Fence Replacement in Monroe, NC

Drive through almost any Monroe subdivision that went up a while back and you'll see the same thing. The fences all went in around the same time, often built quickly to the minimum, and now they're all failing at once. Boards are graying and splitting. Posts lean toward the neighbor. Gates have been propped shut with a brick. One storm took out a section and the patch doesn't match.

That kind of fence usually isn't worth chasing with repairs. Here's how to know, and how a replacement runs from start to finish.

A five-minute fence check

Walk the line and look for these:

• Push five posts in different spots. If more than one or two move, the rest of the line was set the same way.
• Look at the bottom of the boards and posts. Dark, soft wood at the ground line is rot, and it spreads.
• Sight down the top of the fence. A wavy or leaning top line means posts are shifting in the clay.
• Open every gate. Dragging, sticking or latches that don't catch point to moving posts.
• Check the rails. If rails are cracked or pulling off the posts, new boards won't fix it.

If you find problems in one area and the rest is solid, look at fence and gate repair first. If the problems are everywhere, keep reading.

Repair or replace: the plain math

Repair makes sense when the damage is limited and the rest of the fence has years left. Replacement makes sense when:

• Many posts are rotted or loose at the same time
• The cost of repairs is heading toward a large share of a new fence
• You keep paying for repairs year after year
• You wanted a different height, style or material anyway
• The HOA has asked you to fix the fence's appearance

A good contractor will tell you honestly which way they'd go. If repair is enough, you'll hear that.

The replacement timeline

Replacing a fence in an HOA community takes a few more steps than building a new one, since there's something to remove and something to approve.

1. On-site visit. The contractor measures, checks the old fence and talks through what you want next.
2. Written quote. It lists the new fence, gates, and removal and haul-off as separate items.
3. HOA application. Many HOAs require approval for a replacement, even when it matches the old fence. Check your covenants and submit the quote and a drawing.
4. Line check. Confirm the property line from your survey or plat before the old fence comes out.
5. NC811 marking. Utilities get marked before any new holes are dug.
6. Tear-out and build. Often back to back so the yard isn't open for long, which matters if you have a dog.
7. Walk-through. Every gate checked, debris gone.

What tear-out involves

Pulling an old fence is more work than it looks. Posts set in concrete come out with the footing attached, and in Union County red clay that takes time and the right equipment. Old nails, screws and rusted hardware have to be dealt with, and all of it has to go somewhere. Make sure removal and haul-off are on the quote. If they aren't listed, ask.

If you have a dog, plan for the gap between tear-out and the new fence. Ask whether the work can be scheduled so the yard is closed again the same day or the next.

Should the old posts stay?

Almost always, no. Wood posts that have been in clay for years are usually soft below ground even when the tops look fine. A new fence hung on them will fail when they do. New panels and sections also rarely line up with old post spacing. Steel chain link posts are the exception, and can sometimes be reused if they're straight, set well and not rusted.

New posts, set at proper depth in concrete with drainage at the base, are what make the new fence outlast the old one.

Upgrade options

Replacement is the time to fix whatever bugged you about the old fence.

• Better wood. A new privacy fence with heavier posts, better fasteners and the good side facing out, if your HOA requires it.
• Switch to vinyl. Vinyl fencing skips the staining. Many HOAs like it, but confirm color and style first.
• Mix materials. Privacy along the neighbors, chain link across the back where it faces woods.
• Wider or more gates. If the mower or trailer never fit, fix it now.
• Taller fence. If the HOA allows it and the dog needs it.

The fence installation cost guide explains how material, height, footage and removal move the price.

Shared fences and the property line

A lot of Monroe backyard fences sit right on the line, and some were paid for by two neighbors. Before the old fence comes down:

• Find your survey or plat and check where the line actually is. Look for corner pins.
• Talk to the neighbor, especially if they share the fence or think part of it is theirs.
• Check for drainage or utility easements. Some HOAs or utilities restrict what can be built in them.
• Don't assume the old fence was right. Putting a new fence in old holes repeats any old mistake.

Fence replacement is available in Monroe and nearby Indian Trail, Waxhaw and Weddington.