Damaged concrete poles can cause serious structural problems that can be costly to repair. Common examples of damage include holes, cracks, and damaged corners if the post has a square base. Fortunately, repairing a concrete pole is relatively inexpensive and easy to do with the right supplies. Depending on the severity of the damage, a fence patch kit may be the best option.
These kits are impact and UV resistant, helping to repair holes, small cracks and minor damage. For more serious issues, consider fence post supports and ground spikes that can be driven through the concrete base and attached to the post to create a secure base for the fence post. Digging a hole around at least one side of the pole is also necessary to expose the concrete and give it some room to move. Concreting fence posts can seem intimidating if you've never done it before, but as long as you work systematically and take your time, you should end up with professional-looking results.
It's also important to consider factors that can contribute to ongoing damage such as highly acidic concrete footings, moisture traps that collect rainwater at the base of the fence post, and insect infestations like carpenter ants, termites, and powder post beetles. Knowing everything about placing concrete on fence posts is essential for success, including the size of post you should use, the depth of the hole for the post you are using, the correct proportion of concrete mix you should use, and how to position the fence posts so they don't rot and how to keep them straight and level. For a stronger solution, pour a quick-setting concrete bag directly into the new hole and around the base of the post. It's also important to note that over time, posts may shrink a little which causes small gaps around them and the concrete.
To make the job easier, consider using a mallet or jackhammer to break concrete into smaller pieces. If your post was positioned correctly at first, there should be a large chunk of concrete around its base which needs to be dug up enough so it can be dragged out of the ground. Replacing a fence post can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if it's held in place by concrete. When mixing your concrete, start shoveling it into the hole surrounding your pole with concrete.
This will keep your post square and level in the hole as you fill it with concrete and until it settles. Wait about three days for your concrete to cure before reattaching your fence parts to your fence post with new brackets and screws.
