Wood Fence Repair Checklist After a Storm

Storm Damage Assessment Checklist

Use this step-by-step checklist to evaluate your fence after a storm:

□ Safety First

• Check for downed power lines near the fence

• Mark unstable fence sections with tape

• Clear dangerous debris from the fence area

• Keep children and pets away from damaged areas

□ Initial Damage Survey

• Walk the entire fence perimeter

• Test each post for stability by pushing gently

• Look for cracked, split, or missing boards

• Check all hardware and fasteners

• Note areas with water damage or rot

□ Documentation

• Take wide shots of the entire fence line

• Get close-up photos of specific damage

• Write down the location of each problem

• Measure damaged areas

• Review insurance policy for fence coverage

□ Emergency Repairs

• Remove loose boards that might fall

• Brace leaning posts with stakes

• Secure gates in open or closed position

• Cover large gaps with tarps for privacy

• Clear debris from around posts

□ Repair Planning

• Decide between DIY or professional help

• Get estimates from licensed contractors

• Order replacement materials

• Schedule repair work

• Contact the insurance company if filing a claim

Safety Check First

Never rush into damage assessment after a storm. Complete safety checks protect you and your family.

Check for electrical hazards:

• Look for power lines that fell on or near your fence

• Call your electric company if you see downed lines

• Remember that wet wood can conduct electricity

• Wait for utility crews to clear electrical hazards before starting work

Look for unstable structures:

• Find fence sections that lean badly or look ready to fall

• Check if fence damage affects neighboring properties

• Test gate stability before opening or closing them

Remove dangerous debris safely:

• Pick up small branches and trash first

• Leave heavy tree limbs for professionals

• Use gloves when handling broken wood pieces

• Take photos of debris before removing it for insurance records

Inspect Your Fence for Damage

After completing safety checks, examine each fence component systematically.

Check fence posts:

• Look for cracks where posts meet the ground

• Note any posts sitting in standing water

Examine fence panels and boards:

• Mark panels that sag between posts

• Check for boards hanging by single fasteners

Inspect hardware and fasteners:

• Note any loose fence rail connections

• Look for bent or broken decorative hardware

Check for water damage:

• Note fence sections sitting in puddles

• Look for areas where protective coatings washed away

Document the Damage

Proper documentation supports insurance claims and helps contractors provide accurate estimates.

Photography tips:

• Include timestamps on photos when possible

• Photograph storm debris that caused damage

• Take pictures of fence serial numbers or brand markings if visible

Written records:

• List damaged parts you might need to replace

• Note fence age and previous repair history

• Record approximate dimensions of affected areas

Insurance preparation:

• Locate receipts from original fence installation

• Contact your insurance agent to discuss coverage details

Emergency Repairs

These temporary fixes protect your property until permanent repairs can be completed.

Secure loose parts:

• Keep removed hardware in labeled containers

• Stack removed boards in a dry, organized area away from foot traffic

Stabilize leaning sections:

• Angle braces at 45 degrees for best support

• Don't rely on temporary fixes for more than a few days

Temporary privacy solutions:

• Make sure temporary materials don't block drainage

• Consider privacy screens if repairs will take weeks

Protect exposed wood:

• Use plastic sheeting to keep moisture out of cracks

• Consider applying a temporary wood sealer if repairs are delayed

• Prop up boards that are touching the ground

When to Fix It Yourself vs Call Professionals

Some fence repairs are easy enough for most homeowners. Others need special tools and experience.

DIY repairs you can handle:

• Replacing one or two broken boards

• Tightening loose screws and bolts

• Fixing small cracks with wood glue

• Reattaching panels that came loose

• Touching up paint or stain damage

Call fence repair Houston professionals for:

• Multiple broken fence posts

• Large sections that need complete rebuilding

• Posts that need new concrete footings

• Damage that affects property lines with neighbors

• Any repair that seems unsafe to attempt

Tools needed for DIY work:

• Hammer and screwdrivers

• Level to check if posts are straight

• Drill for making new holes

• Measuring tape

• Replacement screws, nails, and brackets

Choosing Materials for Repairs

When replacing damaged fence parts, pick materials that will handle future storms better.

Wood choices for fence boards:

• Pressure-treated pine costs less but may not last as long

• Cedar naturally resists rot and insects but costs more

• Match existing wood type if replacing only a few boards

Hardware and fastener upgrades:

• Galvanized screws resist rust better than regular screws

• Use screws instead of nails for stronger connections

• Upgrade to rust-resistant brackets and braces

Post replacement options:

• Steel posts last longer than wood but cost more

• Use concrete footings for better stability in storms

Working with Contractors

Finding good fence repair Houston contractors takes research, especially after storms.

Questions to ask contractors:

• Are you licensed and insured in Texas

• How long have you been doing fence repairs

• Can you provide recent customer references

• What warranty do you offer on your work

Red flags to watch for:

• Door-to-door contractors who show up without being called

• Requests for full payment before starting work

• Prices much higher or lower than other quotes

• No written contract or estimate

Getting good estimates:

• Get written estimates from at least three contractors

• Make sure estimates include materials and labor costs

• Ask about cleanup and debris removal

Some fence repairs are easy enough for most homeowners. Others need special tools and experience.

DIY repairs you can handle:

• Replacing one or two broken boards

• Tightening loose screws and bolts

• Fixing small cracks with wood glue

• Reattaching panels that came loose

• Touching up paint or stain damage

Call fence repair Houston professionals for:

• Multiple broken fence posts

• Large sections that need complete rebuilding

• Posts that need new concrete footings

• Damage that affects property lines with neighbors

• Any repair that seems unsafe to attempt

Tools needed for DIY work:

• Hammer and screwdrivers

• Level to check if posts are straight

• Drill for making new holes

• Measuring tape

• Replacement screws, nails, and brackets

Understanding Repair Costs

Storm damage fence repair costs depend on how much work needs to be done and what materials you choose.

Money-saving tips:

• Get quotes from fence repair The Woodlands TX contractors

• Buy materials yourself if you're doing DIY work

• Combine multiple small repairs into one project

• Consider partial repairs instead of full replacement

Insurance Coverage for Fence Damage

Most Texas homeowner insurance covers fence damage, but not always the full replacement cost.

What insurance typically covers:

• Damage from wind, hail, and falling trees

• Destruction caused by named storms

• Repairs needed for safety reasons

What insurance might not cover:

• Damage from poor maintenance

• Fences that were already in bad shape

• Upgrades to better materials

• Full replacement cost (they often pay "actual cash value")

Steps to file a claim:

• Report damage to your insurance company quickly

• Take photos before making any repairs

• Get written estimates from fence repair companies

• Keep receipts for any emergency work

• Don't pay contractors until insurance approves your claim

Preventing Future Storm Damage

Regular fence maintenance helps your fence survive the next storm better.

Maintenance schedule:

• Check fence posts every 6 months for looseness or damage

• Tighten loose hardware twice a year, especially before storm season

• Apply wood stain or sealer every 2-3 years to protect against water

• Trim tree branches that hang over fence lines at least once a year

• Clear debris from around fence posts regularly to prevent rot

Storm preparation tips:

• Remove loose outdoor items that could blow into your fence

• Trim back plants growing against fence panels

• Check that fence posts are firmly set in concrete

• Fix small problems before storm season starts

Strengthening weak spots:

• Add extra posts in long fence sections that span more than 8 feet

• Use stronger fasteners like lag bolts for gate hardware

• Install diagonal braces on tall fence sections that catch the wind

• Improve drainage around fence posts by adding gravel

Landscape changes that help:

• Plant shrubs that can act as windbreaks near your fence

• Keep large trees trimmed so they don't threaten fence lines



• Grade soil so water flows away from fence posts

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Final Thoughts

Storms will always be part of life in Houston, but you can minimize fence damage with proper care and quick action after bad weather. Whether you handle repairs yourself or hire professional fence repair in Houston, the key is acting fast and doing the work right. A well-maintained fence protects your property and gives you peace of mind when the next storm rolls through.

Need professional help with storm damage? Contact Ark Fence Company for expert fence repair Houston services. Our experienced team handles everything from minor repairs to complete fence replacement throughout Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, and Sugar Land areas.

References:

https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/home-damaged.html