefits include safer yards, improved curb appeal, lower maintenance, and repair details that resist rot and wind.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and damage report.
- Careful removal and responsible disposal or recycling of the old lattice.
- Supply and installation of one matching lattice panel (measurements preserved).
- Stainless fasteners, cut-to-fit trimming, and basic sealing of exposed cuts.
- Site cleanup and debris haul (green bin vs. haul-away option).
Options / Upgrades
- Pre-stain or water-based paint for quicker weather protection.
- Composite lattice for minimal maintenance.
- Moisture barrier / flashing at post bases.
- Landscape fabric, gravel strip, or small french drain to reduce splashback.
- Planting trellis integration or climbing vine prep (sustainable plant pairing).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and basic demolition debris on site during work. Access: we need a 3–4 ft clear path to the fence for tools and materials. We’ll protect adjacent plants with tarps and collect cuttings and old wood; larger loads may require a short trip to the yard waste site (we’ll confirm whether green-bin disposal or haul-away applies).
After: new panel fits flush and is fastened for wind. If you choose stain/paint, allow 24–48 hours dry time in late spring–summer; in fall/winter drying may take longer. Care tips for West Seattle: keep a 2–3 inch mulch/gravel strip at the base to stop soil contact, trim ivy/moss annually (hand-pull), and plan light sanding + water-based stain every 2–4 years depending on exposure.
FAQs
How long does one panel replacement take?
Usually 2–4 hours for a standard 4’x8’ panel; multi-panel jobs are scheduled for a full day.Do you use chemicals to prevent rot or weeds?
No. We use physical methods—stainless fasteners, moisture barriers, gravel strips, and hand/organic weed control only.Will the new panel match the rest of my fence?
We match style and spacing. Full replacement or painting can be quoted if exact color/age match is required.What if water pools at the fence line?
We’ll note drainage issues in the assessment and offer options (gravel trench, landscape fabric, reroute downspout) before installing.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: if you’ve got a broken lattice panel near Alki, Admiral, or along the Delridge corridor, we’ll give a clear, local-minded plan and a free photo estimate. Quick scheduling for small repairs; trusted sustainable methods and tidy crews.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to book a free estimate with the local team.
