1st Corinthians Cement Works: Top-Rated Fence Builders Serving Chicago, IL 60620

In Chicago, the main cause is our freeze-thaw cycle and expansive clay soil. When posts are set in shallow concrete or just backfilled with dirt, frost heaves push them out of alignment. Water also seeps in around wooden posts, causing rot and loosening the ground. Our solution involves excavating the post, removing rotted sections, and setting it in a deep concrete footing that extends below the frost line. We also use gravel for drainage, preventing water from pooling and freezing around the post base.

Sagging gates usually indicate a problem with the hinge post. Over time, the weight of the gate causes that post to lean, pulling the gate out of square. First, we check for loose hinge screws or worn-out hardware. If the post is still stable, we might replace hinges and add a corner brace. More often, the post itself has shifted. In that case, we dig down, reset the post in a new concrete base, and re-hang the gate. If your gate frame is twisted, we can reinforce it with steel brackets. Call us for an inspection so we can tell you exactly which fix will hold.

Absolutely. A cracked collar often means water got in and froze, or the post itself is starting to rot and swell. We remove the chipped concrete, treat or replace the post if needed, then pour a new concrete collar using a mix designed for cold weather. We also slope the top away from the post so water runs off instead of collecting. This simple repair stops future leaning and keeps your fence looking neat. It is a common job for us in neighborhoods like Bucktown and Avondale.