Fence Installation Chicago IL | Call Gonzalez Fence & Decks

Frost heave, common in Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles, pushes fence posts upward, causing leaning. We diagnose the issue by checking post alignment and soil saturation. Our solution involves removing the affected post, digging below the frost line (typically 48 inches), and setting a new post with concrete and gravel for drainage, preventing future movement.

Wood shrinkage from Chicago’s dry winters and moisture fluctuations can cause screws and nails to loosen. Signs include squeaky boards or wobbly railings. For deck repair, we replace loose fasteners with hidden, weather-resistant screws, and for severe cases, we recommend deck replacement with composite materials to reduce future maintenance.

During deck construction, we install footings that extend below the frost line (48 inches deep) and use helical piers or concrete piers with vertical reinforcement. This stabilizes the deck structure against up-and-down soil movement, ensuring your deck remains level and safe through Chicago winters.