How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Chain Link Fence?

A chain link fence is one of the most popular and affordable fencing options. These fences are made out of galvanized steel ¹ or coated steel wires that form a diamond pattern. They are durable, secure, and can be used nearly everywhere. These fences can last 15 to 25 years if regularly maintained and repaired as soon as a problem arises.

The average cost to fix a chain link fence ranges from $300-$600, with the average homeowner spending around $450 on resetting one post, repairing the top rail ², and stretching new chain link fencing over the surrounding sections after a tree limb fell on fence.

Cost to Repair Chain Link Fence

Chain Link Fence Repair Cost by Linear Foot

The cost for chain link fence repairs will vary widely based on many factors. These include the type of repair needed, the type of chain link fence you have, and the type of repairman you hire. On average, the cost for chain link fence repairs will be about $12 per linear foot, with this figure including labor and supplies.

Chain Link Fence Repair Cost by Material

Chain link fences can be made out of different materials. These include stainless steel, galvanized steel ¹, and PVC coated steel. Labor costs associated with chain link fence repairs should be the same, however the cost of the materials will change.

Labor Cost to Repair a Chain Link Fence

Labor for chain link fence repairs will vary depending on if you hire a general handyman or a professional in the fencing industry. Simple chain link fence repair, such as cleaning rust or repairing a hole can usually be easily done by either type of repairman. More difficult repairs are better left to a professional. Some companies or individuals will quote by the linear foot and others will quote by the hour plus materials. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 per hour for a handyman and $50 and $75 per hour for a professional in the fencing industry. That translates to about $7 to $10 per linear foot for a handyman or $9 to $15 per linear foot for a fencing professional. A small hole can take just an hour or two to fix, but a large portion of fence that is sagging, leaning, or rusted may take a day or more to fix.

Chain Link Fence Repair Cost by Type

There are many types of chain link fence repairs that may be needed. A fence may lean or sag over time and rust may show up. Holes may occur in the fence, the top rail ² may break, or gates may need to be adjusted. Luckily, most chain link fence repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive.

Rust on a Chain Link Fence

If you notice that your chain link fence is getting rusty, it is best to have it cleaned and protected as soon as possible to protect the structural integrity of the fence. This process includes brushing off debris, cleaning the fence with a jet of water, scrubbing remaining rust with a wire brush, and spraying or brushing on a rust inhibitor. If you’re hoping to restore the appearance of the fence, consider a specialty paint that both covers and inhibits rust. It should cost about $7 per linear foot ³ to hire someone to clean and paint the fence. A small section that is rusted will take a few hours, but a larger section of rust could take a day or more. If only a gate is rusty, this will be a small project. It should only take a few hours to treat rust on a chain link fence gate. Expect to pay between $80 and $150 to treat rust on a chain link fence gate.

Repair Hole in Chain Link Fence

A hole in a chain link fence can be repaired by patching the damaged section. The chain link fence can be cut out around the hole and a new piece can be cut to fit. Aluminum tie wires can be used to connect the patch to the old fence. The cost to repair a hole in a chain link fence should be between $50 and $100.

Chain Link Fence Gate Repair

A chain link fence gate is bound to need repair. Kids may find it fun to ride on the gate as it swings, mowers may clip the edge, it could become rusted, or a tree limb may fall on it. No matter the cause, chain link fence gate repair can usually be easily done. Sagging and rust can easily be treated by cleaning the gate and adjusting or replacing the hinges ⁴. The mesh on the gate or part of the frame can also be replaced if needed. Chain link fence gate repair should only take a few hours and cost between $80 and $180, depending on all that needs to be done.

Repair Chain Link Fence Top Rail

A chain link fence top rail ² can become bent if a tree limb falls on it or other damage occurs. This is a relatively easy fix. The damaged section can be cut out and a new rail can be inserted into the existing rail. The new rail will come with an open end and a crimped end. The crimped end can be inserted into the open end of the existing rail. This repair should cost between $120 and $160.

Chain Link Fence Post Repair

Chain link fence posts ⁵ can become damaged over time. This could be because they were not properly set in concrete from the beginning, due to rust, damage from weather or a falling object, or something running into the fence. Sometimes, chain link fence post repair can occur in place, as with a leaning fence post. Many times, however, a new post is the best solution. A new post can be set by digging out the old post, pouring new concrete, setting the new post, and reconnecting the fencing. It generally costs between $150 and $250 to remove and re-set a fence post.

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Fix a Leaning Chain Link Fence

The posts are usually the problem when a chain link fence is leaning. In most cases, a fence is leaning because the fence posts ⁵ were not properly set. It is also possible that tree roots or an object like a tree falling on the fence have caused it to lean. To fix the leaning fence, the posts will need to be reset correctly. It generally costs about $150 to reset a fence post.

Reasons to Repair a Chain Link

Chain link fences are so popular because they are affordable and can last 15 to 25 years with minimal maintenance. By taking care of your fence, cleaning it, and making repairs when they are needed, the fence could last even longer. Many things can happen to a chain link fence over the course of its life.

• Severe weather, flooding, strong winds, and falling trees or limbs can damage a fence. These natural forces can cause bent top rails ², make fences lean, or make holes.
• Cars or lawn mowers can run into fences and sometimes vandalism occurs, creating holes in chain link fences.
• Children may be rough with chain link fences, especially gates, causing them to sag.
• Rust and corrosion may also happen over time. It is important to take care of rust and corrosion as soon as it is spotted to maintain the structural integrity of the fence.

Chain Link Fence Maintenance

Compared to other fencing types, chain link fence maintenance is relatively easy. The fence should be inspected every month or two, or after any major weather event. Look for broken or missing links and rust, ensure gates are swinging properly, check the top rails ², and take a close look at each post. Make sure that each post is still forming a right angle with the ground and free of rust. If any rust or damage is found, get it fixed as soon as possible.

It is also important to clean the fence at least once or twice a year. In most cases, this can be as simple as using a high pressure spray from the garden hose or power washer if available. If there is more built-up dirt and debris, a bucket of soap or a borax solution and a rag can be used. White vinegar is also an option if there is any mold on the fence. Chain link fence maintenance can generally be performed by any homeowner, but you can also hire a professional to thoroughly clean your fence. Expect to pay between $20 and $40 per hour to hire someone for this task, or about $1 per linear foot of fence.

Cost to Replace Chain Link Fence

Once the fence is in serious disrepair or needed maintenance will cost more than replacement, it is time to replace the chain link fence. First, the old fence will need to be removed. Often, the company replacing the fence will take care of fence removal. The chain link removal cost will be about $2 to $4 per foot. In many cases, this price will include hauling it away. However, some scrap yards will take fencing. Call ahead to check the chain link fence scrap price, as this can change daily. These prices are usually not much, around $3.00 per hundred pounds of material, or a facility may just take the material for no charge. Keep in mind that posts with concrete on them cannot be taken to a scrap yard. Also consider posting the fencing for free or a small price on local sales sites. Sometimes gardeners or homeowners look for extra fencing.

The average cost for chain link fence installation is $3,000. This is for 200 linear feet of 4-foot fencing, with a gate, installed by a professional. This price will vary depending on the size of the property, the height of the fence, and the type of chain link fencing that is chosen.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Altering Chain Link Fencing’s Size or Location

There are ways to increase the height of a chain link fence. A homeowner may want to do this to contain a jumping dog, for more security, or for vines to grow on. Fence posts ⁵ can be covered with longer posts and new chain link mesh can be attached, with the same rails going back on top. The cost to alter a fence’s height is similar to a new fence installation. Expect to pay about $18 per linear foot to increase a 4 ft. chain link fence to a 6 ft. fence. The location of a chain link fence can also be changed using most of the same materials. Expect to pay a professional between $15 and $26 a linear foot to alter the location of a chain link fence.

Fabric Screen

A fabric screen is a good option if desiring extra privacy. These screens can also add color to your yard. These screens are made of a lightweight material that can be hung on the outside of the fence. Air can pass through, but they block the light. A fabric screen will only last a few seasons and costs start around $1 per linear foot. The price can go up to $6 per linear foot for custom designs.

Privacy Slats

Slats are another option to add more privacy to your chain link fence. These are usually sold by the box and can be woven through the fence. They come in a variety of colors and generally last longer than fabric screens. Expect to pay about $55 for a box of slats that will cover 10 linear feet of a 6 ft.-tall fence. If choosing to have a professional insert the slats, expect to pay about $2-$3 per linear foot for labor.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Clearing the area around the fence. The area around the fence will need to be cleared before chain link fence repairs can take place. If there are trees, bushes, or other plants, care will need to be taken to protect or remove them. The average cost to remove a tree is $700. If light trimming is all that is needed, take care of it yourself or hire a handyman or landscaper and expect to pay about $40 to $100 per hour for their services.
• Permits and licenses. A permit should not be needed for chain link fence repairs. However, one would likely be needed for a chain link fence replacement. Check with your local town or city hall before beginning the project and expect to pay about $60 if one is needed. Most chain link fence repairs do not need to be done by a licensed professional, but you could go with a licensed fencing company if you wish. Their fees are likely to be higher, to go along with their experience and expertise. If new holes are dug, it is also important to contact the local utility company to come out and mark underground utility lines and gas pipes before starting.
• DIY. It is certainly possible to perform chain link fence repairs yourself. There are plenty of tutorials and instructions online for tackling chain link repair projects. Of course, professionals have the proper tools and experience to perform repairs quickly and correctly, ensuring the repair will last.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Galvanized steel: Steel that has had a protective zinc coating applied to it to make it resistant to rusting

³ Foot: A support for the foundation of a house that also helps prevent settling. It is typically made of concrete reinforced with rebar, but can also be made of masonry or brick. It is usually built under a heavier part of the house like a wall or column, to distribute the weight of the house over a larger area.

⁴ Hinges: A type of joint that attaches two items together but allows one of them to swing back and forth, such as a door attached to a door frame

⁵ Fence posts: A sturdy pole set securely in the ground, that is used to support a fence. Fence posts are placed at regular intervals, and the other parts of the fence are attached to them