How to use this list
Copy it into a notebook or print the page. Skip lines that do not apply to your materials. Dates and conditions vary by climate, so shift each season to match your weather. For the reasons behind each line, see the seasonal guide to weather effects; this page keeps to short reminders.
Safety reminder: wear gloves and eye protection, call utility locating before any digging, and leave motor, wiring and spring work to qualified technicians.
Spring
- Walk the full line; note leaning posts and loose panels
- Probe wood posts and rails for soft spots
- Look for frost heave or settled ground
- Clear leaves, debris and soil from the fence base
- Wash fence surfaces; treat mold and algae
- Tighten screws, bolts and brackets
- Replace rusted or missing fasteners
- Replace damaged boards, pickets or rails
- Check gate for sag, rubbing and uneven gaps
- Lubricate hinges, latch and rollers
- Test latch; adjust keeper if needed
- Clean and test self-closing hinges or closers
- Automatic gate: clean track, wipe sensor lenses, test reversal, test manual release
- Check backup battery on the operator
- Note refinishing needs for summer
Summer
- Trim plants away from fence and gate
- Check soil and mulch are not piled against wood
- Redirect sprinklers away from fence
- Stain, seal or paint wood on a dry day, following label instructions
- Touch up chipped paint on metal
- Look for rust starting at joints and welds
- Check for insect holes or sawdust in wood
- Re-check gate alignment after heat and dry spells
- Clean solar panels on openers or lights
- Inspect fence lights and replace failed bulbs or batteries
- Re-test latch on gates near pools or play areas
Fall
- Clear leaves from the fence base and gate tracks
- Check drainage; water should move away from posts
- Remove dead branches that could fall on the fence
- Tighten loose hardware before wet weather
- Touch up wood sealer or metal paint
- Check posts for movement
- Brace or repair weak sections before storm season
- Lubricate hinges and latches
- Automatic gate: test battery and backup operation
- Check outdoor lighting and sensors for the darker months
- Remove ties or vines that hold moisture against wood
Winter
- Brush heavy snow off panels and gates when safe
- Keep gate paths and tracks clear of ice and snow
- Do not force an iced gate
- Rinse road salt from metal parts when possible
- Check after storms and high winds
- Look for posts lifted by freezing ground
- Keep the manual release key accessible
- Check that latches still catch in the cold
- Note repairs to make in spring
Anytime and after events
- After a storm: check posts, panels, trees and debris
- After a vehicle bump: check the gate, hinges and post
- After a flood: check footings and soil
- After any repair: retest the gate and record the date
- When a new noise or stiffness appears: look into it soon
- Keep the operator manual and installer contact details together
Every year
- Do one thorough inspection with notes and photos
- Consider a professional service visit for an automatic gate
- Review local rules before replacing large sections
- Update your log with what you found and fixed
Red flags to act on promptly
- A post or panel that moves when pushed
- A gate that does not latch
- A gate that fails to stop or reverse on obstruction
- Exposed wiring or water in a control box
- A gap that a child or pet could use near a pool or road
- Rust that has eaten through metal
- Wood that is soft through its thickness
If you tick the red flags, make the area safe first and arrange repairs. For more on what each warning sign means, inspection red flags goes into detail, and storm damage covers post-storm checks.