Expert Fence Contractors in Bristol, CT 6010 - Ruth & Juarez - Masonry and Landscaping

In Bristol, the most common cause is frost heave and soil movement over winter. The ground freezing and thawing can shift your fence posts, making the gate frame twist or the latch misalign. Another sign is if the post itself feels loose in the ground. We can usually fix this by resetting the post on a concrete footing that extends below the frost line, ensuring the gate swings true again.

Yes, that's a classic sign of frost heave or soil settlement underneath the slab. The unevenness is a tripping hazard, and water can get into the crack, making it worse during freeze-thaw cycles. We can assess the sub-base and either mudjack the slab to level it or replace the section with a properly compacted base and rebar reinforcement to prevent future shifting.

The key is a solid foundation. We recommend setting all fence posts in concrete that extends at least 36 inches deep—below the frost line. Also, using a gravel base at the bottom of the hole improves drainage, which reduces soil movement around the post. For gates, adding an anti-sag kit or a wheel support can take the weight off the hinge post. We include these techniques in every fence installation we do.