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Natural calamities can result in costly damage to both property and lives. During a storm, strong winds often lead to property damage, including your fence. While insurance may cover some of the expenses associated with a damaged fence, property owners must understand their responsibilities and take appropriate action when it happens.
Why? A broken fence compromises the security and safety of both the property and its inhabitants. Issues like broken posts, damaged panels, or leaning fences should be addressed without delay to restore the property's integrity.
All Security Equipment has a collection of fences and related accessories for repairs and replacement after a storm.
Steps to Follow After a Storm
Storms create havoc. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when dealing with a broken fence and the aftermath of a storm in your area:
1. Prioritize Safety
Safety should always be at the top of your priority list. Don’t leave the house when it’s dark out, or you may find yourself tripping over fallen debris or coming across fallen electrical wires. Always wait until the morning to inspect the damage caused by the storm. When outside doing your perimeter checks, be mindful of possible outdoor hazards like broken glass and nails, as these can cause injury.
2. Assessment
The next step is to assess the extent of the damage. Check for visible damage to the panels and boards of your fence, as well as harder-to-notice damage, such as the fence’s integrity.
Depending on your experience level, you can do any necessary fence repairs yourself. However, don’t try to tackle the job alone if any of the following exist:
- The fence is blocking a roadway or pathway
- Downed power lines are nearby
- The fence is unstable and may collapse
3. Look for a Reliable Fence Contractor
For fence repair, you want to find the best fence contractor in your area. The right contractor can adequately evaluate the damage, provide the most efficient solution, and give you a reasonable estimate for the cost.
When looking for a fence contractor, make sure that the company you choose is licensed and insured. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your fence will be repaired properly. Contractors specializing in fence repair should also have good reviews from past clients. These reviews are a great way to learn more about their reputation and track record.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your homeowner’s insurance policy usually covers storm damage, including a broken fence. Call to find out the amount they cover under your specific policy. Before calling, ensure that you have the necessary details, including a detailed statement regarding the extent of the damage caused by the storm. Also, prepare quotes from fence contractors you talked with earlier.
You can also include photos of the fence's damage. The insurance company will consider your deductibles, the fence's depreciation from age, and the repair cost when making a determination.
5. Follow Through With the Fence Repairs
There are two types of repairs: temporary and permanent.
Temporary Repair
A temporary repair stabilizes the fence while you wait for the insurance company’s solution. This might include installing wooden stakes or metal brackets to reinforce leaning fences or broken parts. Tarps and netting may also be applied to fill holes that jeopardize privacy.
You should also remove the storm-damaged fence if needed. You can do this on your own as long as it is safe. Be careful with any protruding screws or nails that may lead to injury. Hiring a competent removal company is best if you deem it unsafe to do it alone.
Permanent Repair
A permanent repair is more time-consuming and requires a bigger budget to replace or repair damaged portions of your fence. The homeowner can do minor repairs, but a licensed fence contractor repairs major issues like structural damage to the foundation.
Determine if you can keep parts of the fence or if it is time to upgrade to better, more storm-resistant fence materials. Also, discuss the timeline for repair completion with the contractor.
Preventing a Broken Fence in the Future
No fence has an infinite life. All fences deteriorate over the years. However, their decline can be slowed down with these steps:
Reinforce Weak Areas
Strong winds are the main culprit for broken fences during storms. Windbreakers such as trees and hedges can be installed to reduce wind exposure. Reinforcing the fence’s weakest parts, like posts and panels, is crucial in helping it withstand storms.
Using metal post brackets, support stakes, stronger screws and nails, and other reinforcement strategies will make the fence stronger.
Use Storm-Resistant Materials
Some fence materials are more resilient to storms than others. Chain-link and wooden fences, for example, tend to break easily with strong winds and storms. However, composite or metal (aluminum or steel) fences are more robust and durable.
Brick and stone fencing is also a top option for storm-resistant materials. The downside, however, is the expensive installation cost.
Adding hurricane or storm panels for added protection also prevents future storm damage. These panels are added to existing fences to increase the fence’s wind resistance ability. Storm and hurricane-prone places benefit from this addition.
Regular Upkeep
Fence maintenance should be done regularly to maintain the fence’s integrity. Always check for signs of wear and tear and repair or replace old and damaged parts. Check for proper drainage surrounding fence posts, which, if left unattended, may result in rot and instability.
Repair or Replace Wisely
Repairing a fence involves due diligence. Wood fencing is the most common privacy fencing used in the United States, but it also requires more upkeep due to its susceptibility to rotting and other factors. Metal fencing is a nice upgrade if you want a more durable fence to replace the broken one.
Regardless of the fence material, repairing or replacing a fence should be carefully considered. Some repairs may cost more in time and money than replacing it as a whole.
You can rely on All Security Equipment to help you with broken fence concerns. Contact our customer service team to find the most suitable fencing solutions for you.
