Asheville Fence Blog

Understanding Asheville's Weather Challenges

Living in Western North Carolina means adapting to unique weather patterns that can significantly impact your property. Our location in the mountains creates distinct microclimates that affect fences differently depending on your property's location. Higher elevations often experience more severe weather conditions, while valley locations might face challenges from water runoff and flooding. 

Summer brings intense thunderstorms with lightning and damaging winds, while winter ice storms can add hundreds of pounds of weight to fencing structures. The spring and fall seasons introduce dramatic temperature fluctuations that stress materials, and occasional tropical storm systems can bring days of heavy rains and sustained winds.

Understanding these weather patterns is crucial not only for maintaining your fence but also for making informed decisions about repairs or replacements when damage occurs. Our experience has shown that different types of fencing materials respond differently to these weather challenges. For example, wooden fences might be more susceptible to water damage and rot in our humid climate, while metal fencing could face increased rust and corrosion risks in areas with high rainfall.

First Steps After Storm Damage

When you first discover storm damage to your fence, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. However, taking immediate action can prevent further damage and streamline the repair process. The first priority is always safety – ensure that no power lines have fallen near metal fencing and that any leaning sections are not in danger of immediate collapse. Once you've confirmed it's safe to proceed, documenting the damage becomes your next crucial task.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The first thing you should do after a storm is inspect your fence to determine the extent of the damage. Take a walk around your property and carefully examine the fence for:

1. Visible Breaks or Cracks: Look for split wood, bent metal, or broken vinyl panels.
2. Leaning or Fallen Posts: Check if posts are loose, leaning, or completely uprooted.
3. Gaps or Missing Sections: Identify where boards, rails, or panels have been dislodged.
4. Debris Impact: Note any damage caused by fallen tree branches, flying debris, or other objects.

Don’t forget to document! Proper documentation serves multiple vital purposes, from supporting insurance claims to helping contractors understand the full scope of needed repairs. Begin by photographing all damage before touching or moving anything. Use your smartphone or camera to capture both overview shots of the entire fence line and detailed close-ups of specific damage points. Make sure to document damage from multiple angles and include reference points for scale – this helps both insurance adjusters and repair professionals assess the situation accurately.

While taking photos, pay special attention to any unusual patterns of damage that might indicate underlying issues. For example, if several posts have shifted, this could suggest drainage problems that need addressing before repairs begin. Take notes about when you first noticed the damage and any weather events that might have caused it. If neighbors witnessed the damage occurring, ask for their accounts and include these in your documentation.

Step 2: Prioritize Safety

A damaged fence can pose safety hazards. Any loose boards or panels that could become projectiles in high winds should be carefully removed and stored. If your fence served as a barrier for pets or children, you'll need to establish alternative security measures immediately. This might mean creating temporary barriers or keeping pets indoors until repairs can be completed. 

For sections of fence that are damaged but still standing, temporary bracing might be necessary to prevent further collapse. However, it's important to remember that any temporary fixes should be just that – temporary. While it might be tempting to prop up a leaning section with whatever materials you have on hand, improper bracing can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if another storm arrives before permanent repairs can be made.

• Temporarily secure broken sections with ropes or stakes.
• Block off hazardous areas with caution tape.
• Clear away fallen branches and debris to prevent further damage.

Step 3: Check Your Insurance Coverage

Many homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage, but the specifics can vary. Contact your insurance provider and ask about coverage for:

• Repair or replacement costs for fences.
• Tree removal if fallen trees caused the damage.
• Temporary fencing if security is a concern.

When filing a claim, use the photos and documentation you collected earlier. Be sure to ask if an adjuster will need to inspect the damage before repairs begin.

Step 4: Decide Between Repair or Replacement

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners facing storm damage is whether they should repair or replace their fence. This decision involves multiple factors that deserve careful consideration. The age and condition of your existing fence play a major role – if your fence was already showing signs of wear before the storm, repair costs might outweigh the benefits of a full replacement. Similarly, if the damage is extensive or affects multiple sections, replacement might prove more cost-effective in the long run.

Material availability is another crucial factor to consider. If your fence is more than a few years old, finding exact matches for damaged components might be challenging. While skilled contractors can often work around minor material differences, significant variations in color or style might make partial repairs more noticeable than you'd like. In these cases, replacing an entire section – or the whole fence – might provide better aesthetic results.

Factors to consider include:

Repair

• If the damage is localized (e.g., a few broken boards or a leaning post), repairs are often a cost-effective solution.
• Wooden fences can often be patched with new boards or rails, while metal fences may only need minor welding.
• Vinyl fences can be repaired with replacement panels if the structural integrity is intact.

Replacement

• If more than 20-30% of the fence is damaged, replacement might be the better long-term investment.
• Aging fences with extensive wear and tear prior to the storm may not withstand future weather events.
• Consider upgrading to a more durable material if your area frequently experiences severe weather.

At Asheville Fence, we offer both repair and replacement services, and we’ll work with you to decide the best course of action for your needs and budget.

Step 5: Choose the Right Materials for Repairs or Replacement

When it comes to rebuilding or repairing a fence, material choice is critical. Here are some common fencing materials and how they hold up against storms:

• Wood: Classic and affordable, wood can be repaired easily but is prone to water damage and rot over time.
• Vinyl: Durable and low-maintenance, vinyl fences can withstand high winds but may crack under heavy impact.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminum fences are ideal for areas prone to flooding but may bend under strong winds.
• Steel: Heavier and more durable than aluminum, steel fences offer excellent wind resistance but require professional installation.
• Composite: Made from recycled materials, composite fences are eco-friendly and weather-resistant but can be costlier upfront.

Consult with professionals to determine which material suits your property’s specific needs.

Step 6: Hire a Professional Fence Contractor

While DIY repairs might be tempting, hiring a professional fence contractor ensures the job is done safely and correctly. At Asheville Fence, we offer:

• Expert Assessment: We’ll thoroughly inspect your fence and provide an honest evaluation.
• Customized Solutions: Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, we’ll tailor our services to your requirements.
• Quality Materials: We use high-quality, weather-resistant materials to ensure your fence lasts.
• Fast Turnaround: We understand the importance of restoring your property quickly, especially if security is a concern.

Step 7: Prevent Future Damage

Once your fence is repaired or replaced, take steps to minimize the risk of future storm damage:

1. Regular Maintenance:
   • Inspect your fence annually for signs of wear and tear.
   • Repaint or stain wooden fences to protect against moisture.
   • Tighten loose screws and bolts to ensure structural integrity.
2. Trim Trees and Shrubs:
   • Remove overhanging branches near your fence.
   • Keep shrubs and bushes away from the base of the fence to prevent rot.
3. Reinforce the Fence:
   • Add extra brackets or supports to improve stability.
   • Use hurricane-proof posts designed to withstand strong winds.
4. Upgrade to Storm-Resistant Designs:
   • Consider fencing styles like chain-link or metal railings, which allow wind to pass through more easily.

Resources for Homeowners in Asheville, NC

If you’re dealing with storm damage, here are some local resources to help you:

• Asheville Fence: www.ashevillefence.com
• Buncombe County Emergency Management: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/codered.aspx
• Home Insurance Providers in NC: Reach out to your insurer for detailed claims processes.
• Local Tree Removal Services: A quick online search can connect you to tree specialists in Asheville.

Conclusion

Storm damage to your fence can be a frustrating experience, but with the right approach, you can restore your property quickly and efficiently. By assessing the damage, prioritizing safety, exploring repair and replacement options, and enlisting professional help, you’ll be well on your way to a sturdy and reliable fence.

At Asheville Fence, we’re committed to helping homeowners in North Carolina protect their properties with high-quality fencing solutions. If you’ve experienced storm damage, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation and estimate. Let us help you turn a stressful situation into an opportunity to enhance your property’s beauty and functionality.