Experienced Fencing Company in Carthage, MO 64836 - HMS Painting

The most common cause is moisture wicking up from the ground combined with our local freeze-thaw cycles. This causes the wood to swell, crack, and eventually rot. The sign to look for is soft, spongy wood at the base of posts or fence boards. HMS Painting can solve this by replacing the rotted sections or entire posts, then applying a high-quality wood stain or paint that includes a water-repellent sealer. We also recommend concrete anchoring for new posts to keep wood off the ground, extending your fence’s life for years.

In Carthage, gate sag is often due to loose hinges or the weight of the gate pulling on a single post over time. The quickest solution is to reinforce the gate frame with a diagonal brace or install a tension cable. HMS Painting will also check the gate post for rot—if it’s solid, we can adjust or replace the hinges. If the post is compromised, we’ll replace it and reset it in concrete. After the repair, we can repaint or restain the gate to match your existing fence, making it both functional and uniform.

Weatherproofing from HMS Painting includes cleaning the fence with a pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew, letting it dry, then applying a high-grade exterior sealer or stain. For Carthage, we recommend a semi-transparent stain with UV protection to help the wood withstand summer sun and winter moisture. Depending on sun exposure and rain, a properly weatherproofed fence can last 3–4 years before needing another coat. We can also inspect for any loose boards or nails during the process and make minor repairs so the sealer lasts its full lifespan.