Help! High Winds and Storms Have Damaged My Fence, What Should I Do?

If disaster strikes and a ferocious storm severely compromises the integrity of your fence, will you know what to do? How should you decide whether your fence needs to be repaired or replaced after storm damage?

In Australia, we’re known for our beautiful beaches and sunny climate. We also experience severe storms as well, which are a lot less fun. In the case of a storm with high winds, sometimes they are just too much for your fence to handle. As well as the wind, flying debris, hail and heavy rain can all pack a punch against your wall, and damage can happen to a fence you thought was very sturdy.

Storm damage isn’t a one-size-fits-all all issue, and you may be faced with minor afflictions – a loose board, pockmarks, a small hole – or you may be looking at your entire fence having collapsed under the pressure. Before going running off to Bunning’s, there are a few things you need to check and consider before replacing or repairing your fence.

Evaluate the damage

You need to see the full scope of damage before you can decide on what to do next. First off, make sure that your space is safe. Splintered or broken fences could have sharp shards, nails or other dangerous debris lying around them. Keep children and dogs away from the site, and make sure you are wearing thick-bottomed shoes. Next, evaluate the damage – is it completely damaged, or just on a lean? Is there one small patch broken, or is the issue widespread? Are there any other defects evident – rot, termites, rust, lose paling, etc.?

Is this a shared fence?

The issue with damage to shared fences becomes who is liable to fix it. In emergencies, like a storm knocking it over, neither party is ‘at fault’ and therefore should split the repair or replacement costs equally. This can start to get more complex when one neighbour has insurance, the other doesn’t, etc. If you and your neighbour have a good relationship, hopefully you can work something out – even if that means one person fronting everything and the other paying them back. If not, you may have to negotiate or even consider getting legal advice.

Another thing that will require further discussion is replacing the fence with another design or material. An accident can help you to realise that your old fence was not a suitable defensive barrier against extreme weather conditions or perhaps it could be better designed for your needs. Again, this will hopefully be a productive conversation between you and your neighbour that enables you to agree on a solution together.

Consider your climate

If you’ve decided to replace your fence, consider if you will simply get the exact same fence again or if you’re going to choose something that may be better suited to your climate or needs. If your area is prone to bad weather conditions or if you simply want to be prepared for the next time something like this happens, it might be time to upgrade your fence to a steel option.

Colorbond fencing 

Steel is one of the strongest metals there is, so selecting a steel fence is a sure-fire way to know your fence will weather the storm. Colorbond steel is used across many different products – roofs, sheds, water tanks and guttering – all across Australia. Colorbond steel is Jim’s Fencing’s choice of steel fencing. All Colorbond fences come with a ten-year warranty and minimal maintenance needed, although personal anecdotes speak of this fencing lasting way longer than that. Jim’s Fencing uses Colorbond steel, with a Zincalume core for their wall structure. The steel is galvanised, so resistant to corrosion and rust from consistent wet weather. This also helps to keep it in excellent condition for longer. Colorbond is also considered one of the best choices to hold up against extreme weather conditions (from bushfires to ferocious storms).  It’s been tested and held up against Australia’s harshest weather conditions and held firm throughout.

For more information about Fence Installation, Pool Fencing contact Jim’s Fencing Melbourne at 131546.