How To Replace A Fence Panel Or Fence Post

If one of your panels or posts become damaged they’re fairly easy to replace, this article show you how.

Constructing a fence using fencing panels is very easy. However, should one of your panels, or posts become damaged they’re fairly easy to replace too – You’ll just need to buy a new fence panel or post.

Should you spot a panel in your fencing that is damaged, or a post that is loose, then you should replace it as soon as possible otherwise you run the risk, particularly in a high wind, of damaging the rest of the fence. In my mini-guide below I explain in easy to follow step by step instructions  how you can replace a panel, or a post in your fencing.

Step 1 – Check how your panels are secured

Check if the fence panel has been secured to the post with nails or with clips . It is much easier if fencing clips have been used as these are designed so that you can easily slide the panel out. Because, in this example we’re replacing a post as well, and the adjacent panel is sound, you will need to cut through the nails using a hacksaw blade. Remember that you’ll be using a bare hacksaw blade, so wear heavy duty gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2 – Remove the damaged panel

Cut the nails down the length of the panel on the post of the sound fence panel and then using a nail bar prise the damaged panel from the other fence post and lift it out You’ll find this easier if you have a friend to help you do this step.

Step 3 – Remove the fence post

Remove the lose or broken fence post, including the concrete plug by digging it out

Step 4 – Dig out the fence post hole

Once you have removed the fence post, dig out the hole to a depth of about 450mm

Step 5 – Line everything up with string guides

Place TWO string lines along your fence – one at the top so that your new post is level with the other post heights and one along the bottom to ensure that your new post is in line with the other posts. This will ensure that your panel fence is straight

Step 6 – Secure your post vertically

Take two lengths of rough timber and make some props for the replacement fence post. This will help keep your post in position while you are concreting it in. Hammer the length of timber diagonally across the post and into the ground and then secure to the fence post with a nail. Check that the post is perfectly upright by using a spirit level and making any adjustments that need to be made. Repeat this with another piece of rough timber but ensure that you place it 90 degrees to the other piece. This is important as these timber props will help to ensure that your fence post remains vertical in both directions

Step 7 – Concrete our post in place

Now that your new fence post is in place you can concrete it in. It’s advisable that you use a Rapid Setting Concrete Post Mix. These are used by placing water in the hole around the post and then adding the post mix powder. There are several different varieties of these mixes on the market and all will do a satisfactory job but I recommend you read the manufacturers instructions to get the best results.

Step 8 – Protect your post by creating a mound

Once you have concreted in the fence post it is a good idea to create a mound using a trowel. The mound should be shaped so that the high point is on the post and then slopes down towards the ground. This will prevent rain water from collecting and sitting around the post which will cause the post to rot quicker

Step 9 – Leave to cure

Leave the concrete to set completely before you install the fence panel. Read the manufacturers instructions on the post mix to determine drying times

Step 10 – Secure the panel with the appropriate clips

Now that your concrete has completely set you fix the new panel in place. My advice is that instead of using nails, which can damage a fencing panel by splitting the wood, use fence clips. Fence clips are ‘U’ shaped clips that are secured to the fence post at the top and bottom of either side on each post, and also in the middle of the post – Also see my note about posts below

Step 11 – Complete by sliding in the fence panel

Once the Fence Clips are in place, take your fence panel (and you may need some help with this) lift it and slide it in the fence clips. The beauty of the fence clip is that if you ever have to remove a panel, for whatever reason, it is simply a matter of sliding the panel in and out

Note about fence posts

Concrete posts are available in a multitude of sizes. These are slotted on each side and make it really easy to simply drop in new panels whenever they become damaged, rotted or require replacement for any other reason such as graffiti or defacement.

Next Steps

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  • If you get stuck or you need a helping hand, and you live within 30 minutes from Cambridge then please call me on: number here or my mobile: number here or you can email me here: handyman@davidattlesey.com You’ll find my prices are very reasonable and I’ll be happy to help you out wherever I can!

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About David Attlesey

David Attlesey The Cambridge HandyMan-No job too small. Handyman service in Cambridgeshire. Reliable & highly experienced. Decorating, gardening, repairs, furniture assembly, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, new installations, and much more. David is a professionally trained tradesman, ready to undertake handyman jobs in Cambridge and around Cambridgeshire. Connect with David on Google+

By David

David Attlesey The Cambridge HandyMan-No job too small. Handyman service in Cambridgeshire. Reliable & highly experienced. Decorating, gardening, repairs, furniture assembly, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, new installations, and much more. David is a professionally trained tradesman, ready to undertake handyman jobs in Cambridge and around Cambridgeshire. Connect with David on Google+

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