Fence Maintenance: What to Do After a Storm

 

Winter is right around the corner, and with it comes the year's nastiest weather. Wind, rain, hail, snow -- all are possible, if not likely. Most people are concerned about the ways bad winter weather can affect their homes, but what about the ways it can affect your fence?

An ugly winter storm can wreak havoc on a wood fence, and a lot of homeowners simply don't know what to do when that happens. Luckily, there are a few easy-to-remember tips you can follow to salvage a wood fence that has been damaged by a winter storm. But remember -- if any of these steps seems too complicated or difficult, call a professional.

1. Assess the damage. The first step in repairing storm-ravaged wood fencing is to assess the damage. This doesn't mean only damage to the fence, but also damage to the landscape around it. Once you've made sure the area surrounding the fence is safe, approach the fence and determine what parts need to be repaired or replaced. If the storm was especially bad, make sure you check for downed power lines or tree limbs.

2. Remove large tree limbs or debris. One of the biggest threats to a wood fence during a storm is fallen tree limbs and debris. If necessary, remove limbs and branches with an axe or saw, making sure not to cause further damage to the fence. Also, clean off any yard debris that may be stuck to the fence, including leaves, mud, grass and weeds. These can contribute to wood rot over time.

3. Get supplies. Once you've assessed the damage and removed major obstacles, it's time to get the supplies necessary to repair the fence. Wood fences are made of fairly common materials, so you should be able to purchase everything you need at a home improvement or hardware store. Talk to a store representative if you have any questions about the materials or tools you might need.

4. Reinforce fence posts. Much of the damage a storm can do to a wood fence is not immediately apparent. Wind, rain and heavy snow can loosen the fence posts, weakening the structural integrity of the fence and causing leaning or collapse in the future. Check to make sure all fence posts are still sturdy, and if not, reinforce or replace them. Reinforcing wood fence posts can be done in a variety of ways, including installing wood braces on the posts and resetting them in fresh concrete.

5. Call a professional. It's a fact -- not everyone can pour concrete or set a new fence post. If you aren't 100 percent certain you can repair or replace the storm-damaged fence yourself, you should call a professional. It may seem like a more costly solution, but if you take the DIY route and mess up, you will probably need to call a professional to replace the fence anyway. Many wood fencing professionals will do a free evaluation, so there's no risk in calling. Better safe than sorry.

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