Colorado’s weather doesn’t pull punches. One minute you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon, and the next, a microburst or hailstorm rolls through and leaves your fence looking like it lost a fight with Mother Nature. If you’ve woken up to find fence panels scattered across your yard or posts leaning at awkward angles, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered.
At A Straight Up Fence Company, we’ve helped Denver metro homeowners recover from storm damage for over 15 years. We know the steps you need to take to protect your property, navigate insurance claims, and get your fence back in shape. Here’s exactly what to do when Colorado storms leave their mark on your fencing.
Assess the Damage Safely Before Taking Action
Before you start moving debris or inspecting your fence up close, safety comes first. Colorado storms can bring down power lines, leave behind sharp metal fragments, or create unstable structures that could collapse.
Start by scanning the area from a distance. Look for any downed power lines near or touching your fence, if you see one, stay back and call your utility company immediately. Never assume a wire is dead.
Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe to approach, walk the entire fence line and take mental notes. Check for:
- Leaning or uprooted posts – High winds can compromise the concrete footings that hold posts in place
- Broken or missing panels – Hail and flying debris are common culprits here
- Damaged gates – Sagging or bent gates can become security risks
- Structural damage to rails – Even if panels look okay, cracked rails weaken the entire structure
Don’t attempt to move heavy sections alone, and watch where you step. Storm damage often hides hazards like nails, splintered wood, and unstable ground. If your fence involves wrought iron or metal components, look for bent posts or broken welds that might indicate deeper structural problems.
Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim
Here’s where many homeowners make a costly mistake: they start cleaning up before documenting the damage. Your insurance company needs evidence, and photos taken after repairs begin won’t help your claim.
Grab your phone and photograph everything. Take wide shots showing the overall damage, then get close-ups of specific problem areas. Capture multiple angles, insurance adjusters appreciate thorough documentation. Video can be even more effective for showing the extent of damage across your property.
Make notes about:
- The date and approximate time of the storm
- Weather conditions (hail size, wind speeds if known)
- Any damage to surrounding property that provides context
- Pre-existing condition of your fence (if you have older photos, dig those up too)
Keep any damaged materials that you remove. Some insurance adjusters want to inspect the actual debris, not just photos. If pieces of your cedar privacy fence or wrought iron sections are lying in your yard, set them aside rather than hauling them to the dump.
Finally, get a written estimate for repairs before filing your claim. We provide free estimates throughout Denver metro, Boulder, and the surrounding Front Range, having professional documentation strengthens your case.
Temporary Fixes to Secure Your Property
While you’re waiting for repairs or insurance approval, you’ll need to secure your property. This is especially important if you have kids, pets, or livestock that could wander off, or if security is a concern.
For chain link fencing, use zip ties or wire to reattach loose sections to posts. It won’t be pretty, but it’ll contain your dogs until proper repairs happen.
Wood fence panels that have blown off but aren’t broken can sometimes be temporarily reattached with screws. If posts are still solid, you might be able to prop panels back into position and brace them with stakes.
For larger gaps or completely destroyed sections:
- Temporary construction fencing from a hardware store can fill holes
- Snow fencing (the orange plastic kind) provides a visual barrier
- For ranch properties with board and post fencing, temporary wire can span gaps between remaining posts
Avoid permanent fixes at this stage. Insurance companies can deny claims if they believe you’ve already repaired the damage. Your goal is security, not restoration, at least until your claim is processed.
Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Not all fence damage is covered equally, and understanding your policy before you file can save headaches later.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover fence damage from storms, including wind, hail, lightning, and falling trees. But, there are important caveats. Your fence is typically considered “other structures” on your policy, which usually has a coverage limit of around 10% of your dwelling coverage. So if your home is insured for $400,000, you might have $40,000 for other structures, including sheds, detached garages, and fences.
Here’s what often isn’t covered:
- Gradual deterioration – If your fence was already rotting and the storm just finished it off, that’s a maintenance issue
- Flood damage – Standard policies exclude flooding: you’d need separate flood insurance
- Deductibles – Your fence repair might cost less than your deductible, making a claim pointless
Contact your insurance agent before filing. Ask specifically about your “other structures” coverage limits and deductible. For minor damage, paying out of pocket might make more sense than filing a claim that could raise your premiums.
We’ve worked with countless homeowners navigating this process. Having a detailed repair estimate from a licensed contractor helps insurance adjusters understand the true scope of work needed.
Choosing Between DIY Repair and Professional Help
Some fence repairs are weekend warrior territory. Others definitely aren’t.
DIY might work if you’re dealing with:
- Reattaching a single blown-off panel to intact posts
- Minor cosmetic damage like surface scratches or small cracks
- Replacing a few pickets on a cedar privacy fence
Call a professional when:
- Posts are broken, leaning, or have compromised concrete footings
- Multiple sections need replacement
- Your fence includes wrought iron, automatic gates, or custom metalwork
- Structural integrity is questionable
Here’s the thing, what looks like simple damage often runs deeper. A leaning post might seem like an easy fix until you realize the concrete footing cracked underground. And improperly reset posts will fail again, usually sooner rather than later.
At A Straight Up Fence Company, we take factors like post hole depth, concrete amount, and proper bracing seriously because they determine whether your fence lasts another decade or needs repairs again next year. Our in-house metal fabrication means we can repair or replace custom gates, wrought iron sections, and automatic gate systems that general contractors can’t handle.
Before tearing down that damaged fence, give us a call. Sometimes we can make repairs, pressure-wash the wood to reveal its original beauty, and apply stain to make it look brand new, saving you the cost of full replacement.
How to Prevent Future Storm Damage to Your Fence
Colorado storms will keep coming, but smart choices now can minimize future damage.
Choose wind-resistant designs. Solid privacy fences catch wind like sails. Consider designs with small gaps that allow airflow, or opt for styles like split rail or board and post fencing that naturally let wind pass through.
Maintain your fence regularly. A well-maintained fence withstands storms better than a neglected one. Clear staining protects and enhances wood while adding years of life. Inspect posts annually for rot at the base, where moisture accumulates.
Trim nearby trees. Falling branches cause enormous fence damage during storms. Keep trees trimmed back from your fence line, and remove dead limbs before they become projectiles.
Invest in quality installation. The depth of post holes, amount of concrete, and proper bracing all affect storm resistance. Cheap installations fail faster. When we build fences, we follow and exceed industry best practices because we want your fence to last for years, not just until the next big storm.
Consider gate upgrades. Sagging gates stress fence posts and create weak points. Quality gates with proper steel frames and hardware distribute weight correctly and resist storm damage.
Conclusion
Storm damage to your fence is stressful, but methodical action makes recovery manageable. Assess safely, document thoroughly, secure temporarily, understand your coverage, and choose the right repair approach for your situation.
Whether you live in Denver metro, Boulder, or anywhere across the Front Range, A Straight Up Fence Company is here to help. We’ve been Denver’s trusted fence experts since 2006, offering everything from emergency repairs to full installations. Give us a call today for a free estimate, we’ll help you get your property secured and looking great again.