Fence & Gate Repair in Ottawa
Fences in this climate fail from the ground up. Frost gets under a post that was not set below the line, lifts it a little each winter, and within a few seasons the whole run is leaning. Most of the time a fence that looks finished only needs two or three posts dealt with.
$215–$720 depending on section and post condition
Common problems we fix
What actually turns up on these calls in Ottawa homes, and what each one really means.
Posts are leaning or have lifted
Frost heave. A post set shallower than the frost line — around 1.2 metres here — will move every year. Re-set properly with drainage below the base so water is not sitting where it can freeze.
The gate drags or will not latch
Gate posts carry the most load and go first. Bracing the gate frame diagonally and re-plumbing the post fixes almost all of these without touching the gate itself.
Boards are cracked, cupped or missing
Individual board replacement, matched as closely as the age of the fence allows. New cedar beside weathered cedar will stand out for a season and then blend.
A section blew down
Usually the section that was already weakest. Rebuilt, and the neighbouring posts checked while we are there — the wind found the failure, it did not create it.
The bottom rail is rotting
Ground contact plus snow load. Replaced with the rail held clear of grade so it is not sitting in meltwater every spring.
How the work is done
-
1
Walk the run
Every post pushed and checked, not just the visibly leaning one.
-
2
Deal with posts first
Nothing else holds if the posts do not. Re-set below frost with proper drainage.
-
3
Rebuild sections
Rails and boards replaced, gate frames braced square.
-
4
Check the gates
Swing, latch and clearance tested through a full cycle.
What it costs
A gate re-hang and post re-set is usually $215–$385. A rebuilt section with new posts runs $420–$720. Full fence replacement is a different job and we will refer you rather than stretch a repair quote to cover it.
See the full Ottawa rate card →Frequently asked — Fence Repair Ottawa
Why does my fence lean more every year?
Frost heave, almost certainly. If the posts were not set below the frost line, each winter lifts them slightly and they do not settle all the way back. Re-setting the affected posts properly stops the cycle.
Can you match my existing fence boards?
Usually in profile and species. Colour will differ until the new wood weathers — a season for cedar. Staining the whole run afterwards evens it out if that matters to you.
Do I need to talk to my neighbour?
If the fence is on the property line, yes, and it is worth doing before work starts. We will happily wait while that conversation happens.
Related jobs
Casement Window Repair Ottawa
$170–$310 per window including standard operator hardware
Laminate Floor Repair Ottawa
$215–$505 for a typical board replacement job
Door Repair Ottawa
$115–$220 per door, most adjusted in under an hour
Part of Carpentry & Trim · Serving Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orléans, Gloucester and all of Ottawa.
Need this done?
Answer four quick questions and we'll call with a real number — usually the same business day.
Get Instant Quote →