Does a Fence Installation Service Include Repairs and Maintenance?

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Introduction 

You’ve just had a new fence installed. It looks great. Your garden feels more private. The neighbours can’t see in. The dog can’t get out. Everything feels perfect.

But after some time, small problems begin to appear. A panel starts to wobble. There’s rot forming at the bottom of the fence. Maybe a post begins to lean. Now you’re wondering:

  • Do I call the company that installed it?

  • Is this covered under a guarantee?

  • Do I need to find someone else?

These are common questions. The answer depends on what was included in your original fence installation service.

What Does a Fence Installation Service Usually Include?

When you pay for fence installation, you are paying for the fence to be installed properly. This typically includes:

  • Posts set at the correct depth

  • Panels fitted securely

  • Gates aligned and hung correctly

  • Proper fixings and structural stability

Installation is usually considered a one-off job. Ongoing care, maintenance, and repairs are often separate unless clearly stated.

That’s why it’s important to understand what happens after the job is completed.

Do Fence Installation Companies Offer Guarantees?

Reputable companies usually offer some type of workmanship guarantee. This might last:

  • Six months

  • One year

  • Sometimes longer, depending on materials and company policy

A guarantee typically covers problems caused by incorrect installation. For example:

  • A leaning post due to improper setting

  • A panel falling because of poor fixings

  • A gate dragging because it was not hung correctly

However, guarantees usually do not cover:

  • Damage caused by accidents (e.g., a football breaking a panel)

  • Weather-related wear and tear

  • Lack of maintenance

Always ask:

  • What does the guarantee cover?

  • How long does it last?

  • What is the process if something goes wrong?

Get these details in writing.

What About Repairs After Installation?

If something goes wrong:

Within the Guarantee Period

If the issue is related to installation quality, the company should fix it at no extra cost.

Outside the Guarantee Period

You have options:

  • Call the original company (they may offer repairs for a fee)

  • Hire a specialist repair company

  • Use a local handyman

Many established fence companies are happy to return for repairs — even years later — but they will typically charge for the service.

Do Fence Companies Offer Maintenance Packages?

Some fence installation companies offer maintenance packages. These may include:

  • Annual inspections

  • Checking posts and panels

  • Minor repairs

  • Treating and protecting the wood

Other companies don’t offer ongoing maintenance but will provide repairs when needed.

Maintenance is important because even a perfectly installed fence will deteriorate over time. Weather, moisture, and natural wear affect all materials.

Why Maintenance Matters

No installation, no matter how perfect, can stop:

  • Wood from rotting

  • Posts from shifting slightly

  • Fixings from loosening

  • Weather damage over time

Basic maintenance you can do yourself includes:

  • Treating the wood every couple of years

  • Clearing vegetation away from the base

  • Checking for loose panels or nails

However, professional maintenance ensures issues are caught early before they become expensive repairs.

How to Choose the Right Fence Installation Company

The best companies:

  • Are clear about guarantees

  • Explain what is and isn’t covered

  • Offer maintenance options

  • Have been trading for years

  • Provide aftercare advice

  • Encourage you to call if problems arise

The wrong companies:

  • Avoid answering questions

  • Give vague promises like “We’ll sort it”

  • Don’t provide written details

  • Disappear after the job is done

Ask upfront:

“What happens if something goes wrong after installation? Do you offer repairs? Do you provide maintenance? What guarantee do I get?”

Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.

Guarantee vs Warranty: What’s the Difference?

  • Guarantee – Usually covers the quality of workmanship (installation).

  • Warranty – Often covers the materials themselves (e.g., treated timber).

Some companies offer both. Always ask for clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a fence installation guarantee last?

Good companies offer at least one year. Some offer longer depending on materials and workmanship.

Will the same company do repairs years later?

Most will, but usually at a charge. It’s worth asking at the time of installation.

How often should I maintain my fence?

A yearly inspection is sensible. Wood treatment is typically needed every couple of years depending on weather exposure.

Can I maintain the fence myself without affecting the guarantee?

Usually yes, as long as you don’t cause damage. Check the guarantee terms to be sure.

What if the installation company goes out of business?

Unfortunately, this is always a risk. Choosing an established company reduces that risk.

How much do fence repairs cost?

Costs vary. Replacing a single panel may cost a few hundred pounds. Straightening leaning posts typically costs more. Always get a quote before work begins.

Will my fence need repairs even if it was installed perfectly?

Yes. Weather, time, and general wear will eventually affect any fence. A proper installation simply delays those problems.

Is a maintenance contract worth it?

If you prefer peace of mind and want to maximise the life of your fence, a maintenance contract can be a smart investment.

The Bottom Line

A good fence installation service doesn’t just put up a fence and walk away. They build relationships. They want you to be satisfied not just on installation day, but for years afterward.

Repairs and maintenance are sometimes included, sometimes offered separately. The key is knowing before you need them.

Ask questions.
Get answers in writing.
Choose a company that gives you confidence.

Because eventually, something will need attention — and when that happens, you’ll want to know exactly who to call.

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