Gate Repair for Wooden Gates: Challenges and Solutions

Before you can fix anything, you must identify what is actually wrong. Wooden gates face a constant battle against gravity and weather. One day your gate swings perfectly, and the next, it drags along the concrete or refuses to latch. This usually happens because wood is heavy and prone to absorbing moisture. When wood absorbs water, it swells and becomes heavier, putting immense strain on the hinges and posts. Conversely, in the scorching sun, the wood dries out and shrinks, often leading to cracks or warping.

Effective Gate Repair starts with a thorough inspection. Look closely at the bottom of the gate where it meets the ground; this area is most susceptible to rot because it stays damp the longest. Check the alignment of your latch and hinges. If the gate posts have shifted even slightly due to soil movement or the weight of the gate, the entire mechanism fails. Sagging is perhaps the most frequent complaint we hear. A sagging gate not only looks neglected but also damages the hardware and the fence structure itself. Understanding these core issues—moisture damage, hardware stress, and structural shifting—is the first step toward a lasting solution.