Vinyl Fence Repair Costs

While these types of products tend to be durable, they can still sustain damage from storms, projectiles, and accidents. Average repairs can be as little as $75 or as much as $1,200.

Extensive jobs involving multiple fence sections or panels will price on the high end while smaller projects, like patching holes or cracks, will be on the low side.

Professional quotes will include labor rates and the raw materials needed to complete the job, both of which can vary. Contact around three contractors to get the best quote.

Post Sleeve Repairs

Vinyl posts, sometimes referred to as vinyl sleeves, are hollow by design. You typically slide these sleeves over 4”x4” wooden posts for added stability and visual appeal. Manufacturers produce sleeves in assorted sizes and styles for different looks. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair the sleeve, the wooden post, or both. Replacing the sleeve is more common practice when considering the low cost of the part.

• Sleeve Repairs - Surface scratches or holes can be fixed with a patch or repair kit.
• Post Repairs - Loose posts will need to be reset. May require new concrete foundation. Consult a fencing pro for a quote.

Fixing the Gate

Gate repairs can range from the top to the bottom of the above price range. Exact labor and material costs will depend on the type and extent of the damage. Most gate problems are due to improper installation and need professional expertise.

• Frame – Supports the gate and keeps it square. Needs to be the right size and material. A missing or inadequate frame can cause a variety of problems. Consult a pro for repair costs.
• Bracing – When missing or inadequate, causes a sagging or leaning fence and gate. A pro will install heavy-gauge vinyl braces diagonally across gate. Gates wider than 5 feet may need additional bracing.
• Post Foundations - Posts require a concrete foundation of at least 3 feet. A contractor will remove the leaning post, clean out the hole, pour concrete, and reset it.
• Post Reinforcement - Use aluminum beams instead of wooden 4x4s to ensure proper support.
• Hinges - Wrong hardware comes loose over time. Vinyl gates need heavy-gauge stainless steel hinges, which cost about $55 per set.

Return to Top

DIY Fence Hole Repair

For minor damage, replacing an entire panel is not the only option. You can fix holes using plastic automotive body filler. The filler does not diminish fence integrity and adheres quickly to a clean surface. The auto body filler generally costs $20 to $30, far less than the replacement price of an entire damaged panel.

While it is usually best to leave the job of repairing a fence to a professional, homeowners who need a DIY solution can acquire filler from many hardware stores or auto body shops.

Repair Kits (About $40)

Repair kits cost about $40. Kits include everything a homeowner needs to patch minor holes:

• Instructions
• Gloves
• Composite Compound
• Sandpaper
• Spatula
• Patch

Auto Body Filler & Other Project Material Prices

If you need to patch multiple holes or have some basic supplies like sandpaper or filler on hand, it may be more cost-effective to forgo the kit and purchase supplies separately. You can keep leftover supplies for future projects:

• Plastic Body Filler: $20 to $30
• Coping Saw: $5 to $10
• Expanding Foam: $3 to $5
• Sandpaper: $10 to $20
• Spray Paint for Plastics: $12 to $25

How to Repair Fence Holes

DIY repair differs from professional repair. These simple fixes will not last as long as a professional’s work and are only appropriate when professional repair is time or cost prohibitive. Here are the steps:

1. Wipe away dirt and debris. Clean with water and dish detergent. Rinse completely, and dry thoroughly.
2. Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surface about 3 inches around hole.
3. Use expanding foam to fill holes larger than 1” in diameter. Spray until foam comes out of hole. Let dry overnight.
4. Remove excess foam with coping saw.
5. Smooth the surface with medium-grit paper and create dent in foam.
6. Wipe with damp cloth.
7. Use plastic spatula or scraper to fill hole with plastic filler. Smooth.
8. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth while keeping filler level with fence surface.
9. Wipe area and apply plastic spray paint.

Return to Top

Vinyl PVC Fence Replacement Parts

In some cases, replacement is less expensive than repair. While the individual panels may be more expensive than their wooden counterparts because of the ease of installation, the overall replacement project usually cheaper. This is because the pieces are pre-assembled and designed to fit together with minimal added effort.

Some fencing parts even come with their own installation kits. If a single panel requires replacement, you can easily swap it out with an identical one. This type of change does not affect the overall integrity of the fence. If the older segments are clean beforehand, the replacement may be virtually undetectable. Installation may take a few hours or, at most, an afternoon.

Replacing Panels

Panels range from $70 to $170 to replace, not including installation. Manufacturers produce them in a variety of heights and styles. Professionals may be able to acquire replacement panels for a lower wholesale price, which may help offset professional installation costs.

Posts

Metal post supports range from $3 to $12 depending on size and strength. Vinyl sleeves typically slip over these post supports. Most professionals suggest stronger metal posts in high-traffic areas and locations with high winds or rain.

Pickets or Slats

Pickets average about $5 each. Some fences consist of tongue and groove pickets or slats instead of panels, allowing you to replace only the damaged slats instead of the entire panel.

Return to Top

Top/Bottom Rails

Rails for the top and bottom run approximately $20 per 8-foot section. Decorative rail toppers range from $50 to $100 for a 2- to 6-foot section, depending on the design. Replacement rail clips cost $5 to $7 each.

Gate Parts

Replacing a gate part usually runs between $20 and $80, depending on which part breaks and whether you have a single or double unit.

• Heavy-Duty Drop Rod: $20
• Hinges: $25
• Latch: $20
• Single Gate Hardware Kit (Hinges & Latch): $40
• Double Gate Hardware Kit (Hinges, Latch, & Drop Rod): $80

Lattice, Decorative Panels ($20 - $300)

A 4'x8' sheet of lattice runs between $20 and $40, while a 4'x8' decorative vinyl fence panel costs $100 to $300. In terms of replacement sections, more elaborate panels are the most expensive to replace.

High-end products, including those with lattice work or other decorative features, are readily available to accommodate numerous outdoor styles and accentuate attractive landscaping. If installed by a contractor, expect to see these charges reflected in the estimate and final price of the project.

Return to Top

Maintenance & Cleaning

A seasonal or even annual cleaning with a power washer can keep vinyl fences looking new for many years. You can rent an electric or gas pressure washer from $40 to $100 per day or purchase one for $90 to $800. Hiring a pro for power washing typically costs $180 to $400. Be sure to use the proper setting and technique to effectively clean without causing damage.

A pro charges for this service per linear foot for large-scale jobs and includes any scraping, which should only be necessary if the homeowner has not maintained the fence properly. Homeowners should get more than one estimate for this service because pricing can vary.

Vinyl and PVC do not require periodic painting or staining like wood, nor do they rust like metal. However, you should apply a rust preventative to exposed or unpainted hardware.

Vinyl vs. PVC Fencing

All PVC is vinyl, but not all vinyl is PVC. Vinyl is a plastic-based material used as an alternative to wood or metal. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of vinyl used for everything from municipal water piping to flooring and furniture. Manufacturers only use PVC for fencing, and contractors typically use the terms “vinyl fencing” and “PVC fencing” interchangeably.

Return to Top

Fixing Vinyl vs. Chain Link, Metal, or Wood Fences

Overall, vinyl and PVC both are good investment alternatives to chain link or wood, offering more privacy than the former and a greater value than the latter. The total cost to install a vinyl or PVC fence is lower than that for wood, and so are repairs and maintenance. Replacement paneling is easier on a budget than other fencing materials. As an added benefit, replacing a panel does not alter the integrity of the fence.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Other than small holes or replacing hardware, a fencing repair professional should complete most repairs. Pro installation will maintain the structural integrity and appearance of your fence, an advantage that will save you money over time.

Return to Top