Fence & Gate Repair in Philadelphia, PA
Fences in Philadelphia take a beating from the weather and from everyday use. Rowhouse backyards are small and usually enclosed on three sides by wood fences, block walls or chain-link, and a rear gate onto the alley or driveway gets opened and slammed every day. Freeze-thaw cycles heave posts set in shallow concrete, damp shade rots the bottoms of wood pickets and rails, and summer thunderstorms with strong gusts push weakened panels over. Out front, many homes in South Philly, West Philly and Germantown have wrought-iron or steel railings and small gates that rust, loosen at the posts or stop latching. In the suburbs, wood and vinyl privacy fences and pool enclosures face the same weather on a bigger scale.
We repair what can be saved and replace only what can't. That means resetting leaning posts, sistering or replacing rotted posts, swapping broken pickets and rails, re-securing panels, and rehanging gates so they swing freely and latch every time. We replace worn hinges, latches and self-closers, add anti-sag kits to wood gates, and tighten or re-anchor metal gates and railings. For chain-link we stretch loose fabric, replace damaged sections and reattach ties. We work carefully along shared property lines, keep the alley clear, and haul away old material when we're done.
What this covers
- Leaning and loose post repair
- Rotted post replacement or sistering
- Picket, rail and panel replacement
- Gate rehanging and sag correction
- Hinge, latch and self-closer replacement
- Chain-link stretching and repair
- Wrought-iron gate and railing tightening
- Pool gate latch and closer adjustment
How a fence & gate repair visit usually goes
Inspect the Fence
We look at posts, rails, panels, gates and hardware to find what's actually failing, whether it's rot, frost heave, broken hardware or damage.
Plan the Repair
We recommend what to repair and what to replace, and confirm details like shared fence lines and access through alleys or side yards.
Make the Repairs
We reset or replace posts, replace damaged boards or sections, and rehang gates with new hardware where needed.
Test and Clean Up
We check that gates swing and latch, the fence stands straight and secure, and haul away old materials.
Philadelphia fences take a beating from the same few forces. Freeze-thaw winters heave posts set in shallow concrete, wet springs rot the bottoms of wood posts at the soil line, and the narrow rear yards of rowhouses mean one leaning section can block a gate or push into a neighbor's yard. Rowhouse alleys often have shared access that neighbors rely on, and in the suburbs, from Lower Merion and Cheltenham to Cherry Hill, longer runs of privacy fence see wind load across open lawns. We focus on making existing fences safe, solid and good-looking again: resetting posts, replacing rotted rails and pickets, and rehanging gates so they latch. Alley access also shapes the work: many rear yards in the Northeast and Upper Darby open onto shared driveways where neighbors park, so we schedule around them and keep materials stacked inside the yard rather than in the lane.
What shapes the price in Philadelphia
Fence repair costs depend on the type of fence, the number of damaged posts or sections, and access. Replacing a few pickets is quick, while resetting or replacing posts set in concrete takes longer. Gates that need new hinges, latches or full rehanging add time. Wrought iron may need rust treatment and new anchors. Access matters too: alleys too narrow for a vehicle or yards reachable only through the house add handling time. Combining fence and gate repairs into one visit keeps costs down. Hidden rot is the most common surprise; a post that looks fine above ground can be soft just below grade, and we'll show you before replacing anything you didn't plan on.
Neighbors often ask
My fence leans after every winter. Why?
Frost heave is the usual culprit. Water in the ground around a shallow post freezes and expands, lifting and tilting the post a little more each year. We reset posts deeper where we can, use gravel at the base for drainage, and brace or sister posts that have rotted. That keeps them steadier through future freeze-thaw cycles.
Can you repair a fence I share with my neighbor?
Yes. Shared fences between rowhouse yards are very common. We recommend talking with your neighbor first so everyone agrees on the repair and how costs are split. We'll work carefully along the property line and can coordinate timing with both households.
My alley gate won't latch anymore. Is that a quick fix?
Usually, yes. Gates drop out of alignment as hinges wear, posts lean or wood swells. We adjust or replace hinges, re-level the gate, and move or replace the latch so it catches cleanly. A gate that latches properly is important for security in rowhouse alleys.
Can you fix a rusty iron gate and railing out front?
Yes. We wire-brush loose rust, tighten or replace bolts and anchors, re-secure posts set in concrete or brick, and adjust gates so they close properly. We can prime and repaint the metal to slow future rust. Severely rusted sections may need replacement by a metal fabricator, and we'll let you know if that's the case.
Do you repair vinyl fences?
Yes. Vinyl fences in the suburbs often need panels reseated, posts reset or caps replaced after storms. We can replace broken panels or rails when matching parts are available, and we'll tell you up front if the style has been discontinued.
Folks pair this with
Drywall Repair
Drywall Repair →TV Mounting
TV Mounting →Furniture Assembly
Furniture Assembly →Door Repair & Adjustment
Door Repair & Adjustment →Fence & Gate Repair around Philadelphia
Fence & Gate Repair is one of 14 jobs our Philadelphia handyman crew handles, in Philadelphia and in nearby communities:
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