When winter storms strike, fences often take a beating from high winds, fallen trees, and other debris in Sacramento. At Fantastic Fence, we know that the actions you take immediately after the damage can have a significant impact on both repair costs and the overall efficiency of the process. By following these tips, you can streamline repairs, avoid unnecessary expenses, and restore your fence with minimal hassle.
1. Get Your Insurance Adjuster Involved Immediately
The key to getting your insurance claimed quickly and your fence installation on schedule to restore your fence back to order is to file the claim immediately. This will put your claim ahead of all the other people that have wind and water damage from the recent storm in your area. Some insurers have options to file your home insurance claim online, others are through a phone app and others directly through a claims call center or agent. All of these options are equally great to report your claim and put money in your pocket faster.
2. Don’t Cut Down Intact Fence Posts
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make after a storm is cutting down intact fence posts. If some posts are still standing, resist the urge to remove them until a fence professional can assess the damage. Here’s why:
- Reusable Posts: Posts made from steel and other durable materials often withstand severe weather and may be reusable in your new fence. Let a licensed fence company inspect the fence impacted by storm damage and give you their best advice.
- Reduced Labor Costs: Even if posts need replacement, leaving them intact provides a sturdy point for contractors to grip, making it easier to remove the footing. If the post is cut off at ground level, contractors must spend more time manually digging out the footing, which can lead to higher labor costs.
3. Check Your Fence Warranty
If your fence was recently installed, there’s a good chance it may be covered by a warranty. Many fence manufacturers and installers provide limited warranties for weather-related damage, such as high winds or fallen trees. Before you begin any repairs, contact your installer or fence supplier to check if your fence qualifies for warranty coverage. This could save you significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially if the damage was caused by conditions covered under your warranty.
4. Patience Pays Off
After major storms, fence contractors are typically inundated with storm damage requests. This high demand can lead to increased costs, as companies may need to work overtime or add temporary labor to meet customer needs. If you’re able to wait a few weeks, you may avoid these peak-demand charges. Additionally, fence contractors are often more available during the off-season, so scheduling repairs in early spring or late fall can lead to faster turnaround times and potentially better pricing.
5. Inspect Wood Fences and Gates Carefully
Wood fences are popular for their durability, but they aren’t immune to damage from high winds or fallen debris. Even if your wood fence appears to be standing after the storm, it is best to take a minute and to walk around the whole yard and push on the fence. If you feel any of the posts or sections are weak or wobbly, you should bring this to the attention of your trusted fence company and insurance adjuster. Damaged wood posts are more likely to fail in future storms, so consult with a fence contractor to assess the structural integrity of each component. Replacing compromised posts and sections now can prevent more extensive (and costly) repairs down the road.
6. Consider Wind-Friendly Fencing Designs
If strong winds have repeatedly damaged your fence, it may be time to consider a wind-friendly design. Solid, privacy-style fences are more likely to catch the wind and can act like a sail, making them prone to damage in high-wind areas. By opting for a design with spaced pickets or lattice, you allow air to pass through more easily, reducing wind pressure on the fence. This change can make a significant difference in durability, especially in areas that experience frequent strong winds.
How Fantastic Fence Can Help You
At Fantastic Fence, we’re here to guide you through the storm repair process with expert advice and reliable service. Once you’ve taken these initial steps, we can take over answering questions for your insurance adjuster. Our goal is to simplify the repair process, helping you make the most of your coverage and restore your fence efficiently.
Maximizing Insurance Coverage for Fence Repairs
If your fence is damaged due to a covered event, like a storm or fallen tree, your homeowner’s insurance policy may help with the cost of repairs or replacement. Make sure to document the damage thoroughly, including photos and measurements, and contact your insurance provider to start a claim. With Fantastic Fence’s experience in dealing with insurance claims, we can help ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your policy, covering everything from damage documentation to cost assessments.
More Information about Wind Damaged Fence
Here is some more recent advice about how to deal with winter storm damaged fences. Check out this article!
