How to Fix Vinyl Fencing Holes Caused by Winter
Freezing temperatures, gusting winds, sleet and snow all put your vinyl fencing through the wringer over the winter months. As the weather systems pass through, your fence may become damaged. Don't worry, the minor holes and cracks can be repaired pretty affordably with a little effort and know how. Here, you will learn how to repair the holes and cracks in your vinyl fencing.
To complete this repair you will need:
- Clean towels
- Bucket of water
- Handsaw
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Plastic body filler
- Spray paint and primer
- Spray foam insulation
Watch the Weather Forecast
You need two good days in which the weather is clear. It doesn't have to be real warm, but it does have to stay dry for the duration of two days. Plan for the work when the forecast calls for dry weather.
Perform Prep Work
Before you begin making repairs, you need to get the damaged portion of the fence clean. To do this, get a bucket of very warm water and a clean cloth. Wipe the area well and allow it to dry. If the area is extremely dirty, use a mild detergent or liquid dish soap and then rinse the area well.
Fill the Holes
Once the fencing is dry, you are ready to fill the hole. You will be using spray foam insulation to fill the hole. Insert the nozzle into the hole and fill it up. Remember that the insulation will swell quickly and expand to fill the area. Now, you must wait for the insulation to harden. Read the product label to find out how long the hardening time for that particular brand is.
Smoothe the Area
Once hardened, the insulation needs to be trimmed up. Use a handsaw to carefully cut the excess insulation. You want it to be as flush with the surface of the fencing as possible to decrease the amount of sanding you will have to do. Once you have trimmed it, you must sand it using the medium grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust away with a clean, slightly dampened cloth.
Finish and Perfect the Repair
Plastic body filler is now to be applied to the area. Use the putty knife to skim a thin coat of filler over the patch. Allow the filler to harden, then sand it using the medium and then fine-grit sandpaper. If the finish isn't as smooth as you'd like, you can apply another coat of filler and repeat the process until you are happy with the outcome.
Now that everything is smooth, apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry. Then, finish up with at least two coats of paint.
If you are uncomfortable making this repair on your own, or if the damage goes beyond a patch repair, talk with local fencing contractors such as Crown Fence Co for assistance.
