We offer a full fence and gate installation service and have carried out many fence repairs over the years.
From replacing a single rotten post or fence panel, to installing a whole new fence around a property.
You will find us competitively priced and are recommended and used by property agents around the Ashford area.
Fence Repairs - Arris Rail Replacement - Ashford, Kent.
Replacing rotten or damaged arris rails is essential maintenance if you want your fence to stay sturdy and to last a few more years.
Whilst this closeboard featheredge fence was generally in a good condition, the fence was unstable because a few of the arris rail cross members were rotten or broken.
This video demonstrates just how much a fence panel can be weakened with only one broken arris rail.
If left, eventually the whole fence will fall apart.
How To Replace An Arris Rail
There is a quick and simple method to replacing an arris rail without needing to dismantle the fence or disturbing the posts.
The solution is attaching a galvanised repair bracket at each end of a new arris rail and then screw the brackets into the fence posts.
Remove the old rail by prising it away from the fence using a pry bar or a claw hammer. Saw the rail in half, enabling the rail to slide out from its slot in the fence post.
To fit the new rail, measure the distance between the posts where the rail is to be positioned.
Arris rails are usually available in 3 sizes – 3m, 2.4m or 1.8m. In this case we had to cut down a 3m rail to fit between the 2 fence posts.
Once cut, offer it up to the fence and check the arris rail fits between the posts.
Attach a repair bracket to each end of arris rail using corrosion resistant exterior timber screws.
Tap the new rail into place, you may need another pair of hands at this point especially if the rail is long.
Once in the correct position, screw the brackets onto the post, use a minimum of 50mm screws for this.
Nail the fence back onto the replaced arris rail and check the rest of the fence is nailed into the other arris rails.
You may need a few new nails to replace rusted or missing nails, use galvanised clout nails or a nail gun.
It took 3 to 4 hours to replace 4 rails, the fence is now sturdy and ready for the winter weather.
If you have a fence that needs repairing or replacing , why not give us call.