Quality Fencing - Rochester's Expert Residential Fencing

The primary cause is frost heave. In Rochester, our cold winters cause soil moisture to freeze and expand, which can push fence posts upward or sideways. If posts aren't set below the frost line (around 42 inches), repeated freeze-thaw cycles will gradually shift them, leading to leaning panels and sagging gates.

Look for posts that are visibly tilted or uneven, gaps between fence panels, and gates that stick or drag on the ground. You might also notice cracked concrete around the base of posts or soil mounding at the post's base. These signs indicate that frost heave has compromised your fence's stability.

We first assess the extent of the damage, then remove the affected posts and reset them using deep-set concrete footings that extend below the frost line. For added stability, we often use gravel backfill to improve drainage and reduce frost pressure. In some cases, we recommend replacing damaged panels with flexible materials like vinyl or chain link, which handle ground movement better than rigid wood.