Fences take a beating. They stand in the weather all year, hold back dogs, children, garden beds and soil, and are the first thing to suffer when a strong northerly or a winter storm rolls across the Pakenham plains. Across the region we see everything from new colorbond estate fences in Officer to sagging paling fences in the older streets of Pakenham, post-and-wire boundaries on acreage at Pakenham South and Nar Nar Goon, and picket fences on cottages in Garfield and Bunyip. We repair, re-post and rebuild sections of fencing, and we hang, fix and adjust gates so they open smoothly and latch properly.

Fence problems we fix

• Leaning or wobbly fences
• Rotted posts at ground level
• Broken, split or missing palings
• Loose or rotted rails
• Capping and plinth boards that have warped or come away
• Storm and wind damage, including fallen sections
• Damage from trees, branches and roots
• Dog-dug gaps along the bottom of fences
• Sagging, dragging or swinging gates
• Gate latches that will not catch or lock
• Broken hinges, drop bolts and gate stops
• Small sections of colorbond and steel fencing that have been bent or knocked

Paling fences

Timber paling fences are still the most common boundary fence in established parts of Pakenham, Beaconsfield and the towns further east. They are made up of posts, two or three horizontal rails and vertical palings, sometimes with a capping on top and a plinth board at the bottom.

Why paling fences fail

The weak point is almost always the post at ground level, where moisture, soil and air meet and rot sets in. Once posts go soft, the fence starts to lean, especially if there is soil built up against it on one side or a big shrub pushing on it. Rails can also rot where they are nailed to the posts, and palings split or curl over time.

How we repair them

• Replacing palings. We pull broken palings and fit new ones, matched as closely as possible in width and profile. New timber will look brighter at first and weather down over time.
• Replacing or reinforcing posts. Rotted posts can be replaced, or in some cases supported with steel post stirrups or spurs concreted beside them, which often extends the life of a fence for years.
• Replacing rails. Rotted rails are cut out and replaced, then the palings are refixed.
• Straightening a lean. Once posts are solid again, we can often pull a leaning section back upright.

Colorbond and steel fences

Many newer homes in Officer, Pakenham’s eastern and southern estates and Beaconsfield have steel fences. They don’t rot, but panels can be bent by a falling branch, a reversing car or a strong storm. We can replace damaged sheets and rails where matching panels are available, re-fix loose sheets and adjust or replace gates.

Post-and-wire and rural fencing

On larger blocks around Pakenham South, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip, we can patch post-and-wire fences: re-tensioning sagging wire, replacing broken strainer posts and droppers, and repairing small runs damaged by fallen branches or stock. Long runs of new rural fencing are a job for a specialist fencing contractor, but for small repairs a handyman is often the quicker answer.

Gates

Gates are the hardest-working part of any fence. They swing, slam, get leaned on and carry their own weight on just two hinges. Common gate problems include:

• Sagging. The gate drops at the latch end and drags on the ground. This is usually caused by loose hinges, a leaning post or a gate frame that has racked out of square.
• Not latching. As the gate drops, the latch misses the keeper. Realigning the gate or moving the latch fixes this.
• Broken hardware. Hinges rust, latches break and drop bolts bend.

We repair gates by tightening or replacing hinges, adding a diagonal brace or turnbuckle to square up a sagging frame, resetting or reinforcing the hinge post, and fitting new latches, drop bolts and stops. We can also build and hang new timber gates within an existing fence line.

Pool fences and gates

Pool barrier gates must self-close and self-latch, and the rules around pool barriers in Victoria are strict. We can adjust self-closing hinges and latches so they work, but we do not certify pool barriers. If your barrier needs inspection or certification, that must be done by a registered building surveyor or inspector.

After a storm

Strong winds and winter storms regularly bring down fence sections across the region, particularly in exposed spots near open farmland and in the hills around Pakenham Upper and Beaconsfield Upper. After a storm we can:

• Make the fence safe and secure the gap so pets stay in
• Remove fallen branches and broken timber
• Repair or replace damaged posts, rails and palings
• Document damage with photos for an insurance claim

Shared boundary fences

Boundary fences are usually shared between neighbours, and Victoria has rules about how the cost of a dividing fence is split. We can provide a written quote that you can share with your neighbour, and we’re happy to work out timing with both households. We do not get involved in disputes, but a clear scope of work often makes the conversation easier.

What affects a fence repair

• How much of the fence is affected and how many posts are rotten
• Access to the fence line, including sheds, garden beds and slopes
• Whether there are underground services near the posts
• Matching existing timber or panels
• Removal and disposal of old material

Before we start

We’ll ask about the location of any underground pipes, cables or irrigation near the fence line, and we will look for signs of services before digging. For bigger post holes we recommend a Before You Dig Australia enquiry. If your fence is close to large trees, we’ll talk to you about roots and any trimming that may be needed.

Fence repairs across our service area

We repair fences and gates in Pakenham, Pakenham South, Officer, Beaconsfield, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip. Fence work often goes hand in hand with pressure washing to clean up timber and paths, or deck and pergola repairs. Get a free quote and send us photos of the damage.

Fence types around Pakenham

Timber paling fences are the classic boundary fence on suburban blocks in Pakenham, Beaconsfield and Officer. Common issues include rotten posts at ground level, loose or broken palings, and sagging rails.

Colorbond and steel fences are standard in many new estates, including those around Cardinia Road, Officer South and Pakenham East. They’re durable but can be damaged by wind, impacts and tree limbs. Bent sheets and loose posts can often be repaired.

Post-and-rail and post-and-wire fences are common on acreage around Pakenham South, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip. Rails rot, wires sag and strainer posts lean.

Pool fences must comply with strict Victorian regulations. Gates must self-close and self-latch. We repair pool gate hinges and latches, but compliance inspections are done by registered building surveyors or inspectors.

Dividing fences and neighbours

In Victoria, the Fences Act 1968 sets out how neighbours share the cost and responsibility for dividing fences. Generally, adjoining owners share the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence. Before replacing a shared fence, owners should agree on the work; the Act sets out a formal process using a Fencing Notice if they can’t agree. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has resources to help. We’re happy to quote for repairs that both neighbours agree on.

Wind and clay

Wind across open land toward the south and east, combined with reactive clay soils, makes fences in our area work hard. Posts can loosen as clay shrinks in summer and swells in winter. Concrete footings, the right post depth and good drainage around posts improve longevity. When fences blow down in storms, we can carry out repairs or temporary securing.

Gates

Gates get used more than any other part of a fence. Common gate problems:

• Sagging from loose hinges or a leaning post
• Dragging on the ground
• Latch not lining up
• Rotten timber frames
• Bent steel frames

Fixes include tightening or replacing hinges, adding a diagonal brace, re-hanging the gate, straightening or re-concreting the hinge post and fitting new latches. Drop bolts help hold double gates steady. On rural properties, farm gates need sound hinge posts and suitable latches for livestock.

Post replacement

Rotten posts are the main cause of failing timber fences. Replacing a post involves:

1. Supporting the fence panel

2. Removing the old post and its footing

3. Setting a new treated pine or steel post in concrete

4. Re-attaching rails and palings

5. Allowing concrete to cure before loading the post

Steel posts or post-savers can extend life in wet ground.

Palings and rails

Replacing broken palings is quick. Rotten rails can be replaced individually, or reinforced with brackets. Rails that have split at the post often need a new rail and bracket.

Fence heights and permits

Most front and boundary fences in residential areas have height limits under the building regulations, and some may need a permit. Fences on corners, near intersections or in heritage overlays may have extra rules. Check with Cardinia Shire Council for your property.

Frequently asked questions