How to fix fence?

[paula24]

Hi

I just had fence done and it was terrible job. I am now left to fix it but unsure what to do.

Concrete used for the post and nails needed which one are they please. I have attached pictures. 

I also don't know if to add another rail at the bottom. 

Is there way to call you

paula

    

[JacobZ]

Hi @paula24,

Unfortunately, we cannot assist over the phone, but the Workshop team and our community members can certainly offer ongoing assistance to help you get things sorted.

I am sorry to hear that you are not happy with the quality of the fence that was built at your property. Fundamentally, it appears to be a solid enough fence.

Generally, fencers will use a coil nailer, which fires Collated Coil Nails to install fence palings, but these Paslode 50 x 2.8mm 500g Flat Head Galvanised Nails would work much the same.

For setting posts, you can use standard concrete, post mix or rapid set concrete. They all do the same thing, just with slightly different drying times. Do you think your posts are loose? If you gently shake them, is there movement?

I don't think there is any reason for an additional rail at the bottom unless the palings seem loose at the bottom. Are there only two rails, or is there a third higher up that isn't shown in the photos?

Let me know what you think, I am keen to help out however I can.

Jacob

[paula24]

Sorry Jacob

I don't know if my message was sent with pictures.  

I got told to use cement and its normal to have soil on top not concrete. 

Some of the post  are moving and that's why I was thinking of getting those done. But I don't know if you can add concrete on concrete. I get told different stories from different people.  Its hard to know who to believe.  The guy who did fence has disappeared.  

Appreciate your help.

Paula

 

 

[paula24]

I also don't know if to add another frame at bottom to make it 4 all together to cover gap and to make the rating sturdy since they are shrinking and moving 

  

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @paula24,

How many of the posts would you say are wobbly?

Generally, with fences, the concrete protrudes above ground level and is mounded so water can't sit on top of it and rot away the fence post. 

If you dig around the base of the posts, how much soil do you have to remove until you can see concrete?

It's not usually recommended to pour concrete in separate layers, as they don't bond to each other and are essentially separate masses that are just touching. 

In saying that, you have an irregular situation to deal with. For the wobbly posts, it would be worth excavating around the posts' foundations and adding additional concrete to help support them. You would have to support the posts with long pickets like these Saxon 170cm Black T Steel Fence Post while this process is happening.

Considering the bottom edges of the palings are bowing outwards, it would likely be worth adding another rail on top of the sleepers so you have something to fix the palings' bottom edge to. You could use 70 x 35mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine screw it downwards to the sleeper using 100mm Batten Screws, then nail the bottom edges of your palings to that rail. 

At this stage, I would prioritise reinforcing the posts before you worry about other things.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[paula24]

Thank you so much for information.  Very overwhelming.  Aprox 6 posts that are wobbly. I have dug on one and couldn't find the concrete but I didn't did too far down bc I was worried.  

What concrete or cement do you recommend to use

Paula 

[JacobZ]

Hi @paula24,

Use post mix, it is designed for this specific purpose.

Jacob

[paula24]

Can I ask MGB12 H2 blue framing. Is little cheaper.  Can I use that?

Paula

[JacobZ]

Hi @paula24,

Unfortunately, no, you can't use H2 pine as it is not treated for use outdoors. If you used it, exposure to rain would cause it to rot prematurely.

H3 timber is, however, treated for above-ground outdoor use.  

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[paula24]

Do you know what post fix is?

Paula