Mills Residential Construction | Best Fence Installation in St. Louis, MO

The primary cause is our region's expansive clay soil, which swells when wet and shrinks as it dries. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can heave posts upward and sideways, especially if they were not set below the frost line with proper concrete footings. Mills Residential Construction counters this by excavating deep holes and using a gravel base for drainage before pouring concrete, keeping posts stable year-round.

If you notice a gap at the top or bottom of the gate when closed, or if the latch no longer aligns with the strike plate, that is a clear sign the gate frame has twisted or the hinges have pulled loose. In St. Louis’s humid summers, wood can warp and metal hardware can rust. We can reinforce the frame with diagonal bracing and replace rusted hinges with heavy-duty galvanized ones to restore proper function.

Rot is a frequent issue here due to high humidity and standing water from heavy rains. We prevent it by using pressure-treated lumber that resists moisture, setting a gravel base under the fence line for drainage, and keeping the bottom of pickets two inches above the ground. We also avoid direct soil contact with untreated wood, and we recommend optional metal post sleeves for extra protection in wet areas.