Fences Etc - Crowley's Local Wood and Vinyl Fencing

The main cause is prolonged exposure to high heat and direct sunlight, which dries out the wood unevenly. In Crowley, summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, and wood absorbs moisture during rain then rapidly shrinks in heat, leading to warping. This is especially noticeable on south- or west-facing fence sections. Using properly sealed, kiln-dried wood and leaving expansion gaps during installation helps minimize warping.

Look for the gate dragging on the ground, a gap between the gate and latch post, or the latch not aligning properly. You might also notice the gate is harder to open or close. In Crowley's soil, shifting can misalign the posts, causing strain on hinges. A simple test: lift the gate slightly—if it moves easily, the hinges may be failing. Early detection prevents more damage.

We first check the gate frame for damage and the posts for loosening. If the posts are stable, we replace standard hinges with heavy-duty strap hinges and add a diagonal turnbuckle brace to pull the gate square. For wooden gates, we tighten or replace hardware, and ensure the gate has a slight lean toward the latch to counteract gravity and heat-related shifting. This keeps your gate functional for years.