All Star Fence North Reading, MA | Trusted Fence Installation & Frost Heave Repair

Frost heave is the main culprit. In North Reading’s clay-heavy soil, water trapped beneath the post freezes during winter, expands, and lifts the post upward. When the ground thaws, the post may settle crooked. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles eventually tilt or crack fences. All Star Fence uses gravel drainage and sets posts below the frost line to prevent this.

Look for posts leaning in different directions, gaps between fence sections, or a wavy top rail. You might also see cracked or broken pickets near the ground. In spring, check if gateposts are pulling away from the latch. If any of these signs appear, your fence likely needs resetting before further damage occurs.

First, we assess the depth and tilt. For minor heave, we dig around the post, add crushed stone at the base, and reset it. For severe cases, we remove the old post, dig a new hole 48 inches deep (below North Reading’s frost line), pour a gravel footer, and set the post with concrete. This anchors the fence against future frost movement.