RipTide Construction and Painting - Foley's Local Wood and Vinyl Fencing

The primary cause is poor drainage combined with our sandy, moisture-retentive soil. When a fence post is set directly into the ground without a gravel base or concrete collar, water pools around the wood. Over time, this leads to rot at the ground line, causing the post to loosen and lean. RipTide Construction and Painting solves this by excavating a wide hole, adding a 6-inch gravel base for drainage, and setting the post in a concrete footing that extends above the soil line to shed water away.

Yes, it's very common in Foley due to the salty, humid air from the Gulf. Rust typically starts where the galvanized coating is scratched or where moisture sits. RipTide can replace the affected sections with a new, heavy-gauge galvanized chain link fabric, or install a vinyl-coated chain link fence for superior corrosion resistance. We also recommend regular rinsing with a garden hose to remove salt residue and extending your fence life.

Gate sag is usually a sign of a failing hinge post or improper bracing. At RipTide, we install a heavy-duty 4x4 or 6x6 post for the gate, set it in concrete with a gravel base. We then add a diagonal truss rod or a welded gate frame to prevent twisting. For large or frequently used gates, we recommend self-closing hinges and a concrete footer at the latch post to keep everything square and functional for years.