Cedar Fence Repair

Location: Aspen, CO

There are plenty of property fences scattered around Aspen and in The Roaring Fork Valley.    These are great ways to help define property lines and add value to homes or investments. Some of the larger ranches in the area utilize post/rail construction for a more rustic look.  In town, where wildlife migration is less of an issue, cedar privacy fence is a popular choice.

On the east end of Aspen there was an older cedar fence that was in need of some TLC.  It separated a small but affluent neighborhood from a popular hotel and irrigation ditch.  While it was obvious that the fence was old, none of the current HOA leaders or property managers knew exactly how long it had been there.  Best estimates were 20-30 years old. There were several dog eared pickets that needed to be replaced, a larger section of seventeen pickets and three running boards, and an old gate door.

 

Here are few tips if this is something you want to try for yourself.

1. A nail gun helps in two ways.  First it allows you to drive nails with one hand, while you hold the picket. Just be careful not to accidentally shoot yourself in the process.  Also, a nail gun saves considerable time, especially when you have have more than handful of pickets to install. Finally, using a nail will eliminate any missed hammer strikes, which can damage the wood.
2. Select the correct size of nail.  For a project with 5/8″ cedar pickets, a 2.5″ – 3″ galvanized nail will be just fine.  Anything larger will protrude through the back of the running board.
3. Select the best looking and straightest cedar picket to be installed in high-visibility areas. Wooden boards can and will warp and have deformities.  For the best cosmetic results take a few extra moments and choose nicer pickets and install them where they count the most. (See the photo below)

Repairing a cedar fence gate door

Here is what the door on the old cedar fence looked like prior to the repair. After the repair, the door shut and latched properly, and looked much nicer.  We we’re able to reuse the hardware to help save money, but may replace them later.

Here is a view of the backside of the door.  This is only an access for a water valve, so exposed hardware was acceptable.

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Aspen Home Improvement is a GC based in Aspen, CO.  We do all kinds of property management, handy man odd jobs, and maintenance.