The short answer
Before winter, check every post for rot and movement, re-fix loose panels and boards, remove heavy trellis or overgrown climbers and trim overhanging branches. If your fence blows down, make it safe, photograph the damage, check your home insurance policy and get quotes quickly – after big storms local contractors get booked up for weeks.
Most fences that fail in a storm were already weak. Posts that have rotted at ground level, panels rattling in their slots and trellis heavy with ivy all add up. Strong gusts simply find the weak point.
This guide covers how to prepare a fence before the storm season and what to do if the worst happens.
Before the storm season
If your fence is old and several posts are suspect, replacing it before winter is usually cheaper and less stressful than an emergency repair after a storm.
- Push each post firmly – any movement or soft timber at ground level is a warning
- Re-fix loose panels, boards and gravel boards
- Remove or trim heavy climbers and take down loose trellis
- Cut back overhanging branches that could fall on the fence
- Secure garden furniture, bins and trampolines that could be blown into it
- Book repairs in autumn, before contractors get busy
If your fence blows down
Keep away from fallen panels while the wind is still strong. Once it is safe, move loose panels where they cannot blow into windows, cars or neighbouring gardens, and secure any gaps if you have pets. Take photographs of the damage before anything is cleared up.
Let your neighbour know – especially if the fence is shared or has damaged their property – and get quotes from local contractors as soon as possible.
Does home insurance cover fences?
It varies. Many buildings insurance policies exclude fences, gates and hedges from storm damage, or only cover them in limited circumstances. Others include them but apply an excess that is close to the cost of the repair. Check the wording of your policy before assuming you are covered.
If you do claim, you will usually need photos, a description of the event and an itemised repair quote. Insurers may refuse claims where the fence was already in poor condition, which is another reason to keep it maintained.