If your fence or gate is no longer level, you may have contacted the installer and been told it has settled. This is normal. However, there are ways to prevent excessive settling.
In places like Phoenix and throughout Arizona, settling is often more common due to soil conditions and changes in moisture levels. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Fence Settling?
When someone says your fence or gate has settled, they’re describing a situation where the fence posts have sunk further into the ground. Sometimes, the concrete surrounding the posts settles too, and that can lead to a fence dropping inches lower than its original height.
If the posts do not settle evenly, your fence may look off-level along the top. In addition, a gate that once opened smoothly can start to sag or become misaligned. This is especially true if the gate post experiences more settling than the rest of the fence.
Settling is usually gradual, but when it’s severe, it affects both the appearance and the functionality of your fence. Fence lines that were once perfectly level can start to look crooked, and gates that were once easy to operate can be a hassle to open and close.
Why Do Fences Settle?
The number one reason fences settle is the type and preparation of the soil. Certain soils are more prone to shifting, especially if they contain large amounts of clay or silt that expand and contract with changing moisture levels. In the Phoenix area, monsoon rains or seasonal temperature changes can quickly saturate or dry out the soil, causing it to move and settle.
Even when the soil is good quality, insufficient compaction during installation can lead to future settling. Once a fence is installed on loosely compacted soil, the ground beneath naturally compresses over time, which allows heavy fence posts—and the concrete footing—to sink lower.
Weight also plays a role in fence settling. A heavier fence exerts more pressure on the soil beneath any posts. If there is any erosion or underground water flow, it can cause even more movement and settling. Water from irrigation, flooding, or runoff can wash away soil around fence posts, weakening their support.
How to Prevent Fence Settling
Most of the work required to reduce fence settling happens before the fence is even installed. Here are a few key steps:
- If you plan to install a very heavy fence—such as one for high-security or industrial purposes—consider a geotechnical investigation to identify any problematic soil conditions. This is especially important around Phoenix, where you may find regions with expansive or poorly compacted soils.
- If the existing soil won’t adequately support your fence, you may need to excavate a trench along the fence line and backfill it with a stable material. This can provide extra strength where loose or shifting soil is a risk.
- Regardless of soil type, ensure the fence line is properly compacted. Density testing is a good way to confirm that soil meets certain compaction standards. If landscaping or any major yard work is underway, compact the fence line again before installing posts to account for newly loosened soil.
- Try to avoid placing fences in spots where water is likely to collect or drain, which can wash away soil or cause damp conditions that lead to coating failures or rotting (if your fence is made of wood). Good drainage design around your property helps keep excessive moisture away from fence posts.
Proper Planning Is Key
Preventing fence settling starts with proper preparation. While it’s true that fences can settle over time, there are steps you can take to minimize it.
Plan ahead, check the soil if you suspect issues, and ask your fence company what measures they can take to prevent settling. Taking these steps can mean the difference between a fence that stays strong and level for years and one that sags after just a season or two.
Western Fence Company serves commercial customers throughout the Phoenix Metro area, providing quality installations that take the local climate and soil conditions into account. If you’re looking for professional fence or gate help, learn more about our Phoenix fence installation services.