How To Patch Holes In Vinyl Fences

A hole in a vinyl fence doesn't always mean it needs replacing. Vinyl fences are popular because they don't rust or rot, and the non-porous material makes them easy to clean. However, fixing holes can be somewhat challenging, but it isn't  impossible. Here are tips to fix holes in vinyl fences.

Prepare to Work

For this repair project, you need:

• work gloves
• clean, damp towels or rags
• 80-180 grit sandpaper
• putty knife
• utility knife
• small wood block
• auto body filler
• hand saw
• spray paint (optional)
• expanding foam insulation

Clean the dirt around the hole with a damp rag or towel. If it is very dirty, squirt some dish soap on the area. Use a utility knife to cut jagged edges around the holes, and cut any material that could interfere with repair carefully.

Apply Foam Insulation

Holes that an inch an inch and a half and greater can be fixed with spray foam insulation and auto body filler. Skip the foam for filling smaller holes.In most cases, they will only need auto body filler.

Wrap wood with a piece of sandpaper, and rough up a two-inch area around the hole. Don't use a power sander, since it will damage the fence, since the aim of sanding is to burrs and sharp edges around the damaged area. Remove sand dust with a damp rag or towel.

Connect the nozzle to the spray foam can, and insert it into the space. Depress the trigger or button on the can, and slowly add the foam into the hole, so it has time to expand. 

Keep spraying until some of the foam spills over the hole, and let it sit overnight. Cut the extra foam off with the saw as close to the fence as possible to prevent bulging. Sand the area lightly to form a divot, or inward dent, in the fence.; working three inches passed the hole. Clean sand dust with a damp rag. 

Add Auto Body Filler

Mix the amount of auto body filler needed according to direction. Apply auto body filler in the indention you made in the holes with a putty knife; overlapping it with the space around the hole. Allow the auto filler to dry, which commonly takes an hour.

After the filler dries, lightly sand the area increasing the grit of sandpaper, and clean sand dust. If desired, spray paint over the hole with a paint formulated for vinyl.

Fixing holes makes the fence last longer, and it is more cost-effective than replacing it. Consider hiring a fence service, like York Fence Co, for large cracks, or replace seriously damaged fences.