How Much Does it Cost to Repair an Aluminum, Steel or Metal Fence?

Normal Range: $268 - $976
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Phathr Phuththi Wngs/EyeEm/Getty Images
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Aluminum and Steel Fence Repair Costs

Aluminum and steel fencing repairs cost an average of $616 with a typical range of $268 and $976. However, extensive damage can lead to repairs exceeding $1,500. You’ll pay $40 to $60 per hour for labor with each panel requiring about one hour of work. If you need welding, expect to spend $125 to $475 for labor.

Storms, accidents or normal wear and tear can damage fencing. Estimates to repair an aluminum or steel type varies depending on the part that needs repairing or replacement. This guide covers all types of metal fencing, including modern-style wrought iron fencing made from steel or aluminum over traditional iron.

If you have a home over 70 years old with original fencing, you might have true wrought iron. Read up on wrought iron fence repair costs.

Metal Fence Repair Costs by Type

Aluminum and steel fence costs range from $25 to $50 per linear foot. Though all types require paint or powder coating as regular maintenance, other repairs differ.

TypeLinear Foot
Aluminum$20
Steel$30
Wrought Iron$50+

Aluminum Fence Repair Costs

Aluminum fencing repairs run $10 to $40 per linear foot. While it’s possible to weld on new parts, it’s almost always cheaper to simply replace a panel. Most panel prices range from $50 to $100 with highly ornate varieties topping $400. Most repairs involve unbolting, removing and replacing individual panels. A handyman can take care of most projects.

Steel or Wrought Iron Style Fence Repair Costs

Steel costs an average of $250 to $750 to repair. Most repairs involve either welding or repainting. “Steel” and “Wrought Iron” are interchangeable terms in modern usage. It refers more now to a style than a material. Steel and, more frequently, aluminum make up almost all modern wrought iron fences.

Wrought Iron Repair Costs

Repairing wrought iron costs $100 to $900 per linear foot. This is for . This type of fence is typically found on historical homes and larger estates. It’s still the best option for highly-detailed ornamental work. In most cases, restoring this antique treasure is worth the cost. But for cast or steel, replacement is more practical. Installing new wrought iron fences costs $2,500 on average.

Chain link repairs cost an average of $450 or anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour for labor. Most fixes fall under mesh patching or replacement and post reinforcement.

Labor Costs to Repair Aluminum & Steel Fence

In most cases, labor runs $40 to $60 per hour with a single panel taking one hour. However, the type of work done plays a large role.

  • Welding: $100-$500

  • Panel replacement: $8-$20 per linear foot.

  • Post replacement: $40-$120

Estimates to Fix the Railing

Fixing a railing can cost anywhere from $15 to $70 per linear foot. Estimates range in price depending on the type of material and difficulty of install. Replacing a rail without damaging the fence requires understanding its original construction. Use the same grade and type of material, whether aluminum or steel, that the structure contains. Experienced professionals can identify the construction method and materials required to repair a rail.

Repairing Metal Fence Posts Prices

Metal fence post repairs runs $100 to $450. Fees depend heavily on the type of material and how long it takes to fix. The correct way to repair an unsteady post will depend on its mount and the reason that it is wobbly. For example, the cause could be cracked anchor cement, ground movement or an accident that pushed the post out of place.

Note: Most metal posts are surface mounted to cement footings with bolts. Repairs depend on whether the underlying cause is a bent or broken mount, or cracked and degraded cement footings.

Estimates to Repair Fence Post Cement Footing

Expect to pay $40 to $60 per hour to pour cement for fixing posts. In addition to pouring new cement, the pro will need to remove the posts and excavate under them. Brush, trees and other structures can make this a time-consuming job.

  • Cement runs $5 to $15 per 60 lbs. bag. Expect to use 1 to 2 per post.

  • Requires a portable cement mixer, shovel, jackhammer or sledge hammer, carpenter level and tamper.

  • Professionals either bolt posts to concrete footings or set it in the cement itself. Bolts take little time to remove keeping labor costs down..

  • Use the correct type and consistency of cement. If done incorrectly, it could crumble or crack.

A professional fence installer has the tools and experience to efficiently repair or replace a post. The result will be a durable repair that will last for years.Get Estimates For Labor Work on Your Fence

Price to Paint a Metal Fence

Fence painting costs $3 to $17 per linear foot. It’s the most common type of maintenance and repair you’ll need. If you’re only touching up one section, make sure to color-match paint. It might look the same in the store, but two slightly different shades stand out when put next to each other. Hire a professional painter for professional results.

Some notes for DIYers or for interviewing professionals:

  • Prep all metal surfaces properly to avoid peeling paint.

  • Clean all rust and use a rust inhibitor or primer prior to painting.

  • Watch out for uneven coating and running paint. A professional has the experience to avoid this, but it’s always a good idea to ask for references or examples of past work.

FAQs

How much does it cost to put in a metal fence?

Metal fence installation costs $30 to $55 per linear foot for aluminum or steel. Fees can exceed $100 per linear foot for custom or highly ornate work.

How much does it cost to fix a leaning fence?

The price to fix a leaning fence ranges from $100 to $750 but depends heavily on materials and the cause of the lean.

How much does it cost to rebuild a fence?

Rebuilding a fence runs $1,500 to $4,000 on average. But it depends on what the fence material. Wood tends to be the cheapest with vinyl and metal making up more expensive installs that can easily top $8,000.

Hiring a Professional vs. DIY

Unless you’re an experienced welder or painter, it’s always a better idea to hire a professional. Not only can a DIY job end in a call to a professional to redo the work, you might miss some underlying damage, like subsurface rust. Find a professional metal fence installer near you for guaranteed results.

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