Helpful Rotten Gate Repair Tips

There is no doubt that wood gates are among the most beautiful, but they are prone to weather damage and to moisture damage, in particular. Rot is a common and serious issue that has to be addressed timely. The good news is that rotten gate repair is possible. Use some practical advice to solve the problem.

Identifying the Rot Area  

You have to locate all rotting spots and measure their size. This will allow you to take the right gate repair action to fix the problem. The rot areas are typically darker, have peeling paint, and are soft to the touch. If you poke a fairly sharp object into them such as a utility knife or a screwdriver, you'll see splinters coming out. Usually, the bottom part is at greater risk of rotting simply because it is closer to the ground. Generally, the bottom part is most prone to damage even in the case of a steel gate.

What Actions to Take

You need to evaluate the size of the damage caused. If large areas of the gate have been affected, you may consider investing in a new structure. This may be the more cost-efficient option. When calculating the total replacement cost, you need to include the new gate installation cost as well.

If you decide to repair the existing structure, you need to remove the rotten parts first. A chisel and a hammer or a die grinder tool will be needed. The rotten wood will come out very easily as it is soft and breakable. However, you should be careful to protect the remainder of the structure and the opener as well. Otherwise, you may end up requiring gate opener repair as well.

The next step involves filling the holes with epoxy wood filler. It has to be molded properly with the use of plastic molds. The holes have to be filled quickly as the material is fast to harden. Finally, the repaired gate has to be treated with an appropriate wood preservative.

If you feel that you are not up to the challenge, you can call gate repair Santa Clarita for help.