Vinyl, or PVC, fences are durable and low maintenance but like anything, they can get damaged over time. You can easily and affordably repair small cracks and holes or replace broken rails, panels, or posts. But if you are an inexperienced DIYer, then you’ll need to know how to repair a vinyl fence.
Fencing provides homeowners with security and protection. So whether you have a vinyl picket or privacy fence, it’s important to keep it properly maintained.
Common vinyl fence repairs
Damage to vinyl fencing happens thanks to weather, pets, people, and other physical forces. Inspect for damage when performing regular fence maintenance. When fence damage occurs, it’s important to fix the issues right away to avoid having to replace the entire fence.
- Patching cracks and holes: Constant exposure to sunlight leads to small cracks and holes that could compromise the entire panel.
- Repairing a vinyl fence section: Repairing a vinyl fence is a simple process since each section of the fence is put together separately, and you can replace individual pieces without taking apart the entire fence.
- Replacing panels: Replacing an entire vinyl fence panel may be necessary if there are too many large holes and cracks.
- Replacing a broken fence post: Replacing broken posts involves completely removing the concrete foundation in order to fix the new post with fresh concrete.
- Installing new vinyl fence rails: Vinyl fence rails hold the slats or pickets in place. Damaged rails can’t be repaired, but they are easy to replace.
How to patch cracks and holes
Holes and cracks are pretty common in vinyl fencing, but they are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair.
Materials needed
- Water with a gentle cleanser like dish soap
- Soft rag
- Medium 80-grit sandpaper
- Fine 180 grit sandpaper
- Expandable foam in a spray can
- Fine-tooth saw
- Putty knife
- Plastic filler
- Spray paint
Step 1: Clean the damaged area
Wash away any dirt or grime around the damaged area with soapy water and a soft sponge or rag, then rinse with a garden hose. Let the area completely dry before you continue with the repair.
Step 2: Sand the damaged area
Use medium 80-grit sandpaper to sand the damaged area. Do not use a sander because it causes more damage. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Fill with spray foam
Push the nozzle of the expandable foam spray deep into each crevice and fill all cracks and holes. Fill slowly and let the foam expand past the top of the hole. Let the foam dry overnight.
Step 4: Cut and sand the excess foam
Wait for about 8-12 hours for the foam to completely dry. Cut away any foam that has expanded past the top of the hole with a fine-tooth saw and then level the surface with medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and then let it dry.
Step 5: Smooth the surface
Seal the foam by applying plastic filler to the area with a putty knife. Use the putty knife to smooth it flush with the vinyl fence. You can also fill small cracks with plastic filler. Wait for the plastic to dry.
Step 6: Sand out any filler excess
Remove any excess plastic filler with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is perfectly flush. Wipe with a damp cloth and let the area dry.
Step 7: Paint to match with epoxy paint
Apply a coat of plastic or vinyl epoxy paint in a color that matches your vinyl fence. Once the paint is dry, your repair is complete!
How to repair a vinyl fence section
You might be concerned when you see an entire section of fence damaged, but the repair is quite quick and straightforward.
Materials needed
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Driver drill with a phillips head bit
Step 1: Remove the caps from the posts
Take a hammer and chisel and begin loosening the caps from the posts until they are safe to remove.
Step 2: Remove screws
Using the driver drill, remove all of the screws that secure the top rail of the vinyl fence.
Step 3: Remove the top rail
You can remove the top rail by sliding it over and lifting it from the post.
Step 4: Remove the slats
Since the slats are custom-cut to fit the section, remove them and keep track of the order of where they are placed on the fence. Mark them if you have to.
Step 5: Repair the damage.
Determine what caused the section to be damaged and repair it accordingly, using any of the repair methods mentioned, depending on if you need to patch cracks and holes, or repair posts, panels, or rails.
Step 6: Put the fence back together
Replace the slats in the reverse order that they were removed, starting from the bottom. Place the top rail and the caps back in place as well.
How to replace panels
Sometimes, vinyl panels need replacement due to damages and extra weathering. If you prefer saving money through DIY projects then you can replace vinyl fence panels in a few simple steps.
Materials needed
- Electric screwdriver
- Level
- Vinyl fence panel
- Screws
Step 1: Buy a matching/compatible panel
Buy a new panel that matches the rest of your vinyl fence. Some manufacturers sell replacement panels, but if they don’t, you will have to find something that is at least compatible with your fence model.
Step 2: Remove the broken panel
Remove the broken panel. If your fence panels are fastened with screws, use an electric screwdriver to remove the panel.
Step 3: Use a level to check the alignment
Check the alignment of each connecting fence posts from top to bottom with a level. Straighten the posts as needed.
Step 4: Install the new fence panel
Install the new fencing panel by sliding it in place or fastening it with screws, depending on if the type of fence you have uses screws.
How to replace a broken fence post
Replacing a fence post requires some patience but is fairly inexpensive.
Materials needed
- Electric screwdriver
- Shovel and spade
- Measuring tape
- Concrete (120 lbs. premixed)
- Compatible vinyl fence post
- Sledgehammer
- Digging bar
Step 1: Remove the rails and panels
Remove the rails and panels from both sides of the broken post. Use an electric screwdriver to remove the fasteners if the type of fence you have is secured with screws.
Step 2: Dig out the old post and concrete
Using a shovel, dig out the old post. If your posts are set with concrete, remove the old concrete foundation, either with the shovel, or by breaking up the concrete with a sledgehammer and digging bar.
Step 3: Measure the distance between the posts
To determine where the new post should go, measure the distance between two existing posts with measuring tape. If your fence was installed incorrectly, cover the old post’s hole and dig a new hole for the new post. The hole should be 3 feet deep and have a diameter of 8 inches.
Step 4: Place the new post
Place the new pole in the center of the hole and seal with 120 lbs. of premixed concrete. Let the concrete set and dry overnight.
Step 5: Reinstall the fence panels and rails
Attach the fence panels and rails to the new post to complete your repair.
How to install new vinyl fence rails
Vinyl fence rails can become damaged by a variety of causes. Replacing them is fairly simple and can be accomplished easily.
Materials needed
- Electric screwdriver
- Compatible replacement rail
- Screws
- Brackets
- Circular saw (as needed)
Step 1: Remove the damaged rail
Use an electric screwdriver to remove the damaged rail if it fastens to the posts and panels with screws. If it is a type of fence that does not require screws, just slide it out of its slot.
Step 2: Fasten the new rail in place
Slide the new rail in place; if you can’t find a compatible replacement, buy a longer rail and cut it to the right dimension with a circular saw. Fasten the new rail in place with screws or brackets, depending on the type of fence you have to complete the repair.
When to repair or replace a vinyl fence
If the damage is severe you’ll probably need to have it replaced. If you have to repair more than 20% of the fence, then you’re better off replacing it. However, if the damage is cosmetic, then your vinyl fence should only require a few quick repairs.
FAQ about vinyl fence repair
With proper upkeep and maintenance, a vinyl fence can last anywhere between 20 to 50 years.
Since the life expectancy of a vinyl fence is around 30 years, so If your fence is older than three decades it’s probably time for a new one.
Vinyl fencing costs more than a wood fence, however since vinyl has more longevity and life expectancy, it’s less expensive than wood in the long run. Vinyl fencing outlasts wood fencing by years since it is impervious to rot and insects which gives it a better return on investment.
When to hire a fence repair pro
Why spend your free time measuring fence posts when you can hire an experienced and reliable pro instead? DIY fence repair is hot, back-breaking work so if you’re looking for someone to take care of the hassle of fence repair or fence installation, we invite you to check out FenceGnome simple fence repair pros for your area.
Main Image Credit: Ghornephoto / Canva Pro / License
