Why Your Fence Gate Sags — And How to Choose the Right Contractor to Prevent It
Get a professionally installed fence gate that lasts — Call Picket Pros at 913-358-5305 or visit picketpros.com for a free estimate in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, and surrounding areas.
A Common Problem That Costs You Time and Money
If you’ve owned a fence for more than a year or two, chances are you’ve dealt with a sagging gate. It starts small — maybe it drags just a bit or doesn’t latch quite right. But before long, you’re lifting it every time you open it, fighting rusted hinges, or worse, watching the whole gate fall out of square. It’s frustrating and inconvenient — but more importantly, it’s preventable.
At Picket Pros, we’ve installed and repaired hundreds of gates throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Olathe, Shawnee, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and Lenexa. We know what causes gates to sag and how to prevent it.
What Causes Fence Gates to Sag?
1. Improper Hinge Post Installation
The hinge post is the most important part of your gate. If it’s not deep enough in the ground or not set with enough concrete, it will shift over time, especially with Kansas City’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soil. This causes the gate to go out of alignment and puts extra strain on the hinges.
2. Only One Post for the Gate
We commonly see gates with a hinge post but no latch-side post. This setup can work temporarily but will almost always result in sagging. Both sides of a gate need structural support — especially if the gate is 4 feet or wider.
3. Undersized or Weak Hardware
Cheaper hinges, lightweight fasteners, and screws that aren’t rust-proof will degrade quickly. Once the hardware loosens or corrodes, your gate can start to sag or wobble.
4. Poor Gate Framing
If the gate frame isn’t square or doesn’t have enough diagonal bracing, gravity will eventually pull it downward. A well-built gate frame will resist this natural force and stay aligned longer.
5. Water and Soil Erosion
Improper grading, runoff from downspouts, or poor yard drainage can lead to soil erosion around posts. This weakens the concrete footings and causes movement — a major culprit in leaning or sagging gates.
Signs Your Gate Is Sagging
- The gate scrapes the ground when opening or closing
- The latch no longer aligns correctly
- Visible lean or twist in the gate frame
- One hinge appears pulled away from the post
- The gate no longer stays closed or swings open by itself
If you’re seeing any of these issues, it’s time to act before the gate becomes unusable.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Fence gates fail most often not because of materials — but because of who installs them.
A professional contractor understands the local soil, weather conditions, and material behavior over time. They’ll build a gate system that can stand up to Kansas City summers, heavy snow, high winds, and years of use.
At Picket Pros, we never cut corners on gates. Here’s what we do differently:
Set Posts Deeper Than Code Requires
Most fence contractors set posts 24 inches deep. We go 30 inches or more — especially on slopes or gate posts — using fast-setting concrete that bonds tight.
Use Proper Bracing and Framing
We frame all our gates with double rails and a diagonal cross brace for added strength. If it’s a wood gate, we use cedar or treated pine to match your fence.
Install Hardware Built to Last
We use heavy-duty, rust-resistant hinges and latches rated for outdoor use and large loads. Our screws and fasteners are all coated for longevity.
Reinforce Wide Gates with Steel Frames
If you have a gate wider than 4 feet — like a double swing gate for a driveway — we may use welded steel or adjustable metal frames to keep it straight and strong.
Recommend Drainage Fixes If Needed
We’ll assess the slope of your yard and recommend downspout redirection or French drains if runoff is damaging your post footing. Good drainage is key to long-term durability.
Service Area: Gate Repair and Installation Across Kansas City
We proudly serve residential and commercial customers throughout:
- Overland Park – including Deer Creek, Nottingham, and Oak Park
- Olathe – especially near Prairie Highlands and Woodland Hills
- Lenexa, Shawnee, and Gardner
- Kansas City, MO & KS – including Waldo, Brookside, Turner, and Armourdale
- Lee’s Summit, Raytown, and Independence
If your gate is dragging or leaning — we’ll fix it right the first time. Whether you need a basic repair or a full rebuild, you’ll get honest advice, top-tier craftsmanship, and fair pricing.
Choosing Between Gate Repair or Full Replacement
Not sure whether to repair or replace your gate? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Issue | Repairable? | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Minor hinge shift | ✅ | Reinforce or reset hinge |
| Post slightly leaning | ✅ | Dig out and reset or replace with deeper concrete |
| Gate frame twisted or cracked | ❌ | Full replacement |
| Latch won’t align or gate sags | ✅ | Hinge adjustment and re-square |
| Severe post erosion or rot | ❌ | Replace post and possibly the full gate |
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fence Contractor
Not all contractors are created equal. Before you hire someone to build or repair your fence gate, ask:
- How deep do you set your gate posts?
- Do you install a latch-side post even on small gates?
- What type of hardware do you use?
- Do you use diagonal bracing on all gates?
- Can you handle sloped yards or drainage issues?
If they don’t have good answers or try to brush off your questions — keep looking. A solid gate is worth doing right.
Let Picket Pros Build Your Next Gate
Your fence gate should swing smoothly, latch securely, and look great for years. If you’re tired of fixing sagging gates, dragging hinges, and unreliable latches — let’s fix it right the first time.
Call 913-358-5305 or visit picketpros.com to schedule your free estimate.
We’ll walk your property, inspect any damage, and give you a straightforward quote — no pressure, just honest service.
Whether you’re in Overland Park, Olathe, or anywhere in the greater Kansas City area, we’ve got you covered with expert fence gate repair and replacement services.
FAQs About Fence Gates and Sagging
Why does my fence gate sag over time?
Most gates sag due to poor post installation, inadequate bracing, or weak hardware. Soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and erosion in areas like Kansas City also contribute.
How do I fix a sagging wooden gate?
Fixing a sagging gate may involve tightening hardware, re-aligning the frame, or resetting the posts deeper with fresh concrete. Severe sagging often requires gate replacement.
What kind of brace keeps a gate from sagging?
A diagonal brace that runs from the latch-side top corner to the hinge-side bottom corner supports the load and keeps the gate square. Steel frames work well for wider gates.
How much does it cost to repair a sagging fence gate?
In Kansas City, repair costs typically range from $150–$350, depending on the extent of the issue. Full replacements can cost more but are often the better long-term fix.
What type of contractor should I hire for gate repair?
Look for a local fence contractor with experience in gate framing, post setting, and drainage awareness. Reviews and photos of past work can help you choose the right team.
Ready to replace or repair your fence gate? Call Picket Pros today at 913-358-5305 or request a quote at picketpros.com