What the Work Involves
We remove enough failed material to reach sound wood and check what the new piece will fasten to. Gate repairs start with the posts and hinges before the latch is moved. Exterior cuts get sealed, and replacement trim is fitted with drainage and caulk joints in mind. Structural framing, roof work, and permit-required construction are outside handyman scope.
What You Get
- The support behind the failed piece checked first
- Replacement wood fitted to sound material
- Clear limits when the damage reaches structural framing
Signs You Need This
- A gate drags or will not latch
- Railing hardware keeps loosening
- Exterior trim feels soft
- Fence pickets are broken but posts remain solid
Gate Problems Start at the Posts
Moving the latch can hide a sag for a few weeks. We sight the posts, check hinge screws, and measure the gate diagonally before changing hardware. If the post is solid, the gate can often be squared with new fasteners or a brace.
A loose or rotten post is a different repair and involves digging and concrete. We put that in the estimate instead of pretending another latch adjustment will hold.
Exterior Rot
Florida rain finds unsealed end grain and joints that stay wet. We probe beyond the visible paint bubble and stop at solid wood. The replacement gets cut to shed water, primed or sealed on the cut ends, and caulked where the original detail calls for it.
If the rot reaches structural framing, roofing, or a window assembly, we stop and recommend the appropriate contractor. Covering it with thin trim would only hide the damage.