Expert Fence Builders in Washington, NC 27889 - Whitehurst & Sons Fence Co

The combination of high humidity, frequent rain, and storm surge near places like the Pamlico River can saturate wooden posts, causing them to rot. We at Whitehurst & Sons use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact and set posts in crushed stone rather than soil to improve drainage. For existing rotted posts, we can replace just the damaged sections with a new, properly braced post system that will last much longer in our local climate.

If your gate is sagging or sticking, the posts are likely leaning due to saturated ground or the hinges have loosened. We usually find that the hinge side post has shifted. Our solution is to re-set the hinge post deeply with concrete footing, replace with heavier galvanized hinges, and then true up the latch. We do this all day for homes near the waterfront and in neighborhoods like Beaufort Estates, so we know how to keep gates swinging true year-round.

Our wind-rated designs are what we recommend for homeowners near the river or in more exposed areas. We build with heavy-gauge brackets, 4x4 posts set in concrete at least 24 inches deep, and either a semi-privacy board-on-board style that lets wind pass through, or a stable vinyl fence that flexes. We avoid cheap metal posts and most chain-link, as they don't hold up. A properly built fence from us will withstand most storms we get in Eastern NC.