The national average cost for chain-link fence repair is $490. Though most homeowners pay between $280 and $705 for repairs, the cost can be as low as $80 or as high as $2,950. The cost per linear foot is around $9 for a handyman and $14 for a fencing professional.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Repair vs. replacement
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Repair a Chain-Link Fence
| National Average Cost | $490 |
| Typical Price Range | $280 – $705 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $80 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $2,950 |
The prices above represent the national averages for various repairs and fence sizes. The highest prices represent large fences with extensive damage. For example, a tree growing through a chain-link fence will be difficult to remove and drive up repair costs. On the other hand, small holes and tears are simpler and cheaper to patch.
To save money on repairs, keep up a regular maintenance schedule and complete simple repairs yourself. Chain-link fencing is easier to work with than fence types like wrought iron, but it could still prove challenging to repair yourself if you’re not an experienced DIYer.
Chain-Link Fence Repair Cost Estimator by Size
The total fence length doesn’t matter as much as the size of the damaged area. You may luck out and have a single hole on your 500-foot fence or find your entire 50-foot fence covered in rust.
Once you’ve assessed the extent of the damage, it’s time to estimate the cost. A handyman might charge around $9 per linear foot, while fencing contractors charge an average of $14 per linear foot. Here’s how much it would cost to repair damaged areas of different sizes:
| Size of Damaged Area | Average Handyman Cost | Average Fence Professional Cost |
| 10 linear feet | $90 | $140 |
| 50 linear feet | $450 | $700 |
| 100 linear feet | $900 | $1,400 |
Keep in mind that not all professionals charge by size. They might also charge by the type of damage, which means two damaged areas of the same size could cost vastly different prices to repair. Because of these cost differences, it’s best to focus on repair type first.
Other Factors That Affect the Cost
Since the size isn’t the only factor affecting cost, you’ll need to pay attention to several details about the damage. Here are the cost factors you should consider when budgeting.
Type of repair
Vehicle collisions, unruly pets, fallen trees, age — there are so many things that can damage chain-link fences. Let’s review the cost of the most common repair types.
Fence posts
Harsh weather, rust, age, and high impacts can all damage chain-link fence posts. Posts are the backbone of any fence, so repair them as soon as you notice any damage. It costs an average of $230 each to repair fence posts. If the damage is severe, it costs about $290 on average to replace each one.
Top rail
The top rail of a chain-link fence holds the chain-link fabric up between posts, minimizing the chance of warping. However, it can’t do its job if it is damaged or broken. Top rail repairs cost $145 on average. Replacements cost more on average at $325 because of the extra parts and labor required to disconnect the old rail and attach the new one.
Chain-link mesh
Chain-link fabric or mesh is the intertwined wire stretched between each post. If the mesh is in too bad of shape, you can repair it for an average price of $140 or replace it for $210. This repair is relatively inexpensive because chain-link fabric is easy to purchase, remove, trim to size, and attach to existing fence parts. Sometimes all the contractor needs to do is twist unraveled parts back together.
Gates
Gates are a crucial part of your fence. If they don’t work correctly, they could threaten your property’s security or make it difficult to pass in and out. If your chain-link gate only needs repairing, it will cost $125 on average. Replacements cost a bit more at around $170.
Rust
While chain-link fencing is relatively low-maintenance, all those metal components are vulnerable to rust or corrosion. If the damage isn’t too severe, you can remove the rust with no replacement parts needed.
It costs around $6 per linear foot for rust removal. Most rusty chain-link fence repairs cost around $90 in total. However, it could cost less for small rust patches or more for extensive damage, especially if you need replacement parts. Rusty gates cost more at an average of $115 for repairs.
Want to prevent rust in the first place? Minimize moisture by moving sprinklers and plants. You also can apply anti-rust coatings or choose resistant materials like aluminum and vinyl-coated chain-link. While protective coatings shield the metal from rust, that barrier can chip or peel and may need reapplications.
Sagging
Sagging chain-link fences detract from security and curb appeal. Damaged tension wires and frequent climbing or pulling could be the culprits causing this issue. It costs $140 on average for a professional to resecure any loose parts and straighten out the chain link.
Leaning
Loose fence posts, poorly made foundations, and erosion cause chain-link fences to lean. Repairs for leaning fences cost an average of $325. A single loose post will be cheaper to repair, while bad foundations or erosion issues will likely cost more.
Bends/dents
Metal is durable, but blunt force can still bend or dent it. Here are some common culprits:
- Fallen tree or branch
- Climbing
- Sitting on top
- Vehicle impact
It costs $450 on average to straighten or replace bent chain link fences.
Holes and tears
Chain-link fabric can be cut or stretched, leaving gaps. It costs an average of $160 to repair tears and holes. However, the bill can fall between $80 to $235, depending on the number and size of the holes.
Loose bottom
Chain-link fences aren’t always attached to anything on the bottom between posts. This means the bottom portion can become loose over time due to stretching or pressure. If it becomes too loose, pets and wild animals can sneak under and end up where you don’t want them.
A fence repair pro can tighten the chain-link fabric and install tension wire along the bottom for around $400. Tension wire keeps chain-link fabric taut, making it much more challenging to push through.
Privacy slats
Some homeowners use slats to turn their chain-link fence into a privacy fence, but those slats could break. However, they’re easy to replace. It costs $2 to $9 per linear foot for professional installation. If you want to buy them, they cost between $4 and $55 a box, depending on quantity and type.
Fabric screens
Another way to get privacy is with fabric screens. Privacy screens come in many colors and styles but aren’t very long-lasting and will need to be replaced periodically. They cost around $3.50 per linear foot to install professionally. While you could have a pro install them for you, many homeowners choose to install privacy screens themselves since they’re relatively easy to DIY.
Paint
While many chain-link fences are bare metal, you can paint them for a pop of color and protection from the elements. Professionals charge an average of $5 per linear foot to paint chain-link. Your total cost will depend on whether you need your whole fence painted or certain areas touched up.
Reinforcement
If your fence faces extra environmental stress from weather or animals, consider reinforcing it. A professional can add stakes to secure the bottom for $7 per linear foot or concrete for $7 per square foot.
Increase height
If your high-jumping dog has damaged your fence, hire a pro to make it taller. A fencing contractor can extend a 4-foot fence’s height to 6 feet for $22 per linear foot. If your starting fence is taller or shorter than 4 feet, the price will go up or down, respectively.
Fence relocation
Your fence may be in bad shape because of its location. If it’s too close to plants, water, or traffic, your chain-link fence is at higher risk of damage. It costs $13 to $24 per linear foot to relocate a fence. This service also is helpful if you need to adjust your fence based on property lines. Fence relocation tends to be cheaper than tearing down an old fence and installing a completely new one.
Type of chain-link fence
Chain-link fences are made of different materials, each with a different price tag. If you’re unsure what metal your fence uses, a professional could help you identify it. Here are the most common types and their average repair costs per linear foot.
Labor costs
When you hire a professional, you’re paying for their labor on top of the material costs. While some pros charge by the job, others charge by the hour. Handymen charge around $35 to $60 an hour, while fencing specialists charge $40 to $95 an hour.
There is an overlap between those rates, but a fence contractor will likely charge more than a handyman. Why?
Handymen are jacks of all trades. They can handle several types of work but likely focus on smaller projects. They may not be able to complete certain specialized work.
On the other hand, a fencing company will be highly familiar with chain-link and most other types of fencing. They can handle large and complex projects because they have the expertise necessary. There are even companies solely focused on chain-link fences.
That said, most chain-link fence repairs are simple enough to be handled by either. Consider the complexity of the repair and decide which type of pro you trust more with this particular project. If the pro does generalized work, you should search for reviews specifically for chain-link fence repair to be sure they can accomplish what you need.
Emergency service
Sometimes repairs can’t wait. Pets could escape, or intruders could enter your yard if the problem isn’t addressed. Broken chain-link fencing also could put your loved ones in danger if you live near water, cliffs, or busy roads. In that case, expect an additional charge of around $100 for an emergency repair.
Permits
Most fence repairs don’t require permits. However, if you’re facing extensive damage or renovation, a fence replacement permit usually costs around $60. You also may need a permit for a fence height extension. A pro can advise you on what permits you need and may even acquire them for you.
Related Services
If you’ve stumbled across this article, you may need some other work done. Here are other services you might consider when looking into chain-link fence repair. A fencing contractor can do some of these additional services, but you may need to hire different pros for others.
Fence installation
Sometimes, you need new or extended fencing. Chain-link fence installation costs $12 to $40 per linear foot. Most new chain-link fence projects cost around $2,300, but your price may be higher or lower based on the size of your yard.
Want to install a different kind of fence altogether? Here are your other options and their costs:
Chain-link fence removal and replacement
If you plan to replace your fence or don’t want it anymore, the old one has got to go. It costs $2 to $5 per linear foot to remove chain-link fencing and $30 per linear foot for removal and replacement. It’s easier to replace a fence with the same work crew since they can prep the area when removing it and use the same post holes.
You can either have a pro haul away the old fence or bring it to a scrap yard yourself. Check whether your local scrap yard accepts old chain-link fencing before you bring it.
Tree, bush, and barrier removal
You may have trees, vines, or other landscape features along your fence that could damage the chain link or make it hard to access. In that case, hire a landscaping professional to clear the area. Tree removal costs $880 on average. If your plants need trimming, it costs around $50 per square foot or $420 total for most projects.
Professional chain-link fence cleaning
Maybe your fence doesn’t need repair, but you don’t want to deal with the upkeep yourself. Professional maintenance and cleaning services cost about $100 an hour.
Chain-link fence rental
If you have no functional fence but quickly need one to enclose your space, consider renting a chain-link fence. This option is great for emergencies, construction sites, or other situations where you won’t need that chain-link fence permanently. It costs around $23 a panel per month or $12 a panel per week.
Repair vs. Replacement
In most cases, it’s worth it to repair rather than replace. The average cost of $490 for chain-link fence repair is much cheaper than the average installation cost of $2,300.
However, consider a replacement if the damage is significant or you have a very old fence. Extensive or frequent repairs could be much more annoying than a brand-new fence that needs less attention and will last for years without significant issues. A good rule of thumb is to replace your chain-link fence if the repair is over $1,000. Get quotes in your area to see which will be cheaper.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Expertise and time-saving are good reasons to hire a professional, but it will likely cost less to do it yourself. Below are the tools you might need to repair a chain-link fence. Subtract any that you already have or don’t need for your specific project, and multiply any linear feet measurements by the length of the damaged area.
| Tool or Material | Average Cost |
| Safety goggles | $14 |
| Work gloves | $18 |
| Hearing protection | $16 |
| Pliers | $26 |
| Wrench | $12 |
| Hacksaw | $19 |
| Reciprocating saw | $220 |
| Renting a reciprocating saw | $24 a day |
| Extension cord | $30 |
| Tension bar | $9 |
| Tension band | $2 |
| Fence stretcher | $41 |
| Chain-link fabric | $4 per linear foot |
| Wire ties | $15 for a 100-pack |
| Replacement rail | $22 per rail |
| Replacement post | $30 per post |
| Replacement post cap | $2 |
| Fast-set concrete | $6 per 50-pound bag |
| Renting a pressure washer | $70 a day |
| Buying a pressure washer | $400 |
DIY repairs could save you a couple of hundred dollars. However, it’s best to leave repairs to the pros if you’re not confident in your DIY skills. Botched repairs will be more frustrating and expensive to fix in the long run.
Cost of Chain-Link Fence Repair by Location
This article’s pricing reflects national averages. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on your specific location. For example, repairs in urban areas tend to be higher than in rural areas. Here are some factors that might change from city to city:
- Local cost of living
- The proximity of material suppliers
- Taxes
FAQ About Chain-Link Fences
It depends on what you mean by worth it. Monetarily, it will either pay, be free, or cost you money to dispose of chain-link fencing. Aluminum is more likely to be accepted and paid for because it’s more valuable. However, steel is less sought after and less likely to earn you money. You’ll need to call your local scrap yard to know what they’ll pay or charge.
From an environmental perspective, that chain-link fence could be repurposed and recycled. If minimizing waste is important to you, you should take your old chain-link fencing to a recycling center so those materials can be reused. Remove all cement from the metal before bringing it to the scrap yard or recycling center.
Chain-link fences last between 20 to 30 years on average. However, depending on how well it’s cared for, it can last for a shorter or longer time. Environmental factors like excessive moisture will decrease the lifespan of these metal fences, especially if you don’t take any protective measures to prevent rust.
It’s best not to cover up rust without removing it. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there eating away at your chain-link fence. You can scrub off the rust with a wire brush or sandpaper. You also can use vinegar or rust remover products to strip it off.
Once the rust is gone, you can cover the fence’s surface with paint or other protective coatings to prevent rust from returning. If you have a painted or vinyl-coated fence, check periodically for chipping and touch up any areas with exposed metal.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Repair Your Chain-Link Fence
Chain-link fencing is low maintenance, but don’t ignore it if it needs repairs. The average cost of $490 is worth it when you consider the higher cost of replacement. Contact some fence professionals to get quotes for your project and extend your fence’s lifespan.
Note: Fence Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Pexels
