Hurricane season fence prep for Florida homeowners
Simple checks before storm season that keep your fence standing — and what to look at after a storm passes.
Before the season
- Walk the fence line and push on posts. Any wobble means the post footing may be weak.
- Check gates: hinges, latches and drop rods should be tight. A loose gate is usually the first thing to go.
- Trim branches hanging over the fence line.
- For wood fences, look for rot at the base of posts — that is where failures start.
What fails first in a storm
Solid privacy fences take the most wind load. Gates, leaning posts and older wood sections are the usual casualties. Aluminum and chain link let wind pass through and tend to fare better.
After a storm
- Photograph any damage before moving debris — your insurance company will want it.
- Check posts at ground level, not just the panels.
- A leaning section does not always mean full replacement; sometimes posts can be reset.
If your fence took a hit, call 941-900-4800. We repair and replace storm-damaged fences across Manatee and Sarasota counties, and removing the old damaged fence is a flat $225.