When you invest in a new fence or gate, you’re not just buying materials, you’re trusting a team to build something that lasts. That’s why understanding what’s actually covered under a workmanship warranty matters more than most homeowners realize. At A Straight Up Fence Company, we’ve been installing fences and gates across the Denver metro area since 2006, and we’ve seen firsthand how a solid warranty protects our customers long after the last post is set. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what our workmanship warranty covers, what falls outside its scope, and how to file a claim if you ever need to.
Understanding Workmanship Warranties vs. Material Warranties
Before we jump into specifics, let’s clear up a common source of confusion: workmanship warranties and material warranties aren’t the same thing.
A material warranty comes from the manufacturer of the fence components, the cedar boards, chain link mesh, wrought iron panels, or hardware. If a board warps due to a manufacturing defect or a hinge fails because of poor metal quality, that’s typically covered by the manufacturer, not the installer.
A workmanship warranty, on the other hand, covers how those materials are installed. This is where we come in. When you hire A Straight Up Fence Company, our workmanship warranty guarantees that the installation itself meets professional standards. We’re covering the labor, the techniques, and the craftsmanship that goes into setting every post, aligning every panel, and hanging every gate.
Think of it this way: if your fence leans because the concrete wasn’t mixed properly, that’s a workmanship issue. If a picket cracks because of a flaw in the wood grain, that’s a material issue. Both warranties matter, but they protect you from different types of problems.
We stand behind our installation work because we know the quality of construction determines how long your fence will actually last. Great materials installed poorly won’t serve you well. And that’s exactly why our workmanship warranty exists, to give you confidence that we did the job right.
Installation Defects Covered Under Our Warranty
Our workmanship warranty covers specific installation defects that could compromise your fence’s structural integrity, appearance, or function. Here’s what you can count on us to stand behind.
Post Setting and Concrete Work
Post installation is arguably the most critical phase of any fence project. Get it wrong, and everything else suffers. Our warranty covers:
- Depth of post holes – Posts that weren’t set deep enough to withstand Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles will eventually lean or heave. We guarantee proper depth for your soil conditions and frost line.
- Amount of concrete – Too little concrete means unstable posts. We ensure every post has adequate concrete to remain plumb and secure.
- Concrete mixing process – Improperly mixed concrete can crumble or fail to bond correctly. Our crews follow strict mixing protocols, and we warranty against failures caused by poor concrete preparation.
- Post alignment – Crooked posts are more than an eyesore. They affect panel fit, gate operation, and overall structural stability. If posts shift due to improper installation, we’ll make it right.
Whether you’re installing a cedar privacy fence, chain link, or wrought iron, the post work sets the foundation for everything else.
Panel Alignment and Gate Operation
Beyond the posts, our warranty extends to how the fence comes together as a finished product.
Panel alignment is covered because misaligned panels create gaps, look unprofessional, and can compromise security. We take pride in the straight, even lines that define quality fence work. If panels shift or separate due to installation errors, that’s on us.
Gate operation receives special attention under our warranty. Sagging gates are the most annoying part of any fence, they lose function and simply don’t look good. We cover:
- Hinge types and installation – Using the correct hinge for the gate weight and ensuring proper mounting
- Steel thickness and supports – For steel-framed gates, we guarantee adequate material strength and bracing
- Correct welding – All welds on custom gates fabricated in our Denver shop are warranted against failure
- Building procedures – The overall construction methods used to prevent sagging and ensure smooth operation
From drive gates with secure steel frames to simple side gates attached to your home, we build to exceed industry best practices. That’s how we ensure you can enjoy your gate for many years to come.
What Is Not Covered by a Workmanship Warranty
No warranty covers everything, and being upfront about exclusions helps set proper expectations. Here’s what falls outside our workmanship warranty.
Normal wear and tear isn’t covered. Fences face constant exposure to sun, rain, snow, and wind. Over time, wood weathers, metal oxidizes, and hardware loosens from regular use. This is expected maintenance, not a defect in our work.
Material defects are the manufacturer’s responsibility, not ours. If a cedar board splits along a hidden knot or factory hardware fails prematurely, you’ll need to pursue the manufacturer’s warranty. We’re happy to help you identify whether an issue is material-related or workmanship-related.
Damage from external forces isn’t something we can warranty against. This includes:
- Storm damage, falling trees, or hail
- Vehicle impacts
- Vandalism
- Damage caused by improper modifications or repairs performed by others
Soil conditions beyond our control can occasionally cause issues. If extreme ground shifting occurs due to unusual geological activity or major drainage changes on your property after installation, that’s outside the scope of our warranty.
Lack of maintenance can void coverage. If you never stain or seal wood components and rot develops, or if you ignore minor issues until they become major problems, we can’t cover the resulting damage. We recommend regular inspections and prompt attention to small repairs.
Unauthorized alterations to your fence or gate, whether adding attachments, removing components, or making structural changes, may void the workmanship warranty on affected areas.
Understanding these exclusions isn’t about limiting our responsibility. It’s about being honest so you know exactly what to expect from us and what falls under your own homeowner responsibilities.
How to File a Warranty Claim
If you believe you have a workmanship issue covered under our warranty, the claims process is straightforward. We’ve been serving the Denver metro, Boulder, and surrounding Front Range communities for over 15 years, and we’ve built our reputation on standing behind our work.
Step 1: Document the problem. Take clear photos showing the issue, leaning posts, gaps between panels, sagging gates, or whatever concern you have. The more detail, the better.
Step 2: Contact us directly. Give us a call or reach out through our website. Provide your name, installation date (if you have it), property address, and a description of the problem. Our friendly team will open a claim and schedule an inspection.
Step 3: On-site evaluation. One of our experienced team members will visit your property to assess the situation. We’ll determine whether the issue falls under workmanship, material defects, or something outside warranty coverage. We’ll be honest with you either way.
Step 4: Resolution. If the problem is indeed a workmanship defect covered under warranty, we’ll schedule repairs at no additional cost to you. We’ll make it right, that’s the whole point of the warranty.
Most claims are resolved within a few weeks, depending on scheduling and the nature of repairs needed. We take the time to work with each customer from start to finish, and warranty service is no exception.
One tip: don’t wait to report issues. Small problems caught early are easier to fix than major failures down the road. If something seems off with your fence or gate, let us know sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
A workmanship warranty is your assurance that the fence or gate you invested in was built to last. At A Straight Up Fence Company, we take pride in our craftsmanship, from the concrete work to the final gate swing. While no warranty covers every possible scenario, knowing what’s protected gives you confidence in your investment. If you ever have questions about coverage or need to file a claim, we’re just a call away. That’s the peace of mind that comes standard when you work with us.