Can You Fix A Broken Fence Post In Ontario?

Installing a fence on your commercial or residential property serves many great purposes. From keeping out trespassers to defining the boundary of the property and from improving privacy to keeping your pets and children safe, the fence is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your property. However, many property owners need to pay more attention to the regular upkeep of these fence posts, resulting in broken and damaged posts over time. This not only decreases the property value but also kills their primary purpose of providing a physical barrier.
If this is the case and you want to learn if you can fix the issue yourself, the answer is yes. In this post below, we will walk you through a few common causes and signs for broken fence posts. We will also learn how you can quickly fix fence posts following a few simple instructions. So, if you are interested, keep on reading.
4 Key Causes and Signs of Fence Post Damage
Before you even start fixing the broken and warped fence post, it is essential to understand the signs of the damage and the specific type of damage you are fixing. Knowing this will help you find the best solution. Plus, you will be able to determine whether the issue can be fixed with a simple repair, or you will have to go for a complete post replacement.

Property owners often need help to tell the difference between the issues that can be easily repaired and the fence problems that require complete replacement. Due to extreme environmental and weather conditions in Ontario, fence posts are vulnerable to a number of damages. The most common ones include leaning posts, corrosion, rotting, and cracking and splitting fences. Let’s understand the causes and signs of fence post damage in detail.
1. Corrosion
Corrosion usually happens when metal posts are exposed to environmental elements such as moisture and oxygen. The chemical reaction between the metal and the oxygen in the air, when exposed to moisture, results in oxidation, leading to rusting. Whether you have a sprinkler system directed towards the base of the post or the soil is wet all the time, it can cause the metal to deteriorate.
Hence, this weakens the metal structure over time, and the fence loses its stability. In this case, you should remove the rust using a wire brush and apply rust-resistant primer and paint afterward. Moreover, applying rust inhibitor or sealant on the defective areas can also resist corrosion and increase the lifespan of your fence post.
2. Rotting Wood
In Ontario, rotting wood is one of the primary causes of damaged and broken fence posts. It usually happens in wooden fence posts, which makes the wood soft, spongy, crumbly, and discolored. Since wooden posts are buried in the soil, prolonged exposure to moisture in the base area promotes bacteria and fungi growth. These microorganisms then feed on the wood fibers and cause them to break, leading to decay and rotting in the posts.
Read more about Can A Rotten Fence Post Be Repaired In Ontario?
The good news is that even the rotting wood can be saved with a few necessary repairs. However, it is important to know that if the rot damage is below 30%, you can repair it. To do so, you can use a repair kit or use pressure-treated wood with preservatives to avoid rotting. If the rotting has taken over the entire fence, it is best to replace it before it gets to other posts.
3. Leaning Fences
If the post is wobbly when you share it, that’s when you know the wood has started to decay from the base. If you notice any leaning fences, know that the base of the post has been compromised. This usually happens due to excessive moisture accumulating in the area, resulting in unstable and unsound posts. Leaning fence posts can be a result of shifting soil, poor fence installation, and extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and strong winds.
These issues can cause fence posts to weaken and lean, resulting in an unstable base. To fix fence, you can use steel braces to secure the base or reinforce it with concrete. If the damage is beyond simple fixing, replacing the fences with a new one is the right solution.
4. Cracking and Splitting
Lastly, the visible cracking and splitting of the wooden fence post is a clear indication of damaged fence posts. This typically happens due to the temperature changes and humidity, leading to the contraction and expansion of the wood fibers of the fence posts. In Ontario, where fluctuating weather is one of the biggest concerns, cracks can damage your fences, reducing the structural integrity of the entire post.
Fortunately, you can repair small cracks using a wood filler and apply sealant or wood stain to prevent the moisture from damaging the wood further. Additionally, placing caps on the fence ensures moisture does not seep into the wood, minimizing the chance of wood splitting. However, if the damage cannot be fixed with a wood filler and a cap, you must replace the damaged fence post with a new one.
Step-by-Step Process of Fixing a Broken Fence Post
Now that you are aware of the causes and signs of the damage, you will be able to fix the broken fence post more efficiently. To help you do that, here is a step-by-step guide to repair the damaged fence post. Follow these steps, and you will be able to get the job done like a pro:

1. Evaluate the Damage
First things first, every fixing project starts with evaluating the damage. In most cases, minor repairs and wood filling can fix fence posts. So, you need to check if the breaks are minor and can be fixed easily. If there is significant rot and damage, you will need to upgrade the fences.
2. Gather Materials and Tools
After making sure you can repair the damage yourself, you must gather all the tools and materials required to start with the project. To fix a broken fence post, you will need an electric drill, post hole digger, shovel, and sledgehammer. You will also need safety gloves, braces or EZ Mender, and concrete or foam.
3. Remove Broken Fence Boards
Using the shovel and post hole digger, you need to clear out the dirt around the base of the post and expose the existing concrete. Now, you need to carefully break the concrete using the sledgehammer and remove the pieces. When the concrete is out, remove the damaged wood pieces that are causing the problem.
4. Prepare the Hole
After removing debris and damaged fence board, clean the post area thoroughly. If you notice any remaining concrete, go in again with the sledgehammer and make sure there is none left so that you can prepare the post hole for the new concrete and fence post. Next, you want to dig up the new hole, which will be slightly bigger than the old one, for the new post installation.
5. Repair or Replace the Post
If the old post can be repaired, you can use wood filler to fill the cracks and holes in the wood. Or, you can install the new post in the hole you just cleaned and prepared. Make sure you are using the level to match the height and position of the new post with the rest of the fence posts. If needed, you can add gravel at the bottom for proper drainage to prevent any moisture damage in the future. (Read more about Is It Worth Staining An Old Fence?)
6. Secure the New or Existing Post
After installing and leveling the post, you can pour in the concrete mixer or expanding foam to secure the post. This will ensure that the new post stays stable. Once satisfied with the work, reattach fencing panels using an electric drill and screws.
7. Reinforce with Steel Braces
For added stability, you can use steel braces or an EZ mender to secure the post. This will ensure your post stays stable for the longest time. Lastly, allow concrete to set, and do not touch it before that. Once it’s set, your post will look as good as new.
Preventive Measures for Future Damage
Fixing the broken fence post is not the only solution. You also want to take preventive measures for any future damages. Here is what you need to do:
- You must conduct regular checks to catch early signs of any wear, tear, cracks, and holes. This will allow you to fix the issue before it gets worse.
- Keep the sprinkler system and any vegetation away from the post to ensure no moisture is penetrating the wood and damaging the post.
- Make sure the posts are secured in the concrete base for stability. This will prevent any learning in the future.
- Do not forget to apply a wood preservative or sealant to protect the fence posts for years and years to come.
Finally!
In conclusion, fixing small cracks, holes, and splitting in the fence posts is easy if you follow the step-by-step instructions mentioned above. Also, to make sure these issues only occur sometimes, you must take preventive measures and conduct regular checks, especially given the fluctuating weather in Ontario. However, it is important to know that if the project seems out of your skillset, you can call a professional fence repair company like Custodia to fix the issue for you professionally and efficiently. This will save you time, and the fence will look as good as new.