San Antonio fences take a beating from sun, storms, sprinklers and shifting clay soil. Whether you repair or replace usually comes down to the posts.
Start with the posts
Posts carry the whole fence. Check each one:
- Leaning posts often mean rot at ground level or a failed footing.
- Soft wood at the base, found by probing with a screwdriver, means rot.
- Cracked concrete around posts can mean soil movement.
A few bad posts can be replaced. If many are failing, a new fence is usually the better choice.
Rails, pickets and gates
- Pickets: individual broken or warped pickets are easy to replace, though new wood will look different until it weathers or is stained.
- Rails: split or sagging rails can be replaced or reinforced.
- Gates: sagging gates usually need a stronger hinge post, an anti-sag kit or a rebuilt frame.
Repair or replace?
| Condition | Usual approach |
|---|---|
| A few broken pickets, solid posts | Repair |
| Sagging gate, solid posts | Rehang or rebuild gate |
| Several rotten or leaning posts | Replace posts or sections |
| Widespread rot or storm damage | Replace the fence |
Materials and San Antonio weather
- Cedar: popular for privacy fences, weathers to gray unless stained
- Treated pine: economical, needs regular sealing
- Steel posts with wood pickets: posts resist rot
- Ornamental metal: long-lasting, needs paint touch-ups
- Masonry: durable, but foundations matter on clay soils
Before you dig: property lines, rules and utilities
- Property lines. Make sure the fence is on your property. A survey resolves doubts, and talk to neighbors about shared fences.
- HOA rules often control height, material, color and which side faces out.
- City rules. Height limits and other requirements can apply, especially for front yards, corner lots and pool barriers. Check with the City's Development Services Department.
- Call 811. Texas law requires notice before digging. Contact Texas811 to have buried utilities marked before setting new posts.
Storm-damaged fences
After high winds, document the damage with photos before cleanup. Remove hazards first, then plan repairs. If you plan to file an insurance claim, coverage questions go to your insurer. Our reconstruction guide has tips on avoiding storm-chaser contractors.
What a fence estimate should include
- Linear footage and height
- Post type, spacing and footing method
- Picket, rail and gate materials and hardware
- Removal and disposal of the old fence
- Stain or sealer, if included
- Who handles utility locates and HOA submittals
For HOA-related projects, see our HOA page. If your yard also needs deck work, read deck repair or replacement.
Planning fence repair or replacement in San Antonio? Book an estimate consultation with 214 Veteran Solutions, a veteran-owned general contractor, or call (210) 796-3695.