In Austin, TX the local climate isn’t easy on a fence. With unpredictable weather, severe thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, occasional freezes and extreme heat 4+ months a year there’s a lot to handle. Even the most well constructed fence made with the strongest materials could sustain damage from a storm, especially during Austin’s spring and summer seasons.
While minor damage like a few missing pickets may be manageable with DIY repairs, significant damage often requires professional assistance. Hiring a local Austin fencing company and filing an insurance claim is also part of the process if you plan to use your homeowner’s policy to cover the cost.
Not sure what to do first? Here are the steps Austin property owners should take if a Central Texas storm causes fence damage.
Assess and Document the Damage
Does your fence just need repair, or will you need complete fence replacement? After a storm, the first thing you should do is inspect your fence for damage to get a gauge on the situation.
Walk along the length of the fence checking for:
- Broken or missing boards
- Leaning or fallen posts
- Loose nails or screws
- Warped or split wood
- Bent metal parts on chain-link or wrought iron fences
As you go, take photos of the damage for insurance purposes and make detailed notes on the extent of the repairs needed. Make sure not to do any sort of repairs until after the photos have been taken. This documentation will be essential when you file a claim with your insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
If your fence has sustained significant damage, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to determine if the repairs are covered under your policy and start the claims process. Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Texas cover storm damage, but coverage details vary.
- Review your policy to check for fence repair coverage.
- File a claim by contacting your insurer and providing the necessary documentation.
- Schedule an adjuster visit so they can assess the damage themselves and estimate repair costs.
Since Austin frequently experiences intense storms with strong winds and hail, many insurance providers in the area are familiar with storm-related fence damage claims, which should make things easier.
Hire a Professional Fencing Company in Austin
Professional fencers in Austin are also familiar with the insurance claim process. After making your insurance company aware of the damage, you’ll want to start contacting local fence contractors to schedule an inspection.
Our Austin fence company regularly helps clients through the claim filing process. The professional guidance helps expedite the filing by:
- Providing the auditor with a detailed inspection report and repair estimate for the fence project.
- Helping clients avoid mistakes in the filing process that can cause delays.
- Having fencing experts talk directly to auditors.
- Giving insurers confidence that the fence installation or repair will be done correctly.
Wherever your property is located, always verify that the fencing company is properly licensed and insured. That’s absolutely essential for your own protection, and the insurance company will require it. Prioritize the companies with experience handling claims that are willing to work directly with your insurance provider to streamline the claims and repair process.
Make Temporary Repairs While Waiting for Approval
Insurance claims and professional repairs can take time, so you may need to make temporary fixes to prevent further damage. Again, this should only be done after you’ve taken pictures to document the damage, a professional fencer has provided an inspection and the claim is underway.
A few temporary repairs you may need to make include:
- Securing loose boards with screws
- Reinforce leaning posts with stakes
- Cover large gaps with a temporary barrier
The primary objective isn’t curb appeal. It’s to maintain security and privacy until a professional can make repairs or install a new fence.
Make Repairs Soon After Approval
Once your insurance company approves the claim you’ll want to get the repairs scheduled. Typically, the insurance company keeps an eye on things and wants to see progress. Also, other property owners in the area were also likely impacted by the storm, so your fencer may be busier than normal.
Strengthening Your Fence for Future Storms That Come Through Austin
Once your fence is repaired, you probably aren’t eager to go through the repair process again any time soon. There are some things you can do to help support and reinforce your fence so it can withstand future storms:
- Upgrade to stronger materials such as wrought iron fencing or vinyl composite materials, which hold up well in Austin’s climate.
- Install metal brackets for extra stability at joints and corners of wood fences.
- Apply weather-resistant sealant or paint to protect wood fencing against moisture damage, especially during Austin’s humid summers.
- Trim overhanging tree branches that could fall onto the fence during high winds.
- Ensure proper drainage around fence posts to prevent rot and weakening – Austin’s clay-heavy soil tends to retain water.
Dealing with fence damage after a storm in Austin can be stressful, but hiring an experienced fencing company and filing an insurance claim can make the process much smoother. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to Purple Fencing Company. We’re a reliable service provider that can guide you through the process and ensure your fence is built to withstand whatever the Texas weather brings.
