A Fence Company | Professional Fence Contractors in Salt Lake City, UT

The main cause is frost heave—water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing posts upward. Also, snowmelt saturates the ground. We solve this by digging posts below the frost line (at least 30 inches in our area) and using gravel backfill for drainage. For leaning posts, we reset them with concrete footings and proper drainage. This keeps your fence stable through our harsh winters.

Freeze-thaw cycles can shift gate posts and warp hinges. First, we inspect the post foundations for frost heave. Then we adjust or replace hinges with heavy-duty, rust-resistant hardware, and sometimes add a wheel or anti-sag kit. Finally, we rehang the gate with proper clearance. Regular lubrication of hinges before winter can also prevent issues.

Wood is vulnerable to moisture from snow and to dry rot from intense summer sun. Our solution is to use pressure-treated or cedar lumber, apply a quality sealant that protects against UV and moisture, and ensure at least 2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the fence and the ground to avoid wicking. We also recommend annual inspections to reseal as needed.