Residential Fencing Buffalo NY | Call Classic Fence Co

In Buffalo, repeated freeze-thaw cycles cause moisture to get into latch mechanisms, leading to corrosion and ice buildup. The metal can also contract and expand, misaligning the latch. This often results in a gate that won't close or stay shut—a common issue we see near areas like North Buffalo.

If your fence appears uneven at the top, or if a gate drags on the ground or won't latch properly, frost heave is likely the culprit. Look for leaning posts, cracked concrete around the base, or gaps between the ground and the bottom rail. This is especially common in neighborhoods like South Buffalo with clay-heavy soil.

Our recommended solution is to set posts below the frost line (at least 48 inches deep in Buffalo) and use gravel backfill for drainage. For existing shifted posts, we often replace the post with a frost-proof footing system or install helical piers. Classic Fence Co handles this for gates and fences throughout the city, including in areas like Allentown where older properties are prone to shifting.