Real Growth - Providence's Trusted Fence Builders

Sagging is usually caused by loose hinges, a twisted frame, or a settling post. In Providence's freeze-thaw cycles, the ground shifts and can tilt a fence post over time. If the gate drags, the hinge screws may have pulled out of rotted wood, or the latch side may be slightly lower. A quick fix is to tighten or replace hinges, but if the post base is loose, it needs to be re-set or reinforced with concrete. During a plumbing inspection, Real Growth often spots small leaks that saturate soil near posts, accelerating rot — so early leak repair helps keep gates aligned.

Look for soft, damp soil near the base of a fence post even when it hasn't rained, or for persistent puddles around a gate hinge. A hidden sign is mildew or a musty smell on the wood near ground level. If a post wobbles or the gate starts sticking when opening, moisture may have rotted the wood below grade. A plumbing inspection can find those small supply line or irrigation leaks before they soften the ground enough to cause fence shifts. Catching a leak early saves both the fence and your water bill.

First, check if the gate has dropped or if the fence has twisted. If the frame is structurally sound, adjusting the latch or hinge position often solves it. If the gate is dragging, you may need to plane the bottom edge or install a wheel kit. For heavier gates, adding a third hinge or an anti-sag kit reinforces the corner joints. Real Growth also recommends checking that the latch post is plumb and still solidly set in concrete. If the post is rotting from moisture — possibly from a nearby leak — replacing that post and fixing the leak is the lasting solution.