Dr. Fix-A-Home: Reliable Commercial Fencing Serving Watertown, SD 57201

The main cause is frost heave and freeze-thaw cycles common in South Dakota. Water in the soil freezes, expands, and pushes posts upward, while thawing leaves gaps that cause shifting. Strong winds common around Lake Kampeska can also loosen posts over time. Dr. Fix-A-Home addresses this by resetting posts with proper gravel drainage and concrete footings below the frost line.

Look for cracked or splintered wood, loose railings, rusted fasteners, or spongy spots where moisture has caused rot. After heavy snow, check for sagging or separation from the house. In Watertown, ice dams can also damage deck boards. If you notice any of these, our team can assess and repair or replace damaged sections to prevent further issues.

Storm damage often shifts gate posts or bends hinges. First, we inspect the alignment of posts and check for rot or cracks. Then we adjust or replace hinges, re-set posts if needed, and reinforce the gate frame. For wooden gates in Watertown’s windy conditions, we may add diagonal bracing to prevent future warping.