North Coast Railings | Experienced Fence Installation in Parma, OH

Our local clay soil holds water, especially after a heavy rain or spring thaw. That constant moisture around the post base causes rot and frost heave. We solve this by digging deeper footers (below the frost line), using gravel for drainage, and treating the post ends with wood preservative before setting them in concrete. For metal posts, we apply a rust-inhibiting primer. A properly installed post can last 15 years or more in Parma.

For Parma’s humid summers and icy, salty winters, we recommend a high-quality, water-repellent semi-transparent stain—not solid paint. Solid paint tends to peel here because of moisture trapped behind the film. Semi-transparent stains let the wood breathe while blocking UV rays and rain. We also apply a clear, breathable top coat for extra weatherproofing. We reapply every 2-3 years to keep your fence looking good and protected.

Gate sag is almost always due to the weight of the gate pulling on the hinges, especially after wood swells from rain. We solve this by using heavy-duty, adjustable hinges (like T-hinges or strap hinges), installing a diagonal cross-brace from the bottom hinge to the top latch side, and adding an anti-sag cable kit. We also make sure the post is set deep and secure. In Parma, where snow and ice add extra weight, we recommend a galvanized steel frame for the gate core if it’s a large double gate.