Some fences are built with minute gaps to allow for expansion and contraction, but more significant gaps appear over time. Fence gaps create many issues, from unfortunate pet escapes to wildlife chewing on your vegetables. Aside from critters digging at your fence, gaps can result from natural shifts in the terrain or weather damage.
Having gaps between your fence boards can be an eyesore and also compromise your privacy. Over time, wood can shrink, shift or warp causing unsightly gaps to form between fence boards. Luckily, there are several easy and affordable ways to fill these gaps and restore the look of your fence.
Why Do Gaps Occur?
Gaps between fence boards can occur for a few common reasons
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Wood shrinkage – As wooden fence boards age and are exposed to sun, rain, and other elements, they lose moisture and shrink, creating gaps. This is especially common with cheaper, unseasoned wood.
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Ground shifting – If the ground under your fence shifts due to erosion, freezing and thawing, earthquakes, etc., it can displace your fence posts and boards, opening up gaps.
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Damage and wear – General damage from weather, animals/pests, or human activity (like kids climbing on the fence) can loosen boards over time.
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Improper installation – If fence boards were not properly spaced during installation, gaps can form as wood shrinks.
How To Fill Small Gaps
If you only have minor gaps less than 1 inch wide, here are some quick, easy fix options:
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Caulk – Use outdoor-rated caulk or acrylic latex caulk to fill small gaps. Apply caulk with a caulk gun, then smooth with a putty knife or finger. Allow to fully cure before painting.
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Expanding foam – Foam sealants fill gaps solidly while providing insulation. Control the flow with a foam gun applicator. Trim excess after curing and sand smooth.
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Wood putty – For small gaps in wooden fences, apply wood filler putty with a putty knife and allow to dry. Sand smooth and repaint to match the fence.
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Prefabricated vinyl/PVC filler strips – Self-adhesive flexible filler strips can be cut to length and stuck over gaps up to 3⁄4 inch wide. They come colored to match common fence stains.
How To Fill Large Gaps
For more significant gaps wider than 1 inch or full missing boards, these methods provide a seamless fill:
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Replace pickets – Unscrew pickets on each side of the gap, slide boards together to close gap, measure/cut a new board to size, and screw in place. Stain or paint to match.
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Sawmill edger boards – Thin 1-2 inch wide boards sold as lath can be ripped and used as batten strips screwed over gaps. Pre-stain and seal before installing.
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Tongue and groove boards – Remove surrounding boards, cut T&G boards to fit tighter together, reinstall with adhesive and galvanized screws.
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Scrap wood – Use scrap boards, plywood, or lumber. Cut to size, screw in place over gaps, patch screw holes, and paint to blend.
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Wood epoxy – 2-part epoxy specially formulated for wood can permanently fill large gaps for a seamless fill, even on aging, rotten, or cracked boards.
Tips for Gap-Free Fences
Follow these tips to help prevent gaps from forming in new fence installations:
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Use seasoned, kiln-dried lumber, which is less prone to shrinking.
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Allow 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 inch gaps between boards during install for expansion.
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Stagger overlapping boards to reduce warp and separation.
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Space posts no more than 8 feet apart to reduce bowing between posts.
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Use galvanized or stainless screws, not nails, for stronger connections.
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Apply water-repellent stain/sealer regularly to protect from moisture damage.
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Inspect annually and repair gaps quickly before they worsen.
When to Call a Professional
For extensively damaged fences with widespread gaps and sagging boards, your best option may be to call a professional fencing contractor. They have the tools and expertise to fully replace damaged sections or entire fence runs.
Professionals can also:
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Properly space/stagger boards to prevent future gaps
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Reinforce posts and framing for better stability
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Level and strengthen fence footings as needed
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Provide a warranty on materials and labor
Replacing an aging fence can restore privacy, security, and aesthetics. While DIY gap filling projects can fix minor issues, for major repairs a pro-installed fence may be worth the investment.
Maintaining Your Fence
Once your fence gaps are filled, be sure to properly care for your fence to maximize its lifespan:
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Inspect regularly for damage and deterioration
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Clean annually with a pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, etc.
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Apply fresh exterior-grade stain/sealer every 1-2 years
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Tighten any loose screws/fasteners
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Clear debris and vegetation around fence perimeter
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Prune back encroaching tree branches
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Patch and fill gaps and holes as soon as they appear
With proper installation, timely repairs, and regular upkeep, you can enjoy many years of optimal function and beauty from your privacy fence. Taking steps to fill troublesome gaps will go a long way in restoring an attractive barrier and enhancing your outdoor living space.
Line the Fence With Hedges
Plant hedges along the fence symmetrically to help cover gaps and add more detail to your landscaping. Perhaps you only want more coverage during the hotter times of the year. Short shrubs or mid-size evergreen trees can provide seasonal or year-round coverage.
Many plant nurseries sell shrubs and trees nearing maturity that offer a low-cost option to cover fence gaps. You can also hire someone to trim them into unique shapes.
Add Fence Decorations for Eclectic Coverage
If you’re a collector or artist, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to fill gaps in a wooden fence with small pieces of wonder. Turn your fence into a work of art.
Invest in different types of birdhouses to line the gaps of your fence with, and paint them different colors. Fill the birdhouses with a bit of birdseed to attract birds. Hang them in late winter or early spring to increase the likelihood of bird occupation.
Showcase your creativity by painting a 2-D mural or creating a 3-D mural out of items found at yard sales, thrift stores or while traveling.
Cover Gap on Wood Fence
FAQ
How to fill a gap between two fences?
A great solution for filling fence gaps is using lattice panels or trellis sections; they not only enhance the look of your fence but also serve a functional purpose. Plus, decorative ironwork can add a unique touch while keeping your space secure.
Should you leave gaps between fence boards?
This is why it’s always advised to leave a tiny gap of around 3/8 or 1/4 inches even for privacy fences where you don’t want anyone peeking.Feb 10, 2023
How do you block gaps in fences for dogs?
Lattice or Chicken Wire: Attach chicken wire or lattice to the bottom of the fence, extending it a foot underground. Extensions: Add extensions to the top of the fence. This can be done with additional vertical boards or lattice. Overhang: Create an inward overhang at the top to prevent jumping.
How to make a wood fence not see through?
Lattice privacy screens are a good choice if you need privacy but also want to add some decoration to your fence. The pre-fab lattice panels come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. They can also be painted or stained to match your fence.
How do you fill a fence gap?
Measure the fence gaps and cut shelving boards to size. Screw steel shelf brackets into the fence boards above and below the gap. Then set the shelf boards into place, creating perfect little nooks and platforms every few feet down the fence. For low gaps near the ground, consider using rocks, pebbles, or mulch to create a decorative filler.
Can wood fence panels fill gaps?
Wood panels are straightforward and have many benefits, especially in the long term. This is even though they can only be used to fill up little gaps. Be careful only to buy mold-resistant wood; after installing the wooden panels, you’ll apply the mold-resistant spray. These wooden fence panels can also be used as wood fence gap fillers.
What causes gaps between fence boards?
Gaps can happen in between fence boards for many reasons. Extreme weather conditions, wood shrinkage, or even vandalism can cause gaps to occur. But no matter the cause, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to fill gaps between fence boards. Don’t worry; this process is relatively easy and can be done in no time.
How do you fill a space between a fence and ground?
To fill the space between the fence and the ground, use horizontal pieces of wood rather than bricks. Cut the wooden boards uniformly after measuring them. This is one of the best choices if you have a wooden fence because it will blend in flawlessly. 6. Adding a Kickboard A weed board is another name for a kickboard.
What size gap should I leave between fence boards?
The size of the gap you should leave between fence boards depends on the type of wood you are using and the climate you live in. Generally, experts recommend leaving a gap of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch between each board for maximum protection. If you are using a softer wood such as pine, you may want to leave a larger gap of up to 3/4 inch.
How do you cover a fence gap?
Installing a small gate over the fence gap will cover it. You can build a little gate out of wood. That, or you can hire someone to do it for you. Use lumber and other materials to create door hinges. By doing this, the door will remain in place and be more difficult for dogs to unlock.