Metal fences offer a blend of sophistication and longevity at a cost-effective rate, contingent on the specific type of metal used.
Whether you have an aluminum, steel, or iron fence, you can expect to spend between $200 – $1500 for the average repair. The national average for metal fence repair at $850.
| Per linear foot | Average estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $17 - $22 | $250 - $700 |
| Steel | $20 - $30 | $350 - $800 |
| Wrought Iron | $50 - $100 | $600 - $1,500 |
| Chain link | $8 - $15 | $150 - $300 |
How much you can expect to spend repairing your metal fence will depend on numerous factors. This could range from the fence type, the nature of the problem, the extent of the problem, the fence materials, and the labor costs required.
Nonetheless, the average cost of metal fence repair in the country is $850. The true range, however, will be anywhere from $150 to $1500.
Material costs may range anywhere from $20 to $100+ per linear foot, while the labor costs (if you opt for a contractor) range from $60 to $200 per hour.
| Item | Minimum cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| National Average cost | $200 | $1500 |
| Material cost per linear ft | $20 | $200 |
| Labor cost per linear foot | $5 | $15 |
| Supplies & Extra costs per linear foot | $1 | $3 |
| Average cost per linear ft | $9 | $40 |
| Average range | $300 | $1600 |
Metal fence repair cost per linear foot
The average fence repair cost per linear foot ranges between $9 to $40. This could get as high as $100 per linear foot if you’re repairing a material like wrought iron. Any extra supplies and equipment required may add to these costs by an extra $1 – $3 per linear foot.
Metal fence repair labor costs
For homeowners looking to hire a fence contractor for the repairs, you can expect to spend anywhere from $60 – $200 per hour in labor costs, depending on the extent of the damage.
Per linear foot, most contractors charge between $5 – $15 for panel replacements. Other tasks, such as welding, are usually charged at a fixed rate of between $100 – $500.
If the fence posts require replacement, the fixed costs are usually between $50 – $150 or around $50 – $100 per hour. You’re also more likely to pay more if the contractor deals with more intricate designs common with wrought iron fences.
Metal fence repair costs by material
In terms of fence material, Aluminum, steel, and wrought iron are the three most common metal fences used in the country.
Due to their difference in tensile strength and densities, they each require different processes and specialized tools for repair. This means the costs you’ll incur to repair each metal will differ.
However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to more than $100 per linear foot on the fence material cost.
Aluminum fence repair cost
Aluminum fences are usually one of the cheapest metals for fencing repair. On average, aluminum fence repair costs range from $17 to $22 per linear foot. Most damages could come from warping, leaning, car accidents, or storm damage. The repairs could also be more costly if you choose to weld instead of removing and replacing the panels.
Depending on the extent of damage, expect to receive total estimates of about $395.
Steel fence repair cost
Steel fences are usually stronger and more durable than aluminum fences. This means that repairing it takes more time and becomes more expensive.
On average, most homeowners spend anywhere from $20 – $30 per linear foot in steel fence repair costs. For the entire steel fencing, the typical range for the project is usually between $350 – $800.
Your biggest repair expense may come from welding new steel panels and repainting. Unlike aluminum, steel is also susceptible to rusting and so, the prep work required before repainting it may drastically increase your labor cost.
Wrought iron fence repair costs
With a wrought iron fence, your repair costs are the highest compared to an aluminum or steel fence. This is because of wrought iron’s incredible strength and intricate styles, making the repair process more demanding and time-consuming.
On average, you can expect to spend $50 – $100 per linear foot on the fence repair cost. For the complete project, a contractor may charge you $600 on the low and around $1,500 on the higher end.
Like the steel fence, these higher costs come from the required welding and repainting. The good thing about this fence is that with proper maintenance, it can last several decades without any need for repairs. Therefore, the costs you incur will be worth it.
Chain link fence repair cost
In some cases, chain link fences can also be regarded as a type of metal fence. For such a case, the fence repair costs may range anywhere from $8 – $15 per linear foot, including the labor cost.
Many homeowners spend between $150 – $300 on chain link fence repairs. Your largest expenses will come from repairing holes, a rusty fence, and fixing the leaning posts.
Fence repair costs by type of problem
There are numerous types of problems you can face when working with a metal fence. The metal (Steel or wrought iron) may rust, the fence may lean to one side, it may develop fence holes, parts of the fence may break, or some railings may be loose or missing.
Depending on the extent of these damages, the repair cost for each problem will be different. You’ll also find that repairing a similar problem may be cheaper on some metals, i.e., aluminum than on other metals.
Here’s a breakdown of how much each problem may cost you.
| Problem | Minimum cost per linear foot | Maximum cost per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| Leaning fence (Average fixed cost) | $180 | $800 |
| Fallen/ shifted/ loose sections | $40 | $70 |
| Loose and missing railings | $20 | $80 |
| Twisted or warped fencing | $5 | $12 |
| Rusted metal fence | $7 | $15 |
| Broken metal fence | $12 | $25 |
| Storm damage or accident | $20 | $70 |
Leaning fence
A leaning fence is usually a very common problem for fence owners. It’s mainly caused by improper installation, heavy storms, or in some cases, old age. The repair costs you’ll incur for these will depend on the extent of the damages.
Some leaning metal fences will only require a few nails and screws to fix, others replacement of the fallen metal panels while others require replacing the support posts and stabilizing the loose ground.
Depending on the repair needed, you’ll need between $150 and $800 to fix leaning. However, any replacements and other repairs needed will also increase your total project costs.
Fallen/ shifted/loose sections
A shifting or loose soil can also be a big problem for your metal fence. Due to the natural movement of soil, the loose sections will force significant positional shifts on your aluminum or steel fencing.
This will in turn affect the fence’s aesthetics causing it to have droops and sags. The fence posts may also appear wobbly and eventually fall.
To repair this, you’ll have to remove the posts then reset them using concrete. If the existing posts were installed using anchor concrete footings, you’ll first have to break it up then set a new post.
Your total cost to repair this problem will depend on the fence material, and the time required to complete the repairs. Nevertheless, expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $70 per linear foot as the repair cost.
Loose and missing rails
While metal fences are strong, they are all susceptible to loose and fallen railings when subjected to enough impact. If this defines your fence, you can expect to spend between $20 and $80 per linear foot for the fence repair.
The repairs may be as simple as screwing in a few T-braces or as complex as removing the entire railing, welding it, then reattaching it back. In extreme cases, you may have to replace the entire fence rail.
This problem is however more common on aluminum compared to Steel and Iron wrought fencing.
Broken metal fence posts
If your metal fence posts are broken, you can expect to spend anywhere from $12 – $25 per linear foot on the fence repairs. The repair costs for an aluminum fence post will be lower since it’s usually screwed together and doesn’t require welding.
A steel fence post will require welding for minor replacements, or removing the entire post to make the necessary repairs before reattaching it back using a concrete footing.
Note: A fence post is the most important part of your fencing. It’s responsible for the stability of the entire structure. Therefore, if broken, ensure it’s repaired quickly.
Rusted fence
While Aluminum fences don’t rust, Steel and Wrought Iron fences do once exposed to precipitation. Fences in areas near salty water bodies also tend to rust more often.
To fix this, you’ll first have to sandblast all the affected areas of the metal fencing then coat it using a primer that has a rust inhibitor. Good fence contractors also recommend applying an additional paint coat to the exterior for aesthetics and durability.
Doing this will add an extra $7 – $15 per linear foot to the actual project costs.
Storm damage
Hurricanes, windstorms, and lightning are all acts of God that can damage your fence. After a bad storm, you can find that your fence is uprooted or a vast section of it has been damaged.
To repair it, you’ll need to remove and replace the pieces that are already too damaged. For an aluminum fence, your fence repair costs might be relatively cheap since the cost of a new aluminum panel is relatively affordable.
Replacing multiple panels of steel or wrought iron fence will be more expensive due to the high costs of the panels plus the added costs for welding.
On average the total repair cost for this fence repair job will range from $20 – $70 per linear foot.
Bent, twisted or warped fencing
For an aluminum or steel fence, you might also notice that some sections may be bent or warped after some time. This could be due to a car accident or a heavy impact on an object.
In this case, you can easily repair those sections by hammering them back to shape. If badly damaged, you’ll have to replace the entire section.
All these fence repairs will cost you anywhere from $5 – $12 per linear foot.
Fence problem by type of repair
The type of fence repair required for your fence also plays a part in the total project cost. Some repairs take more time, others require specialized equipment while others require more material.
This means that depending on the repair, you may have to spend more on fence material costs or increase the labor costs. On average this could cost you anywhere from $10 – $250 per linear foot.
Here’s a breakdown of the repairs.
| Type of fence repair | Minimum cost per linear ft | Maximum cost per linear ft |
|---|---|---|
| Metal fence welding | $10 | $20 |
| Repainting (Steel & Wrought iron) | $7 | $20 |
| Gate repair | $50 | $250 |
| Panel replacement | $12 | $25 |
| Post replacement | $8 | $20 |
Metal fence welding
In case your steel or wrought iron fence requires welding, be ready to part with $10 – $20 per linear foot as the repair cost. If the welder charges by the hour, their costs may range anywhere from $60 – $130 an hour.
The welding process will require using the right amount of welding material and finding the right device that will output adequate material for the fence repair.
You’ll, therefore, need to hire a professional for this part. If they seem too expensive, get quotes from two or three fence contractors before hiring.
Painting (Wrought iron)
For some homeowners, the only problem they have with their metal fence is how it looks. Fortunately, this issue can be quickly resolved by applying a coat of paint to improve the aesthetics.
The typical range for painting your fence starts from $7 – $20 per linear foot. The costs could be slightly higher if you first have to remove the old peeling paint and scrub off the rust.
Metal fence gate repair
Another key repair that most fence owners seem to forget is usually the gate. This is despite the fact that a fence gate is often the most expensive part to repair. They’re also the easiest parts of the fence to break down.
On average, you can spend anywhere from $50 – $250 per linear foot (inclusive of the labor cost) as the cost to repair your fence gate. These costs are quite high because a gate includes several moving parts, e.g., hinges.
If the fence is too damaged, you will also have to incur the hefty costs of replacing it. This will set you back anywhere from $300 – $800+ depending on the fence height and gate style.
Fence post replacement
The average cost of replacing your fence posts stands between $100 – $300. Your fence contractor may also charge you more for removing the post and resetting it again. The welding process used (for steel fences and wrought iron) may also increase the actual project costs.
Entire panel replacement
If you happen to notice that your fence has some missing boards or loose panels, you should start thinking of a panel replacement. Most fence owners spend between $8 and $20 per linear foot to replace panels.
The actual project cost is affected by the number of panels required. This is, however, a quick fix if the damage only affects small sections of your fence.
DIY metal fence repair vs Pro
Once you do the math on how much you’ll end up spending on the fence repairs, it’s easy for many owners to think of taking the DIY route. However, this may only work with wooden fences or vinyl fencing.
Due to the complex repairs required for metal fencing, you’re much better off leaving the job to the pros.
After all, if you mess up during your DIY fence repair, you’ll have to spend more money on a professional to correct what you’ve done. Professionals may also detect any further problems that might be lurking on your metal fence.
Looking to repair your fence?
HomeGardenGuides.com has a great tool that quickly matches you with trusted fence contractors in your locality. You can get three estimates from local fencing professionals in just under two minutes. All you have to do is follow the three simple steps below:
- Scroll to the top of the page and enter your zip code
- Answer questions about your fence repair job
- Your fence repair details are forwarded to three local experts who will send you a price estimate for your job with some friendly advice.
FAQ's
It depends on how badly your fence is damaged. Fence replacement is only necessary if your existing fence can’t be repaired or used anymore. If the damage only affects a few fence sections, you can just save money by doing the repairs yourself.
It depends on the local building codes in your state. Most local councils will only demand a permit if the fence repairs affect the structural integrity of the fence. So, if the repairs increase the fence height, or move its position while it’s already on the property lines, you might have to get a permit.
The installation cost for a new fence ranges anywhere from $3,000 – $5,500. The actual cost will depend on the fence type, design, and size. You’ll pay more for wrought iron fences, compared to steel, aluminum, or a chain-link fence. Taller fences, greater than 6 feet may also be more expensive.
With just the basic maintenance, a metal fence can last up to 30 years, almost as long as vinyl fences. However, wrought iron has a lifespan of up to 100 years, steel around 50 years, and aluminum around 70 years.
Wrought iron fences are often regarded as the most durable fences. However, vinyl fences, composite fences, and wooden fences are still very durable and long-lasting. It all depends on your location and the fence type you desire.
