When to Replace a Fence in Lower Merion After Storm Damage

Lower Merion Storms

Lower Merion’s storm season can be brutal for homeowners. With microbursts of wind and rain that can take down trees, your lawn features need some serious anchorage. This means that if you have a fence, it needs to be in tip-top shape to prevent it from causing its own slew of damage to your property. But what should you do when the damage has been done? If the recent storms have wreaked havoc on your fence and you’re unsure whether the damage is fixable, we can help.

Assess The Extent of Storm Damage

The first thing you’ll need to do is assess the extent of damage. Asking yourself these questions can help you determine whether you should repair or replace your fence.

Is your fence leaning?

If your fence is leaning after a recent storm, to what degree is it leaning? Is it just one post or multiple? If it’s only a post or two, you may be able to get by by just having the posts reset. But depending on how many posts need straightening, this cost can add up. 

Is there widespread damage?

If the wind has cracked your fence panels, they’ll need to be replaced. Replacing a panel or two might not be a bad idea, but if you’re looking at your fence and see damage across its entire length, it’s probably time to replace it.

Does your fence wobble?

When you press on the panels of your fence, do they move? If your fence is wobbly, try to investigate whether it wobbles at a post or only on a panel. This will tell you if the fence needs re-anchoring or if a panel needs to be replaced or secured. 

How does the soil around your posts look?

If the wind has pulled your concrete anchor out of the ground, you’ll need a plan to reset or replace it. Soil erosion can reduce your fence’s structural integrity. 

Total Loss vs. Repairable Damage

Ultimately, when you are adding up the costs to repair your fence after a storm, make sure you are realistic about how much needs mending. On the surface, a fence repair seems like the cheaper option. To be totally transparent, there are some situations where it is cheaper and totally acceptable. A few posts, panels, or hardware replacements are no big deal. However, if you miscalculate or realize the extent of the damage is worse than you thought, you’ll end up spending a lot on repeated trips to the hardware store. Likely more than you would have spent on a new fence.

Cost Comparison

The cost of a new fence installation can feel daunting. That’s why working with a reputable fence contractor in Lower Merion is so important. Getting the most out of your new fence is the goal. That’s why good fence contractors, like Superior Fence & Rail of Southeast PA, offer fence warranties. With a good warranty, you are protected, even during storm season. So when you are googling “fence contractor near me in Oviedo,” make sure they offer a warranty to protect your fence investment.

Fence Permitting in Lower Merion

Depending on your fence plan and zoning, you may need a fence permit, even for repairs. There are specific situations where a fence permit is not needed, but in most cases, you’ll need one before you start repairing your fence. You can contact the Lower Merion Building and Planning Department for more specific information. 

Insurance Claims

Before you make any plans, check whether your homeowners’ insurance covers fencing. Specific scenarios, like unexpected storm damage, are often covered under “other structures.” Depending on your deductible, this could help secure funds for a fence repair or replacement. In order to submit your insurance claim, be sure to take photos of the damage and note the exact date and time the damage occurred. A claims adjuster will want this information to ensure that calculations are correct. 

A Plan That Works for Your Family

You deserve to get your money’s worth out of your investments, and if a storm has significantly shortened the lifespan of your fence, it makes sense that you want to make it last just a little longer. But if your fence is at the end of its life, and you can’t deny it now that you’ve answered the questions above, replacing it could save you time and money. Sometimes it’s just easier to start fresh, that way, your new fence will be better equipped to handle storm season.