Fence guides you can watch.
Short video walkthroughs of the fence maintenance jobs every San Diego homeowner should know. Each guide comes with step-by-step instructions and a clear line on when to call a pro.
What fence maintenance can you do yourself?
Straighten a leaning fence post
A leaning fence is almost always a post problem, not a panel problem. Often DIY-fixable.
Fix a sagging gate that won't latch
A gate that drags or won't latch is usually a hinge-side post that moved or a racked frame.
Replace broken fence pickets
Wind, impact, or rot — a few broken pickets don't need a full panel replacement.
Check your pool fence for code compliance
California Title 24 pool barrier code is strict and flagged on every home sale inspection.
When should you stop and call a professional?
Six signs that the problem is past DIY. Turn the system off and pick up the phone — running a system with these issues turns cheap repairs into expensive replacements.
- Multiple posts leaning or cracked at grade
Widespread post rot or footing failure usually means the whole run needs resetting. DIY bracing won't hold more than a year.
- Large sections down from wind or a fallen tree
Emergency bracing and rebuild, plus claim documentation. Pool-area breaches need same-day response for code and safety.
- Pool gate not self-closing or self-latching
California Title 24 code violation. Flagged on home sale and by insurance. Fix takes under an hour by a pro.
- HOA sent a repair-or-replace notice
HOAs often require documented professional repairs. We photograph before and after for your HOA file.
- Drive gate won't open or auto-opener failed
Automatic gate openers involve stored spring energy and sometimes mains power. Professional repair is safer and usually cheaper long-term.
- Rot spreading through multiple panels
Section rebuild is faster and cheaper than picket-by-picket replacement once a run has structural rot. We reuse salvageable parts where we can.
What fence resources and external references are useful?
California Title 24 Pool Barrier Requirements
Official California residential code requirements for swimming pool safety barriers.
CSLBCSLB License Lookup (C-13 Fencing)
Verify California fencing contractor license status before hiring.
DigAlert.orgDig Alert 811 (Utility Locate)
Free utility locate service — call before digging any post holes.
County of San Diego PDSSan Diego County Fence Setback & Height Rules
Residential fence height and setback rules for unincorporated San Diego County.
Still stuck? Call a real technician.
If the guide didn't solve it, we probably can. Flat-rate diagnostic, same-day service across San Diego County.