Top-Rated Wood and Vinyl Fencing in Greenville, IL 62246 - J & J Fencing

Frequent gate latch failures in our area are usually caused by wood swelling and shrinking with our changing humidity, which shifts the latch alignment. Rust from morning dew and summer storms can also jam the mechanism. In neighborhoods near Veterans Park or along dirt roads, excess dust and grit get into the latch, preventing the spring from catching properly.

If you notice a gate that sags when opened, a latch that won’t click shut without jiggling, or fence panels that wobble when you lean on them near your drive, your fasteners are likely loose. You might also see rust streaks around the screws or nails pulling out from the wood—especially common on older fences around the Greenville High School area.

We address loose fasteners by first removing any rusted or stripped screws and replacing them with heavy-duty, weather-resistant stainless steel or coated hardware. We then tighten all existing brackets and re-anchor posts if the wood around old fasteners is rotted. For persistent issues, we recommend installing through-bolts with washers, which hold far better than simple wood screws, especially on south-facing fences near Locust Street that take harsh afternoon sun.