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Fencing and gate problems

Leaning fences, rotted posts and gravel boards, panels out of their slots, dropped gates and electric gates that will not open — what each fault means and how urgent it is.

Fence Leaning After High Winds

Caution

A run of fence has tilted after a gale and is now noticeably out of vertical, with posts moving in the ground.

Fence Post Rotted At The Base

Caution

A timber post has gone soft and crumbly right at ground level, while the timber above and below still looks sound.

Gravel Board Rotten

Low risk

The board along the bottom of the fence has gone soft and broken up, leaving a gap under the panels and soil against the timber.

Fence Panel Blown Out Of Its Slots

Caution

A panel has lifted or blown clean out from between the posts, leaving a gap in the fence while the posts stayed put.

Concrete Fence Post Cracked Or Snapped

Caution

A concrete post has cracked across its face, the slot edge has broken away, or the post has snapped through completely.

Gate Dropped And Dragging On The Ground

Low risk

The gate has sagged on its hinge side and now scrapes the ground or the paving as it swings.

Gate Will Not Latch Or Close

Low risk

The gate closes but the latch no longer engages, or it binds and springs back open instead of catching.

Electric Gate Not Opening

High risk

The automated gate will not open or close on the remote or keypad, opens partway and stops, or reverses for no obvious reason.

Fence Too High Or Blocking A View

Low risk

A fence has been built taller than you expected — or you want to raise yours — and you are not sure what height is allowed.

Whose Fence Is It To Repair

Low risk

A boundary fence needs work and neither household is sure who owns it or who is obliged to repair it.