Dominion Fence - Sterling's Top-Rated Fence Builders

In Sterling, common signs include leaning posts or panels, which often result from our area’s expansive clay soil and heavy rain. You might also notice rotted wood near the base—especially in wooden fences—caused by high humidity and damp ground. Loose or rusted hardware, sagging gates, and gaps between pickets are other clear indicators. If your fence looks wavy or sections are pulling away from each other, it’s time to have a professional assess it before more damage occurs.

The primary cause is the region’s soil moisture. Sterling experiences freeze-thaw cycles and significant rainfall, which can soften the ground around fence posts. Over time, this causes the posts to shift, especially if they weren’t set deep enough or in concrete that didn’t extend below the frost line. Additionally, high winds from storms that move through the Potomac River valley can exert lateral pressure, accelerating the lean. Dominion Fence addresses this by setting posts to proper depth using a strong concrete base suited to local conditions.

A sagging gate often results from heavy use, settling posts, or loose hinges. The first step is to check if the hinge-side post is still plumb. If it’s leaning, the entire post may need to be reset or reinforced. Sometimes, simply tightening the screws on hinge brackets or adding a heavier-duty hinge solves the problem. For wooden gates, diagonal bracing or installing a tension cable can help. If the gate is permanently warped from moisture, replacement might be the best option. Dominion Fence can evaluate your gate and provide a long-lasting fix that works with Sterling’s weather.