Cost to Repair or Alter a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fence has received a lot of bad press in the past. True, in terms of looks and charm, this hardworking fence material may not be as attractive as decorative wrought iron or rustic wooden fencing, but it does the job. Chain link forms a tough and durable boundary around your property, at a very reasonable price. Its money saving virtues don't stop with affordable installation, either. If your current fencing needs to be fixed or changed, you'll find that it is easy and relatively inexpensive to repair or alter chain link fence.

One possible cause of chain link fence damage is extremely harsh weather conditions. If a heavy snowstorm or a hurricane sends a tree crashing down, even the most solid fence is likely to sustain a certain amount of damage. However, if the top rail is crushed and needs replacement, it may still be possible to salvage the rest of the fence by stretching the links back into shape. Failing that, a new section of chain link can often be woven together with the old for a relatively simple fence repair. Your best bet is to check with a qualified fencing contractor, though, to see whether the integrity of your fence has been compromised.

Rust or corrosion is another result of your local climate that will eventually affect your chain link fence, especially if you live close to a body of salt water. The usual "repair" for this problem is simply a good cleaning, as long as the underlying fence material is still in good shape. A pressure washer will make the job much easier. (However, do not pressure wash a painted chain link fence installed prior to 1978, since it may have been coated with dangerous lead paint. In this case, you will need a trained professional to deal with it.) Afterward, the fence can be treated with a rust inhibiting spray.

If you find that your existing fence is not the correct size or in the right location for you, you could be able to save money by having it modified to suit your needs. For example, reinforcement of the base of the fence is a possibility, if, say, the dog that you are trying to keep in your yard turns out to better at digging an escape route higher than you expected. This will also work to keep burrowing garden pests such as rodents out. On the other hand, you may want to add height or blocking to the top of your chain fencing -- no problem. Even relocation of the fence, using some or all of the original materials, might very well be doable. Done right, any of these alterations will end up costing you substantially less than the price of a complete replacement of the fence.

The cost to repair or alter your chain link fence is variable, depending on exactly what you need to fix. Treating rust will cost you only the price of renting a pressure washer for half a day (approximately $50) plus the price of the rust inhibitor. Other types of chain link fence repair or alteration vary in cost depending on the type of work that needs to be done and the amount of fencing that needs to be fixed, added to, or moved. Obtain estimates from reliable local fencing contractors and compare these figures to the cost of replacement (roughly $2000-3000 for 150 linear feet). Don't forget to check with your homeowner's insurance and see whether your insurer will help pay for the costs.

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