Compass Fencing | Top-Rated Residential Fencing in Suttons Bay, MI

The primary cause is frost heave, where water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing posts upward. Thawing then leaves them loose and leaning. Compass Fencing solves this by installing posts on concrete footings set below the frost line (typically 48 inches in our area), which anchors them securely against shifting.

Common signs include bowed or cracked rails, sagging gates that drag on the ground, and loose pickets after a heavy snowmelt. If you notice your fence panels leaning away from the prevailing wind direction (often from the northwest near the bay), it's a clear indicator of snow load stress. Compass Fencing can reinforce or replace these sections with stronger, snow-rated materials.

For properties near the marina, we recommend a heavy-duty, galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum gate. These materials resist rust from lake moisture and stand up to strong winds. For a wood aesthetic, we use pressure-treated or cedar with reinforced hinges and a self-closing mechanism to prevent wind damage. Compass Fencing can custom-build a gate that matches your home's style while providing long-lasting function.