Fences and Gates:
Sagging Gates, Rotted Posts and Pool Gate Latches
Fences are a small part of the inspection. They’re also the first thing you’ll be fixing if the gate drags on move-in day.
Fences and gates came up in 74 of Russ’s recent reports. By far the most common title was “gate needs adjustment” (23 houses). After that came failing or weathered fences, stain wearing off, and pool gates that didn’t meet safety standards.
None of these are structural to the house. They’re on the report because they’re part of the property, and a few of them touch the house or a pool.
Gates that need adjustment
Most of the gate findings were simple: the gate dragged, wouldn’t latch, or swung shut crooked. A Vancouver report and a Portland report both said the same thing in one line: the gate needed adjustment for proper operation.
Wood gates sag because the frame racks over time. Without a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner, gravity wins. The hinge post can also lean, especially in wet soil, and the screws loosen. Most fixes are small: a brace, a turnbuckle kit, longer screws, or resetting the post.
Failing fences
A fence fails at the posts first. Posts set in soil or in concrete that holds water rot at grade, then lean. Russ looks for leaning sections, loose or broken boards and rot at the bottom of posts and rails. In a Vancouver house, a damaged fence board got a recommendation for replacement and staining to help extend the fence’s life.
Unstained wood weathers to gray and checks. Stain slows that down, and like deck stain, it wears off on a schedule in this climate. The deck stain post covers the same wear on a deck.
Fences that touch the house
Where a fence or gate post attaches to the siding, it can trap water, wear through paint, and give rot and insects an easy path to the wall. In a Beaverton house, an unsealed 2×4 had been attached to the house as a gate post. Russ’s report noted that since it was part of the home’s exterior, it should be sealed or painted. The siding clearance post covers how close other things should get to siding.
Pool gates
On homes with pools, the fence is a safety barrier. Pool barrier standards commonly call for gates that open away from the pool, close on their own and latch on their own, with the latch out of a small child’s reach. A Tigard pool report noted that residential pool gates must meet specific safety standards to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children. Russ checks those during a pool and spa inspection.
Real Inspection Photos
Fence and Gate Findings From Russ's Inspections
Fence and gate findings from Russ's recent reports.
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A damaged fence board due for replacement. -
Pickets rotting at the bottom near the ground. -
A failing fence section leaning out of line. -
A wood gate written up for adjustment. -
An aged fence with a hole near the ground.
What Russ checks
He looks at accessible fences and gates for condition, leaning, rot and operation, and opens and closes gates. On pool properties, he checks the barrier and gates for self-closing and self-latching operation. He doesn’t determine property lines, ownership or permits. Findings get a recommendation for a qualified fence contractor or handyman.
- Open and close each gate: does it swing free and latch?
- Push on fence posts near the ground for wobble
- Look at the bottom of posts for soft or dark wood
- Find where the fence meets the house and look at the siding there
- On a pool property, let the gate go and see if it closes and latches
Fences and gates came up at 74 of Russ’s inspections, mostly gates that needed adjustment. Posts rot at grade first, and fences fastened to the house can hold water on the siding. Pool gates are a safety item and get checked for self-closing and self-latching.
For the rest of the lot, the guide to what to look at on the exterior before you make an offer covers grading, drainage and walkways. To set up an inspection, you can book online.
Fence and Gate FAQ
