Top-Rated Privacy Fence Installation in Marshalltown, IA 50158 - Schneider Fencing

The main cause is frost heave combined with the clay-rich soils common throughout Marshalltown. When moisture freezes underground, it expands and can push shallow-set posts out of alignment. Schneider Fencing prevents this by setting posts below the frost line—typically at least 42 inches deep—and using gravel backfill to improve drainage. This keeps your fence stable through harsh winters and wet springs.

Watch for visible leaning of sections, gaps between the fence and the ground, gates that no longer latch properly, or cracking around concrete footings. In neighborhoods near the Iowa River, you may also notice rot on wooden posts because of higher moisture. If you see any of these, it’s wise to have a professional assess the foundation before the problem gets worse.

First, we inspect the gate hinges, post alignment, and hardware. Often the issue is a warped frame or loosened fasteners from ground movement. We’ll either realign the post, reinforce the gate frame, or replace worn hardware. For gates that frequently sag, we recommend heavy-duty hinges and a tension cable to keep the gate square over time.