Fence blown down? Is wind damage to fence covered by insurance? How to deal with storm damage?
Fence blown down? Is wind damage to fence covered by insurance? How to deal with storm damage?
Downed fences can be a particular headache in windy weather. Severe storms appear to be a more regular occurrence in the UK, and this guide will provide some useful insights on how to deal with damage to your fencing, whether or not wind damage to your fence is covered by insurance, and how to prevent future damage.
In this guide we'll cover:
What steps should I take if my fence is damaged?
If extreme weather has wreaked havoc on your fencing, your first step should be to secure your premises to protect your home or business. Once the bad weather conditions have subsided, safely check the area over and remove any debris that could be a potential hazard. This includes loose nails and posts. Then, remove any parts that are leaning against unaffected fencing, as this could cause further damage.
If only a small piece of fence has blown over, you may be able to patch it back up with the existing pieces, or secure any gaps in your fence using a roll of wire mesh. However, if more than half of your fence has been damaged, it’s often best to replace the full fence to ensure the integrity of the structure isn’t compromised.
Is wind damage to your fence covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, most home insurance policies don’t cover storm damage to fences, but it’s best to check the details in your particular policy and contact your insurance provider to make sure. You may have accidental damage cover as an added extra. For businesses, some commercial property insurance policies cover fence damage as a result of bad weather. If your policy does cover storm damage, you’ll likely be asked to prove the damage was caused by bad weather and was not an existing issue (such as rotting fence posts). You should take clear photos from a variety of angles to back up your claim.
Given that storm damage is often not covered by insurance, it's best to take steps to maintain your existing fence to limit the extent of potential future damage. If you need to replace your fence, then it is worth considering options that are less likely to be damaged by storms in the future.
Maintaining your fence
Over time, rotting wooden fence posts can create a weak spot during high winds and leave you with a fallen fence. Rotten, warped or cracked wooden fence panels are also vulnerable to severe weather. It’s worth keeping an eye out for rotting so you can replace weak posts before they give in, or consider installing longer lasting metal posts.
Signs to look out for include discolouration, chips, and cracks in the surface of the post or panel. Rotten wooden panels should be replaced with a new panel, or with a more storm resistant alternative such as welded wire mesh or chain link fencing.
Risks of using wooden fence panels
One of the most critical factors in fence performance during high winds is how the structure interacts with airflow. Wooden panels are typically solid structures that act as a wall, catching wind like a sail. This can create high pressure on the structure, increasing the risk of damage or complete collapse in high winds.
Wooden fences often need repairs or full replacement of damaged boards or posts. High winds can dislodge panels, loosen nails, or cause warping and rot, especially in wet conditions following a storm. Rotting can significantly weaken the panels over time.
Another consideration is that damaged wooden panels can become airborne projectiles during severe storms, potentially damaging property or injuring people.
Best storm resistant fencing options
Whilst wooden fences may provide more privacy in certain situations, alternatives such as welded wire mesh and chain link fence consistently outperform wooden fences when it comes to wind and weather resistance.
Chain link fences are made with interwoven metal wires that leave open spaces between them. The wind easily passes through both welded mesh and chain link fencing rather than pushing against a solid surface.
Chain Link fencing is typically installed onto strong steel posts which are post-creted into the ground. This also reduces the risk of the fence posts snapping or blowing over in extreme weather conditions. Steel posts are also less susceptible to environmental degradation, resulting in a longer lasting solution for your boundary.
While wooden fences can provide greater privacy, their performance in high-wind environments is lacking compared to chain link fencing. Chain link and weld mesh fences offer better wind resistance, structural flexibility, safety, and lower maintenance, making them the superior choice for areas frequently impacted by high winds or storms.
If you're fencing a property in a region where wind is a concern, a more permeable fence option such as chain link fence isn't just a practical solution - it’s a smart investment in safety and durability.
Here at Mesh Direct we stock a wide range of weld wire mesh, chicken wire netting, and chain link fence. Our expert sales team has extensive experience with chain link fencing, and is on hand to provide advice and bespoke quotations. Don't hesitate to get in touch.
