
We all dread hailstorms, but fortunately, they are not too often and most have minimal impact. Serious hailstorms though can cause wooden fence hail damage ranging from minor issues to fences which need replacing.
In this guide, we walk you through the steps of identifying issues after a hailstorm and how to fix the various types of damage, which might arise.
What is a hailstorm?
A hailstorm as the name suggests is comprised of two main aspects:
- Hail – solid ice balls or lumps of ice (most often in the UK 5mm to 15mm) that fall instead of rain during hailstorms
- Hailstorms – these are most often short-burst storms (normally less than fifteen minutes), which often also feature heavy rainfall as well as hail
The combined effect of a serious hailstorm can be a challenging weather event, which is likely to lead to power supply failures, fallen trees, flash floods as well as injuries to people from falling debris and hailstone impacts.
Hailstorm facts and statistics in the UK
Here are some facts and statistics related to hailstorms in the UK:
- Climate change – the BBC has reported that climate change will make hailstorms more frequent and increase the size of hailstones [1]
- Frequency – there are around fifteen to twenty five H2 (significant) hailstorms in the UK each year
- Hailstone size – hailstones are between 5mm and 50mm in size, with the majority being below 15mm [2]
- Most intense period - the most intense hailstorms in the UK are generally between May and September [2]
- Recent hailstorm – a July 2021 hailstorm in Leicestershire had hailstones the size of golf balls [3]
Fence hail damage – what are the issues?
Hailstones can cause a variety of fence hail damage. Heavy rain often accompanies hailstorms, further increasing the risk of damage to wooden fences. Below we list six of the main risk areas to fencing from hailstone encounters:
1) Cracks and splinters
Hailstones are notorious for splintering or cracking wooden fence panels. Cracks are often a structural issue, which may need fence panel replacement. Cracks are also an open invite to water damage leading to rotting, mould & mildew growth, as well as insect infestations.
2) Dents and marks
Hail (particularly with larger hailstones) will make noticeable dents and marks on the surface of wooden fences. Although sometimes these might add character, often these marks are unsightly and impact structural integrity. If not fixed, these imperfections will weaken the wood and lead to later damage.


3) Paint or stain damage
Hailstones will chip away at paint and stain. Of course, this is unsightly, but it also leaves wood open and exposed to water ingress. If not corrected this will lead to panel deterioration, exposure to rot, warping, and UV rays, which will hasten panel replacement.
4) Warping
As we said previously, if the protective layer of paint or stain, is removed the exposed wood will absorb water. This leads to consequential swelling and warping. This distorts the shape of fence boards and leads to unsightly misalignment and gaps.


5) Loose or broken panels
Hail might loosen or break fence panels. If so, immediate repair is required to maintain the fence's functionality and visual appearance.
6) Damaged fasteners
Hail is highly likely to damage or loosen the nails, screws, or other fasteners holding the fence together. These need to be checked to stop fencing sections from becoming unstable and maybe even falling apart.


A step-by-step process for repairing hail damage to a wooden fence
Below we document a step-by-step process for repairing hail damage to a wooden fence.
1) Inspection
Our recommended approach would be to walk around your property to thoroughly inspect all sections of your fence. Look for obvious signs of damage such as dents, cracks or holes. Use a torch to highlight the surface and identify less obvious damage, particularly on the undersides of rails and pickets. This detailed inspection ensures no potential damage is overlooked.
2) Record the damage
Make the most of your inspection by accurately recording what you find:
- Notes - write detailed notes about the extent of the damage and precisely where it is located on the fence. This documentation will be useful later during repairs
- Photographs - capture photographs of all the visible damage, ensuring you take shots from various angles to thoroughly document issues. Include both close-ups and wide-angle photos for a full perspective
- Insurance policy claim - additionally, review your insurance policy to ensure it covers hail damage, as not all policies include this coverage.
3) Preparation – assemble tools and materials
Now you have inspected and recorded the damage you can prepare for the repairs by assembling tools and materials. The most likely ones needed are listed below.


Fence repair tools
The following fence repair tools will all prove useful:
- Crowbar
- Electric drill
- Hammer
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper or electric sander
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Torch
Fence repair materials
The following fence repair materials are also likely to be needed:
- Cement
- Fence panels
- Nails
- Paint
- Primer
- Replacement pickets
- Screws
- Stain
- Timber
- Wood filler
4) Repair tasks
Fence hail damage repairs can now commence. These will have been previously recorded and will most likely be the issues reported previously in our “Fence hail damage – what are the issues?” section.
a) Repairing cracks, splinters, dents and marks
These are usually minor repairs. Simply smooth out small cracks and splinters with sandpaper. Then apply wood filler, in larger amounts for significant dents and cracks. Do this ideally on a dry day. Once the filler has dried, sand the area smooth.
b) Reapplying paint and stain
This task is for both aesthetic and fence integrity reasons, which needs to be completed on a dry day. Begin again by sanding down areas to remove any remaining paint, stain or rough surfaces. Then apply a fencing primer to seal the wood and enhance adhesion. Follow this up with a topcoat of paint or stain (with timber preservation qualities) to complete the restoration.
c) Replacing warping or broken wooden fence panels
This is the most major of all wooden fence hail damage repair tasks. Replacing entire panels will entail first buying new panels. Ensure these are pressure treated for longevity. The first task is to remove the damaged panels by unscrewing or prying them off the fence frame. Accurately measure and cut the new fence panels. Secure them in place with appropriate fasteners. Check with a level or spirit level and ensure that the new fence panels are correctly aligned.
d) Fixing loose fence panels and adjusting or replacing damaged fasteners
Loose fence panels are most likely caused by loose screws or nails. To protect the structural integrity of the fencing run, all fasteners and brackets will need to be tightened up. Then you need to ensure the fence panels are securely attached to the fence posts.


Hail protection for other valuables from hailstorms
Whilst the focus of this article is fencing, here at Buy Fencing Direct we can protect your other garden valuables with a range of garden buildings and storage solutions, which we discuss below. It is also important to use specific hail protection coverings, such as blankets, mats and dedicated covers, to further shield vehicles and valuables from hail damage.
Protecting cars and motorbikes
Carports and garages provide essential hail protection cover for cars during hailstorms by offering a physical barrier that prevents hailstones from directly striking and damaging vehicles (particularly bonnet and roof areas). A covered garage significantly reduces the risk of dents, broken windows, vehicle roof damage, and other costly repairs typically associated with hail damage.
Protecting garden tools, equipment and furniture
If you know a hailstorm weather event may be imminent you will also want to protect your garden valuables from the worst of the storm, Below we discuss garden buildings which can be used as well as the type of garden tools, equipment and furniture you will want to protect from these storms.
Garden buildings and structures which protect valuables from large hail
Here are examples of garden buildings available from us that provide varying levels of hail protection for your garden valuables from hailstones. Choose coverage including arbours, awnings, conservatories, gazebos, greenhouses, log cabins, pergolas, playhouses, pavilions, sheds (including potting sheds, and tool sheds), summer houses, sunrooms, trellises, verandas, workshops and wood stores.
Garden valuables to protect
You may want to protect any of the following, as just a few examples, from hailstones:
BBQs & grills, bicycles, bird baths & feeders, children's toys, compost bins, deck boxes, decorative statues, garden furniture (benches, chairs, tables), firewood, garden hoses, garden tools, lawnmowers, outdoor cushions, patio heaters, plant pots, pool equipment, pressure washers, rain barrels, solar lights, storage boxes, umbrellas and wheelbarrows.
Conclusion
Hailstorms albeit infrequent are potentially damaging to fencing and garden valuables. Typical issues with fencing include cracks & splinters, dents & marks, paint or stain damage, panel warping, loose or broken panels as well as damaged fasteners.
Read our step-by-step instructions for fixing all these issues. As well as fencing we have also provided details of other useful garden buildings which will protect your other garden valuables in the event of a hailstorm.
Contact us
To discuss your garden fencing needs, and address wooden fence hail damage, contact us at 0333 003 0515. The Buy Fencing Direct knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in finding the most suitable wooden fencing, fence panels and supplies for your requirements. Alternatively, you can reach out via our user-friendly contact form on our website or chat with us through the Live chat pop-up for immediate assistance.