Fence Repair & Restoration in the Cowichan Valley
Vancouver Island weather doesn’t go easy on fences. Between winter storms, saturated ground, fallen branches, and the occasional deer or bear encounter, most Cowichan Valley properties need fence repair at some point. Here’s how to assess the damage, decide whether to repair or replace, and get it done right.
Common Fence Damage on Vancouver Island
Storm damage — High winds and falling branches are the #1 cause of fence damage in the Cowichan Valley. A single winter storm can snap posts, flatten panels, and tangle wire fencing beyond easy repair. After a big blow, walk your entire fence line before letting animals out — damage isn’t always obvious from the house.
Post rot and heaving — Cowichan Valley soil stays wet for months, and wooden fence posts rot from the ground up. Even pressure-treated posts have a lifespan. If posts are leaning, wobbling, or soft at the base, they’re failing. Clay soil also causes frost heaving — posts literally get pushed out of the ground over winter.
Wire stretching and sagging — Wire and mesh fencing loses tension over time, especially if animals lean on it or debris pushes against it. Sagging fencing is an invitation for livestock to test boundaries and for deer to push through.
Animal damage — Deer can bend and break lighter fencing. Bears will push through almost anything that isn’t properly built. Horses and cattle lean on fences constantly, loosening posts and stretching wire. Even raccoons and dogs can damage chicken wire and lighter mesh.
Vehicle and equipment damage — Backing into a fence, clipping a post with a mower, or catching wire with equipment happens to everyone eventually. Usually fixable if caught quickly before the damage spreads.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace
Repair makes sense when:
- Damage is limited to a few posts or a short section of wire
- The rest of the fence line is still in good shape
- Posts are still solid — just need resetting or bracing
- Wire just needs re-tensioning, not replacing
- A single gate is damaged but the frame is fine
Replace when:
- More than 30-40% of posts are rotting or failing
- Wire mesh is rusted through, not just surface rust
- The fence has been repaired multiple times and keeps failing in new spots
- The fence type no longer matches your needs (e.g., you added livestock and need stronger fencing)
- Repairing would cost more than 60% of a new fence
Spring Fence Assessment Checklist
Every spring, walk your entire fence line and check:
- □ Posts — Are any leaning more than 10 degrees? Soft at the base? Cracked?
- □ Wire/mesh — Is it sagging? Rusted? Torn or cut anywhere?
- □ Tension — Can you push the wire down easily with one hand? It needs re-tensioning.
- □ Gates — Do they swing freely? Latch properly? Drag on the ground?
- □ Ground line — Is soil eroded under the fence? Animals can squeeze under surprisingly small gaps.
- □ Corners and ends — These take the most stress. Check for pulling, leaning, or cracking.
Fence Repair Supplies We Carry
Whether you’re doing the repair yourself or hiring us, we have everything you need:
- Replacement wire and mesh fencing — horse, cattle, deer, and welded wire
- T-posts — $6.95 each for quick post replacement
- Replacement gates — multiple sizes from 4’x4′ to 4’x12′
- Tension tools, wire clips, and hardware
Professional Fence Repair Services
Don’t want to do it yourself? Our fencing crew handles repairs across the Cowichan Valley — from replacing a few posts to rebuilding entire sections. We bring our own equipment (post drivers, augers, excavators) so rocky ground and tight access don’t slow things down.
We also handle storm damage cleanup — if a tree took out your fence line, Brad can assess the damage, remove the debris, and rebuild the fence in one trip.
Don’t Wait on Fence Repairs
A small fence problem becomes a big one fast. One leaning post puts extra stress on the next post, which starts to lean, which stretches the wire, which sags, which lets the deer in, which… you get the idea. Fix it early and it’s a quick, cheap repair. Wait and it’s a full replacement.
Spring is the best time to assess and repair — before animals are back on pasture, before garden season, and while the ground is still soft enough to work with.
Give Brad a call at 250-532-0090 or email brad@wcsupplies.com
