Comal Fence Company - San Antonio's Reliable Fence Builders

The main cause is our area's expansive clay soil. When the soil gets wet, it swells, and when it dries out, it shrinks. This constant movement causes concrete footings and wooden posts to shift or loosen over time. To fix this, our team often uses a technique called 'belled' or 'splayed' concrete footings that are wider at the bottom, which helps anchor the post better against soil movement. In some cases, we re-set the post with gravel instead of concrete for better drainage, or install a metal post anchor system that allows for slight movement without compromising stability.

After a strong storm or high-wind event, look for specific signs. Wind-damaged sections often show broken or cracked pickets and rails, a fence that is visibly leaning in one direction, or loose hardware at the gate hinges. Normal wear and tear, like wood rot or insect damage, usually shows up as soft spots, crumbling wood, or sagging over a longer period. If you see a clean break across a picket or the entire section is leaning uniformly, it's likely wind damage. We recommend checking your fence after every major San Antonio storm to catch issues early.

The most effective solution depends on the extent of the damage. For a few broken pickets, we can replace them individually. For larger sections that are leaning or have pulled loose from the post, we often re-set the posts deeper and with a stronger concrete mix. To prevent future damage, we can install wind-resistant features like extra bracing, thicker rails, or even a small gap at the bottom of the fence to allow wind to pass through rather than pushing against a solid wall. In our experience, using pressure-treated wood or metal posts, and re-enforcing corners, makes a significant difference in our local climate.