Straight Fence | Trusted Fencing Company in Portland, ME

Leaning fences are very common here due to frost heave and moisture in the ground, especially in older neighborhoods like Cushing Island or near the Eastern Prom. The usual cause is that the fence posts have either rotted at ground level or were not set deep enough below the frost line. Straight Fence can assess each post individually. Often, we can straighten the fence by digging out the old posts, adding concrete, and re-setting them. If the wood is sound above ground, we can save your existing panels—that’s a much more affordable fix than a full replacement.

You’re describing a classic sign of seasonal ground movement, something we see often in Portland yards, especially around Back Cove and Deering Oaks. As the ground thaws and dries in summer, the soil can shift, causing your gate post to settle slightly. This throws off the alignment. Straight Fence can solve this by either adjusting the hinge hardware, trimming the gate bottom, or—if the post has moved badly—re-setting the post with a reinforced concrete base that is less likely to shift. We’ll check your specific situation and give you a solution that lasts through the seasons.

For durability in our local climate, we recommend either maintenance-free PVC/vinyl fencing or cedar with a heavy-duty stain. Vinyl fences, like those we install near the ocean in the West End or along Casco Bay view corridors, won’t rot or rust and handle the freeze-thaw cycles very well. Cedar is a natural choice for the look many Portland homeowners want, but it requires proper sealing. Straight Fence can steer you to the best material for your specific location, budget, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. We only use materials that have proven themselves in Maine’s weather.