Short answers to the questions Cleveland homeowners put to us most. Our longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are linked at the bottom of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Below the frost depth. Building departments in Northeast Ohio set a frost depth for footings, and a fence post should reach past it, with gate and corner posts deeper still. The figure is local. The City of Euclid, for one, tells owners that fence post holes must be 38 inches deep. We confirm the figure used in your city. Posts that stop short are the main reason fences around Cleveland lean, because frozen clay lifts them a little every winter.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Use concrete for gate posts, corner posts and any solid fence that faces the wind. Our clay drains poorly, so a few inches of gravel at the bottom of the hole helps keep water away from the foot of the post. Gravel alone can work for a line post in very wet ground. Foam sets fast but is a poor match for gates and 6-foot privacy fences.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the wood has dried. For pressure-treated pine that may be several weeks or a few months, and longer after a wet spring. Sprinkle water on a board. If it soaks in, the fence is ready. If it beads, wait.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
The cost follows the length and height of the fence and the condition of the wood. We have no set price to quote. Ask for it as a separate line on your estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, provided they are exterior-coated or stainless. Plain screws rust and stain the boards. Use stainless on cedar, since other metals leave black marks in the wood.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
It can, using paint made for vinyl, but after that it needs repainting from time to time. Keep to a color near the original, because dark paint absorbs heat and can distort the panel. Wash the fence well first. Winter road film and green algae on the shaded side make vinyl look worse than it is.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild. A wide double gate puts a heavy load on two posts, and ordinary fence posts were never sized for that. We install new, larger gate posts in deep concrete footings and rebuild the panel beside each.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
That is decided by the county, which sets property values. A fence is minor compared with the house and the land.
The only real price is one measured in your yard. The estimate is free and comes in writing. Call (216) 238-3677 or text us a photo of the fence line.