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Fence Posts: Common Issues, the Best Materials, and Effective Damage Prevention

Fence Posts: Common Issues, the Best Materials, and Effective Damage Prevention

fence posts

It might sound like an overstatement but your residential or commercial fence is only as strong as its weakest link. And in most cases that weak-link is your fence posts.

When your fence leans or experiences the signs of instability those conditions are typically traceable to your fence posts. Posts that are cracked, bent, or rotting at or beneath the surface are among the causes.

fence posts

The common causes of fence post issues

Ground moisture

Prolonged exposure to moist or water saturated soil can eventually take a toll on your fence posts. Proper placement of your fence posts, such as in concrete and effective drainage, can help prevent water saturation at the base of your fence posts and potential decay.

Soil displacement and poor drainage

Inadequate water drainage or pooling can naturally lead to soil erosion around your fence posts. When the soil erodes, your fence posts can loosen causing them to lean or fall.

Damage from insects

Wood fence posts are particularly vulnerable to ants, termites and other insects that feed on wood materials. As insects bore into the wood the post is weakened making it more susceptible to further damage.

Poor materials or installation

Posts that are made from untreated or inferior wood and that are installed without proper support (such as concrete) are more likely to fail over time. Also, posts that are not set deep enough into the ground can fail to withstand wind or other environmental factors.

Age and weather

Nature and temperature fluctuations can weaken your fence posts. Splitting, warping, or cracking can occur if the post materials lack effective weather-resistance.

fence posts

The best fence post materials for durability

Pressure-treated wood

Treated cedar posts are naturally rot-resistant and provide a good aesthetic look for your fencing.

Steel or aluminum 

Posts constructed from steel or aluminum are durable and maintenance-free.

Vinyl or composite

These post materials are proven to be resistant to moisture, insects, and UV damage and are also low-maintenance.

fence posts

The preventive measures that protect your fence posts

Use strong, treated materials

As earlier mentioned, pressure-treated cedar, metal or aluminum, and vinyl or composite materials are designed to provide durability and prevent most fence post issues.

Elevate and seal the base of your posts

Proper elevation and securing the posts in concrete can help deter moisture related fence post issues. 

Provide effective drainage

Create a slope around your posts that guide water away from them. 

Routinely inspect and maintain your posts

A seasonal check of your fence posts can help you identify environmental or insect damage and prompt you to take the steps to replace damaged posts.

The integrity and appearance of your fencing relies on quality and professionally installed fence posts. Your local fence professionals can provide an experienced inspection of your fence posts and any related fencing damage.

The following resources are useful for helping you maintain your residential or commercial fencing:

A Guide to Common Fence Repairs and When to Call a Professional Fence Installer

Protect Your Investment with Five Seasonal Fence Maintenance Tips

fence posts

Protect your fence investment with expert inspection, repairs, or replacement by a Tulsa area fence professional 

Radius Fence in Bixby and Tulsa is a leader in fence and gate consultations and installation. 

  • Experts are available to help with your decision, installation, and your ongoing questions about protecting your fence investment.
  • Upgrade your home’s security and appearance.

Contact Radius Fence in Tulsa about your fence questions.

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The Fence & Gate Experts

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Wood Fence

Vinyl Fence

Ornamental Metal Fence

Chain Link Fence

Round Rail Fence

FenceTrac Fence

Trex Fence

Custom Fence

PostMaster+ Fence

Pool Fence

Wood Gate

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Stronger Fencing

Compared to wood, vinyl fencing is much stronger. Vinyl fencing is flexible and durable, which helps vinyl out-perform wood fencing in windy conditions and with environmental exposure to UV rays and weather.

More Options Available

Vinyl fencing is available in a wide variety of configurations to match any property, home, or purpose. Iconic, white vinyl picket fences give a feel of classic Americana with that white-picket-fence-style. Darker vinyl fences can be installed to make a space look more elegant or modern. From short picket to tall privacy, vinyl fencing can be designed to enhance your backyard or business.

Easy To Clean

Vinyl fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose. If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Vinyl fences are very easy to clean.

Beautiful Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are a bright, bold fence choice. Available in a variety of colors, vinyl fencing can be installed in a many configurations to help you enhance the beauty of your property. And, because vinyl isn’t as porous as wood, vinyl fences retain their color and finish much longer than wood fencing so you can enjoy your fence for years to come.

A Good Neighbor Fence

Unlike most fence types that have a “good side” and a “bad side,” with your Trex fence, you will get the same beautiful finish on either side. No unsightly picket defects or exposed support railings. A Trex fence is beautiful no matter what side of the fence you are on. 

25 Year Limited Lifetime Warranty

The power of the outdoors has met its match. Trex is engineered to endure decades of foul weather and foot traffic…with the warranty coverage to prove it. 

With our 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty, you can rest assured that your backyard investment is well protected.

Download Warranty

Low Maintenance

Trex fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose . If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Trex fences are very easy to clean and typically only require it semi-annually,  making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Eco-Friendly Fencing

 Trex eco-friendly composite fencing is made from an innovative blend of 96% recycled wood and plastic—that’s almost the whole thing. Trex fencing led the way green fencing more than 20 years, well before green was a buzzword. Because in the end, all of us want to look out on our fences and know that we’ve done our part. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in the U.S., Trex saves 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.

Never Shrink, Warp or Rot

PostMaster+ fences are designed for more than just presenting a seamless fence, it is an investment in peace of mind.

PostMaster+ is designed to not shrink, warp or rot like wood posts.

Up To 112mph Winds

Your PostMaster+ fence system can be configured to withstand up to 112 MpH winds.

Steel posts protect your investment from damaging wind while cedar offers protection from bugs, rot, and warping.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

You can feel confident in your investment as it comes with a Lifetime Limited warranty.

No other wood fence post even comes close to the performance and longevity of this innovative fencing system.

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Hidden Posts

PostMaster+ is the only steel fence post on the market designed to be hidden from view.

Both sides of your fence will showcase beautiful cedar posts while the steel on the inside creates a durable, long-lasting fence.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

RADIUS metal fences have a Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering and corrosion resulting in structural failure, without cause and workmanship and material defects through the manufacturer.

High Security Fencing

Maintaining a secure perimeter is your first line of defense against potential threats. A metal fence from RADIUS serves as a visual deterrent backed with heavy metal components that give a higher level of protection compared to traditional alternatives.

Coated Galvanized Steel

All RADIUS metal fences are coated inside and out. Our galvanized steel framework is subjected to a multi-stage pre-treatment/wash, followed by a duplex cathodic electrocoat system consisting of an epoxy primer, which significantly increases corrosion protection, and an acrylic topcoat, which provides the protection necessary to withstand adverse weathering effects.

Seamless Design

Our metal fence panels are fabricated through a welding technique that combines laser and fusion technology to create a virtually invisible structural connection at every picket to rail intersection. RADIUS welded steel construction is unmatched in strength and durability.

Modern Design

FenceTrac’s revolutionary, innovative fence system features one of the most modern, sleek designs on the market. Not only are these fences long-lasting, but they are also highly customizable as well as fashionable.

Stronger Trac Channels

FenceTrac U-channels are manufactured from 18-ga. roll-formed galvanized steel for superior strength and durability. This system is built to be long-lasting and customizable to match any yard.

Versatile Infill

Want to create a super durable fence that’s as unique as you? With a FenceTrac system you can pair their patented, durable U-channels with the infill that best fits your style. FenceTrac is designed to be used with nearly any type of rigid infill, so you can create the exact look you want.

Metal Frame

FenceTrac comes in with a durable textured matte black powder coat finish consisting of a multi-stage process of industrial, weather-resistant finish. The sturdy metal frame creates a stronger, longer-lasting fence. FenceTrac’s metal frame is also compatible for fencing sloped grades with precision. 

Stronger Posts & Hardware

A benefit of choosing RADIUS to install your chain link fence is that we use only the most durable posts and hardware.

Chain-link fences are known for being the last fences standing during hurricanes, tornados, and other severe weather events.

Top Rails For Structure

At RADIUS, we believe it’s important to go the extra mile to ensure your investment is built to last.

Adding a top rail to your chain link fence project creates an extra level of durability and security.

Premium Chain Link Mesh

Our chain link mesh offers a high level of security for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Manufactured with you in mind to provide you with security and beauty at the same time.

Nice Finishing Caps

At RADIUS, we pride ourselves on putting in the little details that make your fence unique to you. Ask your representative about adding premium finishing caps to your Chain Link fence project.

Rails And Nails - With Purpose

Much like our fence pickets, RADIUS takes care of which rails and nails we build with. Our standard back rails for wood privacy fencing are constructed of prime Douglas fir species wood. This provides superior stiffness and no more warping/twisting (seen in treated pine materials).

Getting all of these great products together is important too! We use a specialty winged tip Coated wood-to-metal screw the size of your pinkie to hold the rails to our steel posts. Once set up, the pickets get finished on the installation with Galvanized coated ring-shank nails. No need for screws on our pickets – it’ll take a crowbar or more to get these nails out when applied correctly.

Better Fence Pickets

RADIUS builds with only the best fence pickets. These are not the typical fence pickets anyone can buy from the local big-box stores. RADIUS has partnered with suppliers to provide the highest quality wood fencing materials.

Our typical offering is the premium #2/BTR Wood Fence picket from Alta Forest Products. Their Western Red Cedar has the more time-tested quality results of all wood species in the Tulsa market. We also have other #1 Cryptomeria Japonica wood and some Prime Douglas fir options. We stay on top of the trends and teach each of our customers the intricacy of changes in the Wood Privacy Fencing market.

Stronger Posts

RADIUS understands that your fence is as strong as the posts that are used to build your wood residential privacy fence. Our team was instrumental in being at the forefront of bringing the Galvanized 2-1/2” Square steel posts to the Tulsa fence market. We not only offer these solid stalwarts but have access to other styles such as the Postmaster+ post options too.

Our standard is to set these in a concrete footer, utilizing a myriad of installation methodologies according to your exact soil conditions and site arrangements. Having experts design and install your fence is our standard – just like the steel posts we install daily.

Decorative Details & Designs

RADIUS goes the extra mile in every detail of your wood fence project. Add Cap & Trim for a simple, elegant feel – or look into our new Horizontal wood fencing solutions – the possibilities are nearly endless with our team’s unlimited design scope experience and talent.

We travel to major conventions and conferences to learn about all of the great innovations that continue to flood the North American market. RADIUS is known for its leadership in the fencing world, especially for unique wood privacy fence solutions.