Following a severe storm or extreme weather event, it is always advisable to assess whether you have a storm damaged fence. This is essential to ensure your fencing remains securely in place and functional. In this guide, we discuss approaches to assessing and repairing a storm damaged fence, as well as legal and insurance aspects.
How to identify damaged fencing after a storm
The first task is to complete a visual inspection through a walk around. Assess for any potential debris impact damage, such as from roof tiles, fence branches, and garden equipment. Aim to identify any damage signs, some damage such as a whole fence blown down in the wind is more obvious. More difficult to spot could be a loose or wobbly fence panel, damaged fence panels, missing panels as well as visible breaks and cracks within the fencing.
The posts will also need careful examination, in particular check they are still rigidly attached to the ground. Also look for signs of shifting, which can happen in high winds. As you are inspecting the wooden fence it is a great time to check for lost or missing hardware such as bolts, brackets, hinges, nails, and screws. Test the connections to make sure they are intact and tight, missing, or loose hardware if not immediately will compromise the fence's ongoing stability.
Another check not caused by the storm would be to check for rust and corrosion. This will weaken metallic fence fixings such as galvanised steel brackets, hinges, and screws over time, and it is useful to treat affected components with rust inhibitor or replace them if they are damaged too badly.
Materials, tools, and consumables needed for effective storm damage fence repair
Before you even begin to repair your wooden fence, you will need to gather the materials, tools, and consumables together. It is essential to do this upfront as it will prove extremely inconvenient to break off later in the project to find or buy these items.
Repairing wooden fence panels
This is a blog post in itself, so rather than repeat everything in this article, we recommend you visit our comprehensive article – “How to repair a wooden fence panel". This in-depth article provides everything you need about how to repair fence panels after a storm.
Repairing and replacing fence posts
Similarly, we have produced a comprehensive article about repairing fence posts. To view this, visit - Guide to Fence Post Repair: Replacing or Fixing a Rotten Fence Post. The process for replacing with a new fence post after a storm is the same as in any other circumstances.
Preventative actions – working towards storm proof fencing
First, let us be clear, you cannot entirely protect your fencing, but the idea is as best as possible to have storm proof fencing. There are however proactive steps to take to safeguard your fencing before a storm. The adage "prevention is better than cure", certainly applies to fencing! Listed below is a range of effective preventative measures to complete to ensure your fence stands strong and properly protected against future storms:
- Regular maintenance - as we described earlier, complete visual inspections and repairs. This includes fixing loose or damaged boards, posts, and hardware fittings
- Strengthen wooden fence posts - you can always reinforce fence posts with deeper settings and concrete bases. If possible, opt for thicker more durable fence posts which withstand higher stress levels
- Buy durable materials - when building new fencing or replacing fencing buy top-quality materials only. Choose pressure treated wood only as this is an excellent choice for long-lasting, robust fencing
- Remove hazards - choosing to remove hazards from around fencing will pay dividends. This includes regular tree pruning (especially overhanging branches), moving loose tools, decoration, and equipment, which could move in a storm. Just take a quick look in the garden and ask yourself what a hazard in a storm might be and remove the risk wherever you can
Can natural windbreaks be a good eco-friendly preventative action?
The good news is YES, you can choose eco-friendly living windbreaks as an alternative windbreak option.
Hedgerows
Planting dense rows of shrubs including boxwood, hawthorn or privet provides a solid break for your fencing against the wind. For many though, this is competitive and an alternative to fencing, so is a less likely option.
Tree lines
Trees can be planted, preferably evergreens or tall deciduous trees. These break the wind before it reaches ground level. Planting a mixture of tree species creates a multi-layered windbreak, a downside of this option is the slow-growing rate and length of time for trees to mature.
Bamboo screens
A fast-growing plant that quickly forms a dense and tall screen. This offers a speedy windbreak solution, which is aesthetically appealing to many homeowners
Who is liable for a fence blown down in the wind?
Wooden fences blown down in storms may cause unrest between neighbours. Liability depends on the boundaries of the property as defined in your title deeds. Always approach discussions with your neighbour amicably and explain your viewpoint about who is liable. In circumstances where the property deeds do not include mention of the exact boundaries of fencing the legal presumption usually used is that liability is shared.
Is wind damage to a fence covered by insurance?
This is a complex topic, but here is a summary.
Content insurance cover
Repairs to fences are never included in the contents section of a home insurance policy.
Buildings insurance cover
If wind damage to a fence covered by insurance is available, it will be within the buildings section. There is no definitive answer as to whether fencing is covered, this varies from one insurance company to another. All we can advise is that you read your insurance paperwork carefully, even if it does not seem to be included, you can always call your Insurance provider to make a claim.
Even where standard fence damage is covered, it might not be in the event of freak weather such as a storm. Some Insurance Companies exclude storm-type events from insurance coverage. If storm insurance is important to you, it may be prudent to add this cover for an additional premium.
Can I claim against a neighbour’s policy if their fallen trees damage my fencing?
Sadly not, if your neighbour’s falling tree (including a Local Authority area) causes damage to your property, you will not be able to make an insurance claim. The property owner would need to make a claim against your own insurance. If negligence were the cause, there may be a legal claim, but this would not be covered by insurance.
Are tenants liable to repair a storm damaged fence?
The "norm" is that landlords will cover fencing damage costs caused by a storm. This largely depends though on the terms of the rental agreement. There will be specific conditions, which might mean the tenant is responsible (particularly where failure to take preventative action and negligence (e.g., failing to secure loose fixings) is seen as a contributory cause. Generally, though, storm damage without any tenant negligence would not usually be the tenant’s responsibility.
Damaged fencing irrespective of responsibility, must be reported to the landlord as soon as possible, particularly where emergency repairs are needed. The tenant may be liable to additional costs caused if the fence becomes further damaged due to even more damage arising from fencing repairs not being completed in a timely fashion.
For further discussion on this topic, visit our blog article - How long can it take for my landlord to fix my fence?
Conclusion
In conclusion, assessing and repairing a storm damaged fence is crucial to maintaining the safety and aesthetics of your property. Properly identifying damage through visual inspections and checking for loose fittings are key steps in effective fence repair.
Gathering all the necessary materials, tools and supplies in advance make the fence repair process smoother and more efficient. Storm proof fencing might be an unattainable panacea, but taking preventative measures to strengthen and protect your fence can mitigate future storm damage, proving that prevention is indeed better than cure. Establishing natural windbreaks is an eco-friendly way to protect fencing from storms and harsh weather.
Understanding your insurance coverage for storm damage is essential, as policies vary widely in terms of what damages are covered. For tenants, it is important to understand the terms of your rental agreement to determine responsibility for fence repairs.
Contacting Buy Fencing Direct
If you have experienced storm damage and you find you have a fence blown down in the wind, we are here to help. For advice about approaches to developing storm proof fencing and storm damage fence repair, why not contact us here at Buy Fencing Direct?
Contact methods available are:
- Phone calls - 0333 003 0515
- E-mails - our contact form should be used to send emails
- Text chat – use our live chat app for real-time text chat
